Scope and Contents

Approximately half a linear foot of correspondence, military administrative documents, drawings, and photographs document Robert Rigoulot's service in Vietnam in 1971 as a sympathy letter composer in the Casualty Branch of the Adjutant General's office in Chu Lai, the Headquarters for the Americal Division.

Biographical / Historical

Robert Rigoulot was born on July 18, 1947. He and his family lived in Freeport, New York. Rigoulot attended William Smith College, and graduated from Hobart College. He had begun graduate studies at The University of Chicago, where he earned an MA in History. He was drafted by the US Army for service in Vietnam in August, 1970. Rigoulot served in Vietnam from January 1971-December 1971 with Company B, 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Division, 6th US Army, and the 23rd Administrative Company (Casualty Branch), 23rd Infantry Division. While serving in the 23rd, he was assigned to compose sympathy letters in the Casualty Branch of the Adjutant General's office. He was stationed at Chu Lai. He was promoted from Private to Specialist 4 while in Vietnam. Rigoulot received many commendations including the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal. In 1972, he was transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado.