Personal Narrative Film, Video Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Software, E-Resource Frank Ibanez Aceves Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Navy
- Unit of Service: USS Weehawken (YTB 776); USS Delta (AR 9); Mobile Riverine Force
- Location of Service: San Diego, California; Camp Pendleton, California; Coronado, California; Alameda, California; Midway Island; Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Electrician's Mate Second Class
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/32630
Enlisting in the Navy in 1966, Frank Aceves made it his goal to become an electrician and move up the ranks as quickly as possible. Following a stint working on a tugboat in the Midway Island harbor, he was assigned to serve with the Mobile Riverine Force in Vietnam. Stationed at Dong Tam, he was responsible for the upkeep of boats that would patrol the Mekong Delta rivers and canals. Despite having to contend with mortar attacks and a constant lack of adequate sleep, his time in the service was a rewarding experience that paved the way for his future career as an electrician.
Interview / Recording
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PlayDescription of river boats that he served on; arriving in Vietnam; being awestruck at city hubbub in Saigon. 00:14:51.0 - 00:17:19.0
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PlayHad fairly good relationships with his fellow sailors; had to confront a few racist remarks; tried to address them and move on. 00:25:34.0 - 00:26:53.0
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PlayVisit from Bob Hope; other performers; going on rest and relaxation to Bangkok; leaving Vietnam in January of 1969. 00:26:58.0 - 00:29:49.0
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PlayService in Alameda, California, after transfer back to the States from Vietnam; luxury of working and living conditions there compared to Vietnam. 00:30:57.0 - 00:32:56.1
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PlayLessons that the Army taught him; becoming more disciplined, goal-oriented, and prompt; using these skills in his post-service career as an electrician. 00:37:00.0 - 00:39:47.0
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PlayVolunteering in his community; feelings of pride in his service. 00:47:43.0 - 00:48:47.0
More Resources
About this Item
Title
- Frank Ibanez Aceves Collection
Names
- Dreier, David
- Sleeth, Keith
- U.S. House of Representatives/David Dreier
- Aceves, Frank Ibanez
Home State
- California
Headings
- - Aceves, Frank Ibanez
- - Vietnam War, 1961-1975 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Navy.
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Male
Race
- Hispanic
Status
- veteran
Service History
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Vietnam War, 1961-1975
- Branch of Service: Navy
- Unit of Service: USS Weehawken (YTB 776); USS Delta (AR 9); Mobile Riverine Force
- Location of Service: San Diego, California; Camp Pendleton, California; Coronado, California; Alameda, California; Midway Island; Vietnam
- Highest Rank: Electrician's Mate Second Class
- Dates of Service: 1966-1969
- Entrance into Service: Enlisted
- Military Status: veteran
Materials
- Video: Digital Betacam [1 item] -- Digitized Copy (collected 2005-08-03)
- Photograph: Digital print [39 items] -- Photograph (collected 1968-2005)
- Computer File: CD [1 item] -- Electronic file of photograph (collected 1968-2005; 2005-08-03)
- Video: Hi-8/Digital 8 [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2005-08-03)
- Manuscript: Unit histories [3 items] -- Typewritten document (collected 1999-2005)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/32630
Cite as
- Frank Ibanez Aceves Collection (AFC/2001/001/32630), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- image
- video
Additional Metadata Formats
IIIF Presentation Manifest
Part of
Wars & Conflicts
Service Branch
Location of Service
- Alameda, California
- Camp Pendleton, California
- Coronado, California
- Midway Island
- San Diego, California
- Vietnam