Scope and Contents

The collection consists of approximately 3 linear feet of materials documenting Colonel James Van Straten's service with MACV Advisory Team 1 as Senior Medical Advisor for I Corps from July 1966 to June 1967. The materials include books; a Vietnamese journal; a Chieu Hoi leaflet; a detainee tag (MACV Form 343); photographs; slides; correspondence; and audio records. The materials are dated 1966-1967, 2014-2015, or are otherwise undated.

Biographical / Historical

Colonel James G. Van Straten was born in 1933 in Appleton, WI. He entered the U.S. Army through ROTC in 1955. He served as Senior Medical Advisor for I Corps with MACV Advisory Team 1 from July 1966 to June 1967. While stationed at Danang, he operated extensively throughout all 5 provinces of I Corps and was involved in all ARVN operations in I Corps during his tour. He received numerous awards including the Legion of Merit, the Army Air Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal. He retired from active duty in 1986 at the rank of Colonel. After his military service, he served as Dean of the Division of Professional Studies at Incarnate Word College (November 1986 - November 1990) and Dean of the School of Allied Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, TX (November 1990 - November 1997).