Scope and Contents

Photographs, negatives, slides, newspaper clippings, patches, Vietnamese money, military payment certificates, holiday menus, and other ephemera documenting Don Kilgore's service in Vietnam as a civilian employee with the American Express Military Banking Division, based in Chu Lai, Vietnam with the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal Division) from May 1970 to May 1971.

Biographical / Historical

Donald Kilgore was born in Tillamook, Oregon in 1944. He served in Vietnam from May 15, 1970 to May 15, 1971 with the American Express Military Banking Division as a Bank Manager. While in Vietnam Kilgore was based at Chu Lai with the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) and became bank manager in August 1970, replacing Dick McKegney. While at Chu Lai he met Major Rish (USAF) who asked Kilgore to accompany him on his airstrip inspection visits as his personal photographer. Major Rish provided a fatigue uniform. A name patch was added along with patches showing American Express affiliation. Wearing this 'disguise' Kilgore went into the field visiting Tra Bong, Gia Vuc, Ba To and Ha Thanh. He also accompanied two Red Cross Donut Dollies to LZ San Juan Hill during which a collision with a Huey Chopper on the landing pad nearly ended tragically. In addition, he accompanied the 91st Evacuation Hospital Commander and a three chopper entourage to a humanitarian meeting with the Quang Tin Province Chief in his Tam Ky compound. Numerous photos of those sorties are included in his archive. Kilgore is a member of the Americal Division Veterans Association.