Your Local Jewish War Veteran: Herschel L. Sheiness

February 1, 2021

Herschel was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army when he graduated from Texas A & M. After his first 18 months in various military schools, he was assigned to the military intelligence support unit, 8th Special Forces (SF) Group, Ft Gulick, Panama. The 8th ran the School of the Americas where the Army trained military officers from central and south America. Rising to the rank of Captain, Herschel was next assigned to Headquarters, 4 Corp, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV), Can Tho, Vietnam as the Corp Military Intelligence Officer. In this position Herschel directed the gathering of information on enemy forces, the analyzing of said information so friendly forces could counter enemy activity and advised his south Vietnamese counterpart. Officers assigned to Headquarters also commanded the Tactical Operations Center as well as flying at night in the back of a helicopter directing air support for friendly units under attack. During the Tet Offensive Herschel was wounded and awarded his Purple Heart. He also had the sad duty of arranging a memorial service for a Jewish Lieutenant killed in action (KIA).

After Vietnam Herschel ended his military service. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he went to graduate school and earned his Master of Business Administration. After working several jobs, one of which brought him to San Antonio, he accepted a civil service position with the Air Force working in civilian personnel. Thirty-four years later and Herschel is happily retired.