No. 819 Ted Frederick, 2015

File — Box: 75, Folder: 13

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Kimel Fisher was born and raised in Salt Lake City. After high school, Kimel attended the University of Utah for a year and was then called on an LDS mission to northern Germany. Very soon after returning home from Germany, Kimel was drafted. In order to go to school earlier, he decided to enlist so he could finish his two years active duty sooner. Kimel reported to Fort Ord, California for basic training. After basic training Kimel was assigned to advanced infantry training and then noncommissioned officers training. He then became a drill sergeant at the NCO school. At the end of the training cycle Kimel picked up his papers to go to Vietnam. In Vietnam, he received in-country training and then was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. Kimel spent most of his time on search and destroy missions as a platoon sergeant. In one battle, Kimel risked his own life to save a fellow soldier who was separated from the platoon and calling for help. After nine months, he applied for and was granted an early-out to go back to school. The entire time he was in Vietnam, Kimel never hurt anyone but ensured that many would come home. When he returned to California he was welcomed by protestors and was confronted on the plane ride home. Kimel returned to school and decided to become a dentist.
Project: Saving the Legacy oral history project.
Interviewer: Chris Dunsmore

Dates

2015

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.