A Minnesota PBS Initiative
The Minnesota Connection to the Battle of Soui Tre
In 1966 a significant number of Minnesota men entered the army together, trained together, deployed to Vietnam together, were assigned together in units of the 25th and 4th Infantry Divisions, and found themselves fighting together in the bloody Battle of Soui Tre in March of 1967.
General John Vessey
Battle map of Soui Tre
The Fire Support Base at Soui Tre was commanded by then Lieutenant Colonel John Vessey, a Minnesotan, who received the nation’s second highest award for valor at Soui Tre and went on to become the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s highest ranking military officer during the Reagan Administration.
Watch an interview with General Vessey.
In 1966 a significant number of Minnesota men entered the army together, trained together, deployed to Vietnam together, were assigned together in units of the 25th and 4th Infantry Divisions, and found themselves fighting together in the bloody Battle of Soui Tre in March of 1967.
At the May 20th, 2019 Vietnam War Roundtable at Concordia University, Major General Rick Nash, the recently retired Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, gave a brief overview of his extensive knowledge of General Vessey’s leadership skills.
Retired Army Chaplain Colonel John Morris gave an overview of the battle based on his research for the book he is writing on General Vessey.
It was one hell of a battle. It's amazing many of you are here today.
Bruce Peterson
Bruce Peterson's welcome home
Joe Fernlund
Bob Holmstrom
Jeff Klein
George Dahl (Center)
At the Roundtable, numerous Minnesota veterans of Soui Tre discussed their varied participation in the battle. Veterans included: George Dahl, Bob Holmstrom, Joe Fernlund, Dennis Defiel, John Mersinger, Bruce Peterson, and Jeff Klein.
Veterans from left to right are George Dahl, Bob Holmstrom, Joe Fernlund, Dennis Defiel, Doug Bekke (moderator), John Mersinger, Bruce Peterson, Jeff Klein.
THE VIETNAM WAR ROUNDTABLE
The Vietnam War Roundtable is a collaboration between Twin Cities PBS, the Minnesota Military Museum, and Concordia University and is an opportunity for veterans, students, and those interested in the war and its legacy to gather the third Monday of each month to honor, remember and understand this tumultuous time. Fall 2019 schedule coming soon.
Major General Rick Nash and veteran Bob Holmstrom chat with General John Vessey's grandson, Sam.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: St. Paul, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Soui Tre, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1966 - 1967
Unit: 25th and 4th Infantry Divisions
Veterans sharing stories about their experiences during the Battle of Soui Tre
Veteran Bruce Peterson with his daughter wearing his helmet.
Story Themes: Battle of Soui Tre, Concordia University, General Vessey, Minnesota Military Museum, Rick Nash, TPT, Vietnam War Roundtable
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