Vietnam Veterans Speak to Army and Air Force ROTC Students at U of A

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Vietnam War veterans Lieutenant Colonel Michael Slonicker and Lieutenant Colonel William R. Schwertfeger spoke to a joint meeting of University of Arkansas Army and Air Force ROTC cadets Thursday March 3, in Giffels Auditorium.

Both men are graduates of ROTC programs at Oklahoma State University, and are members of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame.

Slonicker served with the 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 101st Airborne Division in South Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. He retired from the Army in 1990. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

He told the cadets about missions he was part of in Vietnam, particularly rescue missions, and about the core military values of always placing the mission first, never leaving a fallen comrade and showing courage in the face of adversity.

Schwertfeger flew combat missions in Vietnam. In February, 1972 his aircraft was shot down in enemy territory. He and his weapon systems officer surrendered and served as POWs for 407 days.

In his talk he described his experiences as a POW and the difficulties involved in adjusting to his release and homecoming. 

Schwertfeger was awarded three Silver Stars, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, three meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal with numeral 34, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Prisoner of War Medal.