Scope and Contents

Less than one linear foot of original photographs from Ron Shackleton's book Village Defense, a CD-ROM copy of the work, and photographs from various Vietnamese villages documents Shackleton's research for his work on initial special forces operations in Vietnam.

Biographical / Historical

Ron Shackleton was born 12 January 1931 in Newark, New Jersey. He entered military service as a commissioned 2nd Lt in May 1952 as a member of the Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State) ROTC beginning 30 years of military service. Shackleton served in the United States Army's infantry branch and is Airborne, Ranger and Special Forces qualified. During the Vietnam War Shackleton served as the A-Detachment Commander, Buon Enao and the C-Detachment Commander, Danang. During his service in Southeast Asia Shackleton held the ranks of 1st LT, Captain, Major, and LT COL. For his service in Vietnam Shackleton was awarded the Silver Star, DFC, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with 'V'(2 awards), Bronze Star(3 awards), Air Medal with 'V' (2 awards), Air Medal (6 awards), Vietnamese Medal of Honor 1st Class, Vietnamese Meritorious Medal 2nd Class, Vietnamese Civil Action Medal 1st Class, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Vietnamese Parachute Wings. He retired from military service in 1982 with the rank of Colonel. After his military career Shackleton served as the Director of International Missles, LTV Aerospace and Defense Company and the Director of International Business Development for Vought Aircraft Company.