G4: Doc- A Combat Medic's Story

Jim Kline grew up in a small town in the northwest corner of Illinois. By the time he graduated high school in 1965, the United States was rapidly increasing its military forces in South Vietnam. Once drafted into military service, Jim became an Army combat medic. Known simply as "Doc" to his platoon, Jim's odyssey from a small town midwestern boy entering college to the jungles of Vietnam culminates with a combat unit where he subsequently joined the men whose service would later be honored in Washington, DC. This unit was made up of the real men who Oliver Stone would use as inspiration for his movie, "Platoon." Jim served with them, doctored them, and eventually would be honored with them; considering these men kindred souls for life.

Purpose: Hear the story of an Army combat medic as he navigated the Vietnam War and his journey back home

Facilitator: Jim Kline