“Even Though I’m The Least Experienced, I’m In Charge”: A Brutal Introduction To Combat In Vietnam

Jon Every-Clayton was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, but raised in Chicago, Illinois. His father was from England, and worked for Johnson & Johnson. Jon was interested in history, and followed the Korean War in the newspapers he delivered. In 1957, he enlisted in the Army Reserve as a medic. After a short break in service, he reenlisted in 1963, and in 1964 he was commissioned through Officer Candidate School, deploying in May 1966 to Vietnam, where he was assigned to A Co, 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry in the 101st Airborne Division, serving with Dennis Foley, one of his OCS roommates. During his time in Vietnam, he contracted malaria, and suffered a relapse on Thanksgiving Day in 1966. After the war, he had a difficult time adjusting to civilian life. In this interview, he talks about his childhood and joining the military, and provides his assessment of the training he received. He describes his deployment to Vietnam, and the responsibility of being in charge. He examines in detail some of the memorable patrols and operations during his tour. Finally, he discusses what he has done since leaving the Army, and what his service means to him.