American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Joseph Hampton, 76, who graduated from Robert Smalls High School in 1968 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson before being sent straight to Vietnam as an infantry soldier.
He was based at Chu Lai, Vietnam with most of his tour in the field in combat. He spent much time in fox holes protecting helicopter operations, including Medevac, and in artillery fire support. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.
While there he was exposed to Agent Orange, later developing cancer causing him to lose his voice box and rendering him 100% disabled. He has been cancer-free for 31 years.
He separated in 1971 as a Specialist (E-4) during the draw-down and returned to Beaufort. He then spent more than 30 years as a carpenter building homes in Beaufort, Port Royal and Hilton Head. He is a member of the American Legion and AMVETS. His wife, Margie, teaches at Lady’s Island Elementary.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.