This is the fourth article in a weekly series which will share the experiences of Jim Slade of Lehi, who served as a soldier during the Vietnam War. It was not Jim Slade’s choice to serve in that war but when he was asked, he answered the call. A loyal American who has served admirably and who loves his country, Slade tells his children and grandchildren, “Freedom is not free!”

Standard issue for US soldiers in Vietnam was a pair of 10-inch “jungle boots.” These were light weight boots with leather on the bottom and Nylon mesh, very tough, on top. They were designed specially for the swampy, wet jungles of Vietnam. They dried fast to prevent the foot fungus that affected many American soldiers who had to slog through wet jungles.

Since many American soldiers had been injured by Punji stakes, as had Jim Slade’s men during a helicopter jump, America began issuing a second generation of jungle boots. These had a very tough nylon inner sole that was designed to resist the penetration of Punji stakes through the boot. They were an improvement, but did not always stop the stakes or prevent injury.

The damaged places on Jim’s left boot chronicle some of his combat stories. The toe had a one inch gash sliced by the Punji stake when he jumped from the helicopter. The top of the boot on the outside had a half inch cut made by the grenade fragment as it entered Jim’s leg. There was another cut down low on the left side just above the sole. This had happened one day after a firefight as Jim approached what he thought was a dead enemy soldier. As Jim got close, the man suddenly rolled over with a knife in his hand and swung at Jim. The knife hit Jim’s boot, penetrating the left side and giving him a small cut on his foot.

Vern Moulton, Special to the Daily Herald

After many months in Vietnam, Jim’s jungle boots became so worn on the bottoms that the cleats were almost worn off. This offered much less traction in the slippery mud found almost everywhere in that country.

Jim’s leaders recommended he replace his old boots for new ones. He declined. No way was he going to trade out his “lucky boots.”

Check back next Saturday as Slade shares another of his experiences during his time in Vietnam.

Jim Slade showing a map of Vietnam used during the war.

Photo of the US Huey helicopter, taken moments after its return from the mission involving the punji stakes.  Jim Slade is still in the back of the chopper.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Email(Required)

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)(Required)

Daily Newsletter

Breaking News

Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?(Required)

Yes

No