Don Sims Shares His Journey of Military Service with UDC

During a recent meeting of the John B. Gordon 383 chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), community leader Don Sims shared his personal experiences of military service, reflecting on the profound sense of duty that motivated him to serve in the Armed Forces. The event, held in Thomasville, was part of a year-long celebration commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States.

Military Journey Begins

Don Sims grew up on Lookout Mountain and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army, entering service in 1969. His tenure included commanding a Combat Infantry Platoon in South Vietnam, where he was wounded in action. His bravery earned him several honors, including the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, and the Purple Heart.

In his address, Sims recounted receiving draft notices from both Tennessee and Georgia due to his childhood home straddling the state line. After undergoing a physical exam in Tennessee, where he was initially deemed color blind, he later joined the Army in Georgia, beginning his training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. “I met all kinds of people that I would not have met if I had not joined the Army,” he remarked, praising the diverse backgrounds of his fellow soldiers.

Lessons in Leadership and Valor

After his initial training, Sims progressed to Combat Engineering Training at Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. He attributed his strong sense of duty to the lessons imparted by his father, a World War II veteran who had a glass eye. Sims served as a Training Officer in the United States for a year before deploying to Vietnam, a time that brought personal challenges as he had just welcomed a daughter with his late wife, Dee Dee Sims.

“This was a great responsibility,” Sims reflected on the weight of leadership during wartime. “But I am happy to say none of my men were killed in Vietnam.” He commended the medics, describing them as some of the toughest individuals in the war: “Whenever someone would holler out ‘Medic!’ they always came running and never hesitated.”

During his training for Airborne operations, Sims faced his fear of heights. Although he contemplated withdrawing from the program, he persevered through the challenges, ultimately earning his Airborne Wings. “The first time I was pushed out, but the second time it wasn’t as bad,” he shared, noting that by his third jump, he had gained confidence.

Sims recounted arriving in Vietnam in March of 1968, where he witnessed the grim realities of war. “You had to watch yourself when you were in the War. There was so much pressure,” he said, referencing the tense atmosphere of that period, including interactions with notable figures like Lt. William Calley, known for the My Lai Massacre.

As he concluded his presentation, Sims expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Veterans Administration upon returning home. He looked forward to an upcoming reunion with his Officer Candidate School classmates, indicating his ongoing commitment to connecting with fellow veterans.

Sheila Tucker, President of the John B. Gordon 383 UDC, praised Sims for his service and for sharing his impactful story with the chapter.