ClassX Video Lessons U.S. Soldier who Fought NVA Troops while High on Marijuana (Stories from The Vietnam War)
During the Vietnam War, many soldiers faced incredible challenges. One such soldier, Sergeant Peter Lemon, displayed remarkable bravery during a fierce battle, even while under the influence of marijuana. This story highlights his courage and the intense experiences of soldiers during the war.
Peter Lemon was born on June 5, 1950, in Toronto, Canada. His family later moved to Alabaster, Michigan, where he grew up surrounded by a strong sense of patriotism. From a young age, Peter showed leadership qualities and a fearless nature, which set the stage for his future as a soldier.
When the Vietnam War began, Peter felt a strong desire to serve his country. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 28, 1969. He underwent rigorous training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, preparing him for the challenges he would face in Vietnam.
Peter arrived in South Vietnam on July 24, 1969. Initially filled with patriotic enthusiasm, he soon faced the harsh realities of war. Like many soldiers, he turned to marijuana to cope with the stress and trauma of combat.
In March 1970, Peter’s unit was stationed at Illingworth Base near the Cambodian border. On April 1, 1970, the base was attacked by North Vietnamese forces. Despite being high on marijuana, Peter bravely defended the base. He used an M60 machine gun, an assault rifle, and even fought with his bare hands when necessary.
During the battle, Peter was injured but continued to fight valiantly. He helped his fellow soldiers and threw grenades at the enemy. Despite his injuries, he persisted until he eventually passed out from exhaustion. By the end of the battle, the North Vietnamese forces withdrew, and the base remained secure.
For his extraordinary bravery, Peter Lemon was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States. Initially, he refused to wear the medal due to his disappointment with how soldiers were treated. However, he later wore it to honor the courage of his fellow soldiers who fought alongside him.
Sergeant Peter Lemon’s story is a powerful example of courage and resilience. Despite the challenges and personal struggles, he demonstrated incredible bravery in the face of danger. His actions remind us of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Vietnam War and the strength of the human spirit.
Research the key events of the Vietnam War and create a timeline that includes significant battles, political events, and Peter Lemon’s actions. Use online resources and library materials to gather information. Present your timeline to the class, highlighting how Peter Lemon’s story fits into the larger context of the war.
In groups, reenact the Battle at Illingworth Base. Assign roles such as Peter Lemon, fellow soldiers, and North Vietnamese forces. Use props and costumes to enhance the experience. After the reenactment, discuss the emotions and challenges faced by soldiers during the battle.
Imagine you are Peter Lemon during the Vietnam War. Write a diary entry describing your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after the Battle at Illingworth Base. Reflect on the impact of the battle on your life and the lives of your fellow soldiers.
Investigate the history and significance of the Medal of Honor. Create a presentation that explains the criteria for receiving the medal, notable recipients, and the impact it has on soldiers’ lives. Include Peter Lemon’s story as a case study.
Organize a class debate on the use of substances like marijuana as coping mechanisms during war. Divide into teams to argue for and against the use of such substances by soldiers. Use evidence from historical accounts and psychological studies to support your arguments.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
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The U.S. soldier who fought off two waves of NVA while under the influence during the Vietnam War in 1970.
[Music] Brave men need no particular time or place to show their courage in battle; it’s simply who they are and where they are, whether they’re sober, fueled by adrenaline, or under the influence. That was precisely the case with Sergeant Peter Lemon of the United States Army. On April 1, 1970, he helped defend his base against attacking North Vietnamese soldiers, even though he was under the influence. Lemon fought them with a machine gun, an assault rifle, hand grenades, and with his bare hands. He fought so hard and bravely that he was awarded the highest decoration that could be given to an American soldier: the Medal of Honor.
Interestingly, Peter Lemon was not born an American; he was born on June 5, 1950, in Toronto, Canada. His family background gave an idea of what kind of material Peter was made of, as all the men in his family had served in various conflicts. However, it was in Michigan that he became a hardcore patriot. Peter’s family moved to Alabaster, Michigan, where his father found a job when Peter was only two. The small-town environment was full of extreme patriotism, and his upbringing contributed to his carefree and fearless nature. By age seven, he knew how to shoot a rifle and led a gang of local kids, showing qualities required to become a soldier.
When the Vietnam War started, anti-communist sentiment exploded in communities like Alabaster. Like most of his friends, Peter was eager to fight for his country, even if it meant doing so thousands of miles from home. He enlisted on February 28, 1969, at just 18 years old. His first stop was Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he underwent basic infantry training. The program was tough, and the drill instructors ensured that all recruits were prepared for what awaited them in the jungles of Vietnam. Peter loved it; being a soldier was his dream, and he proved to be one of the best recruits, always ready to rise to the challenge.
After completing advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, he left for South Vietnam on July 24, just five months after enlisting. Most soldiers on their first tour were consumed with fear and uncertainty, but Peter was ready to fight. Unfortunately, his patriotic sentiment soon faded as the horrors of war took their toll. The things he witnessed dispelled any illusions he had about fighting a righteous war; he just wanted to return home safely.
Many soldiers, including Lemon, turned to marijuana to cope with the depression caused by the war. In March 1970, Lemon’s unit was sent to a fire support base known as Illingworth in Tainan Province, located near the Cambodian border. The base was used as bait for enemy troops, but the North Vietnamese had learned from past mistakes and attacked the base at night when air support was unavailable.
On April 1, 1970, the North Vietnamese launched a night attack on the Illingworth base. Sergeant Lemon and his men were alerted to the threat and rushed to their positions. Despite being high on marijuana, Lemon knew he had to respond to the danger. He grabbed an M60 machine gun and opened fire on the incoming enemy soldiers. When his weapon jammed, he continued to fight with his assault rifle and then with his bare hands.
During the battle, Lemon was injured but continued to fight, helping his comrades and throwing grenades at the enemy. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he kept pushing forward until he finally passed out. By 5 a.m., the North Vietnamese withdrew, and the base remained intact. When Peter Lemon woke up in the first aid station, he insisted he was fine but was eventually evacuated by helicopter.
That day, the entire garrison fought bravely, and many were awarded various honors, including the Medal of Honor for Sergeant Peter Lemon. For decades, he refused to wear his medal due to his disgust with how soldiers were treated, especially since the base had been used as a decoy. Many years later, he began to wear his medal in memory of the brave men who fought alongside him that day.
[Music] [Music]
Soldier – A person who serves in an army and is trained to fight in battles – During the Vietnam War, many soldiers faced difficult conditions on the battlefield.
Courage – The ability to face fear or danger with confidence and bravery – It took great courage for the civil rights activists to stand up for equality despite the risks.
Vietnam – A country in Southeast Asia that was the site of a major conflict involving the United States during the 1960s and 1970s – The Vietnam War had a significant impact on American society and politics.
Bravery – The quality of being ready to face and endure danger or pain – The bravery of the firefighters during the rescue mission was commendable.
Marijuana – A drug made from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, often used for medicinal or recreational purposes – In the 1960s, marijuana became a symbol of counterculture movements.
Trauma – A deeply distressing or disturbing experience, often resulting in long-term psychological effects – Many veterans experience trauma after returning from combat zones.
Combat – Fighting between armed forces, especially during a war – Soldiers undergo rigorous training to prepare for combat situations.
Honor – A sense of ethical conduct and respect for others, often associated with fulfilling one’s duty – The soldier was awarded a medal of honor for his service and dedication.
Resilience – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks – The resilience of the human spirit is evident in those who rebuild their lives after disasters.
Sacrifice – The act of giving up something valued for the sake of others or for a greater cause – Many families made sacrifices during wartime to support their loved ones on the front lines.
