Personal Narrative Manuscript/Mixed Material Audio Recording Paul Franklin Mercer Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: Iraq War, 2003-2011
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
- Location of Service: Fort Hood, Texas; Camp Liberty, Iraq
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/76066
Entering the Virginia Military Institute two weeks before the September 11 terrorist attacks, Army Sergeant Paul Franklin Mercer (known as Trey to his friends and family) had envisioned his future as a soldier--and his eventual deployment--for years before he enlisted in the Army. Deploying in 2006, and stationed at Camp Liberty, his time in Iraq was cut short when he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) during an attack on his platoon convoy. Reflecting on his injuries, his time on the service, and his status as a veteran, he says, "I'm still very glad that I had the opportunity to raise my right hand to go and to serve in uniform."
Paul Franklin Mercer Collection
Interview / Recording
Transcript
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PlayTraining at Fort Knox; being a bit older than many others in basic training. 00:13:36.0 - 00:15:25.0
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PlayDifficulty in saying goodbye to his family; enlisting in the Army with the knowledge that he would eventually deploy. 00:18:09.0 - 00:21:40.0
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PlayMain responsibilities in Iraq; duties of his platoon. 00:26:27.0 - 00:28:50.0
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PlayEmotions experienced while on patrol; worrying about letting down his guard and causing harm to someone else. 00:34:03.0 - 00:36:48.0
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PlayDifficulty of seeing his comrades get hurt or killed. 00:39:44.0 - 00:41:42.0
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PlayIncident in which his vehicle was hit by an IED; injuries sustained. 00:59:20.0 - 01:06:24.0
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PlayOther injuries sustained by his platoon during the explosion; realizing that he was still alive. 01:06:25.0 - 01:09:25.0
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PlayWaiting for the Medevac helicopter to arrive; being taken to the hospital; letting his family know he was alive. 01:11:24.0 - 01:15:39.0
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PlayTransition to civilian life; frustration with the process of applying for jobs. 01:22:25.0 - 01:27:40.0
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PlayThinking about his participation in the military on a daily basis; reminders of his service 01:30:07.0 - 01:31:15.0
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PlayImpact of service on his life; pride in being a veteran. 01:36:51.0 - 01:38:05.0
About this Item
Title
- Paul Franklin Mercer Collection
Names
- Fauquier Historical Society
- Mercer, Paul Franklin
- Russo, Tanner
- Cheatwood, John Marshall
Home State
- Virginia
Headings
- - Mercer, Paul Franklin
- - Iraq War, 2003-2011 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Army.
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Male
Race
- White
Status
- veteran
Service History
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Iraq War, 2003-2011
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
- Location of Service: Fort Hood, Texas; Camp Liberty, Iraq
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 2005-2007
- Entrance into Service: Enlisted
- Military Status: veteran
Materials
- Audio: CD [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2010-11-20)
- Manuscript: Transcript [1 item] -- Transcription of audio recording (collected 2010-11-20)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/76066
Cite as
- Paul Franklin Mercer Collection (AFC/2001/001/76066), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- audio
- online text