He Called Me Benny Boy
The life of my grandfather from start to finish was remarkable! He had many qualities that I admire and it took his entire life to perfect them. My grandfather was wise, disciplined, loyal, and dependable. He was an exceptional leader, and hard working. He was a man of integrity. When he gave you his word, he kept it. He was courageous and determined. He was a persistent man. Most of all he was a loving man. I wish I had half the qualities that he had.
His life was a journey that began April 25, 1948 in Purcell, Oklahoma. When he was born, the birth certificate read Harold Ray Mathews and his mother and the school principal had to have it amended to add a ‘t’ to Matthews. The ironic point to mentioning this is the birth …show more content…
After graduation Harold enlisted in the Army. He served two years in Vietnam. While in the service he was a team leader in a Light Infantry Company; responsible for the welfare, fitness, morale and discipline of a four man team. He was also responsible for the individual training and maintenance of their equipment. My grandfather was the primary instructor and advisor in the matters of tactics, personnel management and junior leader development. He directed his team 's tactical employment during offensive and defensive operations and was responsible for the accountability and maintenance of all assigned MTO&E equipment worth in excess of $30,000. Harold was involved in hand-to-hand combat and was shot three times. Each time he returned back into the field. My grandfather was awarded the following: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and two Purple Hearts for bravery. During his time in the Army he perfected his leadership skills. Harold was loyal and he was someone you could count on. He was a team player and everyone trusted him. These are qualities I hope others see in me as
The life of my grandfather from start to finish was remarkable! He had many qualities that I admire and it took his entire life to perfect them. My grandfather was wise, disciplined, loyal, and dependable. He was an exceptional leader, and hard working. He was a man of integrity. When he gave you his word, he kept it. He was courageous and determined. He was a persistent man. Most of all he was a loving man. I wish I had half the qualities that he had.
His life was a journey that began April 25, 1948 in Purcell, Oklahoma. When he was born, the birth certificate read Harold Ray Mathews and his mother and the school principal had to have it amended to add a ‘t’ to Matthews. The ironic point to mentioning this is the birth …show more content…
After graduation Harold enlisted in the Army. He served two years in Vietnam. While in the service he was a team leader in a Light Infantry Company; responsible for the welfare, fitness, morale and discipline of a four man team. He was also responsible for the individual training and maintenance of their equipment. My grandfather was the primary instructor and advisor in the matters of tactics, personnel management and junior leader development. He directed his team 's tactical employment during offensive and defensive operations and was responsible for the accountability and maintenance of all assigned MTO&E equipment worth in excess of $30,000. Harold was involved in hand-to-hand combat and was shot three times. Each time he returned back into the field. My grandfather was awarded the following: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, and two Purple Hearts for bravery. During his time in the Army he perfected his leadership skills. Harold was loyal and he was someone you could count on. He was a team player and everyone trusted him. These are qualities I hope others see in me as