"[The] culinary [arts] saved my life." (Video Interview, 02:23:30)

Adolphus A. Stuart

Adolphus Stuart at time of interview War: Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Marine Corps Unit: 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division; Special Landing Force Alpha; 9th Marine Regiment Service Location: Parris Island, South Carolina; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Mediterranean Sea; Okinawa, Japan; Vietnam Rank: Sergeant

In search of an escape from a difficult home life, Adolphus A. Stuart joined the Marine Corps in 1964 at the age of 17. Arriving in Vietnam in May, 1967, he served as part of a Special Landing Force unit. Stationed aboard a ship anchored in the waters just below Da Nang, he went ashore on frequent combat missions. Death was omnipresent, and after losing a good buddy during his first few weeks in country, he learned to shut down emotionally in order to survive. He left the Marines in 1971, but his transition to civilian life was difficult. After receiving an official diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), he attended culinary school, and discovered his passion for cooking for others, particularly in support of charitable organizations and those less fortunate.