Scope and Contents

The collection consists of approximately 7 linear feet of materials documenting Sergeant Randall Kidd's U.S. Army service in long-range reconnaissance patrol, airborne rangers, combat intelligence, and civil affairs with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. The materials include artifacts; memos and correspondence (including letters home, commendation); flyers and pamphlets; manuals and handbooks; booklets; propaganda leaflets (Chieu Hoi); selective service papers; photographs and images; slides; receipts; newspapers; periodicals; articles, clippings, and excerpts; award citations and certificates; scrapbooks; military orders; training and course materials (MACV Recondo School, Civic Action Orientation Course); reports; website printouts; pay vouchers; war trophy registration forms; audio; notes; and ephemera. The materials are dated predominately 1965-1970, 2006-2011 and 2019.

Biographical / Historical

Sergeant Randall Bee Kidd was born April 28, 1947 in Plainview, Texas. He graduated from Plainview Highschool in 1965. He then attended Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.

While in college, in 1968, he joined the U.S. Army. He was transferred to Vietnam that same year. While serving, he volunteered for long-range reconnaissance patrol work and was promoted to sergeant. He was made team leader of a long-range reconnaissance patrol, served as an airborne ranger, and conducted activities in combat intelligence and civil affairs - all for the 4th Infantry Division. All members of his team were injured on October 15, 1968 while on a mission. His entire unit was awarded the Gallantry Cross with silver palm from the government of South Vietnam. Sergeant Kidd was a recipient of the bronze star for the event. He also received the Purple Heart. He served two tours in the Army.

After leaving the military, Sergeant Kidd had a career in the banking industry. He died in Plainview, Texas on June 10, 2023.