Interview, James White, USA

James White (b. 1948) was born and raised in Owego, New York. He graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1966 and in 1967 found employment at General Dynamics, in Rochester. He was drafted into the United States Army in July 1969 and completed basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He specialized as a generator mechanic and power man and reached the rank of Specialist 4. White was stationed in Ban Me Thuot and Kontum, Vietnam, from July 1970 until he was honorably discharged in July 1971. In 1972, White went to work for Rochester Gas and Electric and eventually retired from that company.

In this interview, White discusses his work as a generator mechanic at airbases in Vietnam and how he spent his free time wandering the bases and making friends with his fellow servicemen. He relates a story about a drunk air traffic controller whom he had to relieve from duty, and fondly recalls certain aspects of his return from Vietnam, such as visiting a barber and eating a steak dinner. White also discusses his family life and his career as a lineman for RG&E.