Episode 13 – Private First Class Richard H. Adler, U.S. Army
Welcome to Episode 13 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Private First Class Richard H. Adler, U.S. Army.
Rick was drafted and fought in Vietnam from July 1969 to July 1970. He was assigned to the “Jungle Warriors” of Delta Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, in the vicinity of Duc Pho and Chu Lai.
In August of 1969, Rick’s unit was ambushed and Rick was wounded three times. Despite his wounds, he continued to fight on. Forty-seven years later, he was awarded the Silver Star for his actions and his gallantry under fire.
Rick’s story provides an excellent window into what the life of a U.S. combat soldier in Vietnam was like. After listening, you’ll have a much better appreciation for the sacrifices our soldiers made in serving our country.
If you’d prefer to read Rick’s story, or want to see additional photographs documenting his service, check out the written version of this podcast.
We hope you enjoy Rick’s story, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Voices to Veterans podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher, for an inspiring veteran’s story each and every month.
Chuck Adler
November 5, 2021 @ 10:20 AM
Awesome Story. Thanks for your Service
davidegrogan
November 6, 2021 @ 6:58 AM
Chuck – Thanks for taking the time to listen to Rick’s story!
Tina Grant
November 7, 2021 @ 8:43 AM
Thank you for sharing David- I have chills listening to this story. Thank you sincerely Rick for your service and sacrifice
davidegrogan
November 8, 2021 @ 8:28 AM
Tina – I really appreciate you listening to Rick’s story and I know he does, too!
Nola Barnick
November 5, 2021 @ 10:26 PM
This was so powerful! Thank you for telling Rick Adler’s story; it tells so much about all the young men who went to fight on behalf of all of us. He and they all deserve huge recognition. Glad you came back Rick to tell the story.
davidegrogan
November 6, 2021 @ 7:00 AM
Nola – thank you so much for listening to Rick’s story and for taking the time to provide your comments. I know your comments will mean a lot to Rick, as they do me.
Jane Parker Moore
November 6, 2021 @ 12:28 PM
This is the first time I have heard all of Rick’s story. As a classmate of Rick’s and Gary’s it is wonderful to see the recognition being given to them after all these years.
davidegrogan
November 6, 2021 @ 7:28 PM
Jane – Thanks for listening to Rick’s story!
Pat Braun
November 6, 2021 @ 7:24 PM
I salute you Rick! Thank you for your service.
davidegrogan
November 6, 2021 @ 7:28 PM
Pat – Thanks for listening to Rick’s story!
Molly Schmittgen
November 6, 2021 @ 11:21 PM
Rick is an exemplary individual! I met him when we managed offices for Realty One, he in North Olmsted and me in Avon Lake. That was a special friendship…Rick worked his way through cancer, really toughing it out through unbelievably
difficult challenges! Rick did not talk about his ‘war duty’, but never forgot it. It really affected him! To the King, Rick, from the Queen, nice podcast about an outstanding individual who affects everyone he meets! He never lets his friends forget on any holiday that recognizes our Veterans! God Bless Rick!
davidegrogan
November 8, 2021 @ 8:29 AM
Molly, I really appreciate you listening to Rick’s story and thanks for leaving the thoughtful comment about Rick!
Loretta Romp
November 7, 2021 @ 12:55 PM
What an interesting and enlightening article. Thank you for letting us know more about our neighbor and
friend, Rick Adler.
davidegrogan
November 8, 2021 @ 8:27 AM
Loretta, Thanks for listening to Rick’s story!
Kathy Miller
November 7, 2021 @ 4:44 PM
I’ve heard bits and pieces of Rick’s story. Glad to hear all of it. Very moving. Thanks for publishing his amazing story. Rick, you are an inspiration to all that meet you. Thank you for your service and sharing with so many. It truly helps many and inspires many. OFHS 66 forever
davidegrogan
November 8, 2021 @ 8:27 AM
Kathy, Thanks for taking the time to listen to Rick’s story!
Lydia
November 27, 2021 @ 2:11 PM
Thank you for your service.
davidegrogan
November 28, 2021 @ 9:10 AM
Lydia – thanks for listening to Rick’s story!
Sharon D. Humphrey
April 23, 2022 @ 4:06 PM
Dear Rick,
Thankyou! Thank you! for sharing this pod cast and video regarding the Silver Star Award that your friend, Gary Burka and you were finally given on September 30, 2016 for “gallantry in action” and “personal heroism.” I am so glad to know more about you and the heroism and courage you demonstrated during your service to our country. I have known you and Sharon as my caring wonderful neighbors, who I consider friends. You always say to me, “just let me know if you need anything”. If I do, you are always there to help. Mark and I knew you had been given the Silver Star Award but never knew your “story” behind the award. Your passion to help others and love of country continues today as you speak to youth and conduct fund raising to recognize others . Thank you for all that you have done and the role model you are for others.
davidegrogan
April 23, 2022 @ 5:05 PM
Sharon – thanks for listening to Rick’s story!