Return to Vietnam

WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 — Lansing area history buffs will get a chance to have a firsthand encounter with Vietnam War veterans as the Historical Society of Greater Lansing hosts a panel Thursday in recognition of the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The panel of three veterans will feature two Lansing natives, Ronald Springer and William Murphy.

Springer, along with two friends, volunteered for the draft and entered the U.S. Army in May 1969. After training, he served in Vietnam from April 1970 through March 1971. He served as squad leader, acting platoon sergeant, and acting platoon leader with the 1st Platoon. Springer received several award for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Murphy served 13 months in Vietnam as a Marine Corps infantry rifleman. He was in the 3rd Battalion of the 27th Regiment for the first half of his tour and in the 2nd Battalion Marine Regiment for the second half. Murphy is an author of seven books, including one detailing his experiences in Vietnam. He received received two Purple Hearts and the Naval Achievement Medal for his service.

The event is presented in conjunction with the Lansing Goes to War exhibit, which features over 150 items representing wartime and civilian experiences from the Civil War to the first Gulf War. Local high school teacher Scott S. Shattuck will moderate the panel. Shattuck is a member of the Ingham County Historical Association, is on the board of the Mason Historical Society and is a collector of military memorabilia.

Vietnam Veterans Panel

Historical Society of Greater Lansing

7 p.m. Thursday, May 21

FREE

Lansing City Hall lobby

124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing

lansinghistory.org