Japanese American Military Experience Database
Donald Masuo Sayrizi (Sairaiji)
Gender
Male
Birth date
1941-10-16
Place of birth
Kingsburg CA, U.S.A.
Inducted
1967-2-1, Los Angeles CA
Enlistment type
Draftee
Service branch
Army
Service type
War
Unit type
Combat
Units served
6th Army Hq. - Ft. Ord, CA
1st Air Cavalry Div. - Vietnam
Military specialty
Helicopter pilot
Stationed
U.S.A. - Ft. Ord, CA; Ft. Wolters, TX; Ft. Rucker, AL; Vietnam
Separated
Ft. Ord CA
Unit responsibility
Airborne Assault Division - 227th Assault Helicopter Company - provided medivac, troop lift, aerial gun support and other helicopter support.
Personal responsibility
UH1H (utility) and AH1D (gunship) pilot and company flight instructor.
Major battles (if served in a war zone)
TET Offensive 1968 and 1969
Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)
Bronze Star - meritorious service
Air Medal w/37 Oak Leaf Clusters - 1000+ Combat hrs.
Distinguished Flying Cross - Valor - 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.
Living conditions
Very primitive conditions. i.e. tents and other makeshift quarters... very nomadic.
Meals were great, however, never was very hungry.
Spent off days (very few) at local officers's club nursing alcoholic diet.
Most vivid memory of military experience
Life was reminiscent of movie M.A.S.H. Cannot recall details very well unless I happen to get together with old war buddies.
Missed most whilst in the military
Mexican food.
Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?
In retrospect, my military experience was a very important segment of my life. I believe my attitudes and perspective toward life came into sharp focus during this period.
