Currently, Bessalee Mendoza’s U.S. history class is reviewing the causes and effects of the Vietnam War, and has been planning for Dr. William E. Rice, professor at Fresno State and Vietnam war veteran, to come speak about his battlefield experiences, April 28.

Rice was an E-5 sergeant who earned his position in 11 months; he explained that even though an E-5 position usually takes up to five years to earn, he received it in less than one due to his hard work and perseverance.

He showed the class a “whodunit” video clip to explain the importance of always being aware of your surroundings. The clip presented five different characters: a detective, maid, cook, gardener, and the dead butler. As the butler lay lifeless on the floor, the camera focuses on each character as the detective deciphers their alibis.

By the end of the video, 21 items had been unknowingly replaced with new objects, testing the viewer to see how well they were paying attention.

Rice used this example to explain how crucial it was for him to know exactly what the jungle was supposed to look like; even one broken twig could mean there was a hidden trap somewhere around the area.

In addition, Rice discussed the inconveniences of living in Vietnam. The humidity caused any enclosed items, such as his Bible to grow mold and rot. Due to the constant sweating, soldiers anticipated changing into the thinnest and lightest clothes possible to cool off.

Rice closed his presentation with a Q&A session, as well as a story about his spiritual journeys while living in Vietnam.

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