TBS 2-67 Cruisebook_Updated_7Jan23

Second Platoon
there in 1967-68; Saigon, a city the size of New York in
both appearance and size; and the Mekong Delta,
where locals still market from their boats. All in all, it
was was wonderful experience...one that I had not
contemplated ever being interested in undertaking;
but one which I found most rewarding. I would highly
recommend it.
Plans for the Future: I’m working on an exit plan from
my law practice. I envision future travel to include
more time with family and friends.
What I Learned from My Time in the Corps: It was a
time when our generation was asked to stand up and
fight for what we believed was best for our country. We
attempted to do that.
My Home Address: 4432 Elder Avenue, Seal Beach, CA
90740
Left: Bill Bau
and Bill Hayter
in Vietnam 2003
Bruce Allen Heitz
Nickname: Duke
My Life Before Attending TBS: I was born and raised
on the West Side of Cleveland, Ohio. I attended James
Ford Rhodes High School, graduating in June of 1961. I
then attended Mount Union College in Alliance Ohio
for one year where I played football. I then gained
admission into the Academy in the summer of 1962. I
joined the Marine Corps because I don't like boats.
My Memories of TBS: I was not married while at TBS
but was dating my future wife, Patty. My roommate at
TBS was a Vietnamese Marine, Lich, who I have lost
touch with. Every weekend, which began at 12:01 pm
on Saturdays, Larry Dean and I would drive up to New
Jersey to see our future wives. The drive entailed about
a six pack of beer. I do have fond memories of our TBS
staff officers, including Lieutenant Buse. I qualified on
the rifle and pistol ranges. I do not remember the Mad
Moment; I did not have my Mameluke Sword engraved.
TBS Graduation: I was assigned an 0302 MOS, which
was my first choice. I took leave first and took my MOS
training at Quantico. If I remember correctly, it was 21
weeks long. I don't believe that any amount of training
could have prepared us for what we encountered in
Vietnam.
Vietnam Era Service: I went directly to Vietnam,
arriving in March of 1967 and returning to the US in
April of 1968. I joined the First Battalion Fifth Marines.
I was a Platoon Leader and we conducted combat
operations in the Da Nang operating area. I spent the
last approximately 5 months with the Headquarters of
the First Marine Division where I was fortunate to
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