Scope and Contents

Approximately half a linear foot of documents, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, and museum objects, and the 1968 Vietnam yearbook for the 101st Airborne from Richard Prestianni's service in Vietnam, 1968-1969. The documents include newspaper clippings, prayer books/cards, Hong Kong R&R materials, and letterhead for Company B 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry. The newspapers include the Army Reporter, the Observer, the Pacific Stars and Stripes, and the Screaming Eagle. All materials date from 1968 to 1969.

Biographical / Historical

Richard Prestianni wa born in July 1948 in New York City, New York, the individual was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, serving a total of two years, with one year spent in Southeast Asia. After completing basic training from February to July 1968, they were assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, from August 1968 to August 1969. Following that, they served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 10th Infantry, 5th Infantry Mechanized from September 1969 to February 1970. Their primary role was as an Infantryman, while also serving as a secondary Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. Stationed at various military locations including Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Carson, Colorado, they spent a portion of their service at Camp Eagle in Vietnam. They were discharged in 1970 with the rank of Specialist (E4) and are a member of the 101st Airborne Division Association.