Oral history of Danny Rhodes
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Schuyler Easterling with Colonel Danny Rhodes on December 7, 2012. Rhodes attended Clemson University, where he joined ROTC and became actively involved in the Pershing Rifles, which deepened his interest in military service. After graduating in 1968, he was commissioned in the United States Army Transportation Corps and entered active duty.
Following training at Fort Knox and Airborne School, Rhodes served in the 82nd Airborne Division for a year before his deployment to Vietnam in 1971. He was assigned to the 178th Assault Support Helicopter Company as a maintenance officer. He managed the upkeep of CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, ensuring their readiness for missions. He recalls the frustration of undisciplined leadership among officers and non-commissioned officers and the logistical challenges of keeping aircraft operational in Vietnam's harsh climate. After returning from Vietnam, Rhodes remained in aviation logistics and, in 1983, transferred to the Army's Aviation branch. His later assignments included Cold War-era Germany, where he supported United States Military operations along the East-West German border, and leadership positions at Fort Bragg, MacDill Air Force Base, and Fort Gillem.
2012-12-07