Galyean, Thomas. Interview November 12th, 2024.

Thomas Earl Galyean was a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served with the 7-17th CAV as commanding officer of the aero rifle platoon, securing landing zones for aircraft. Galyean then served as an Assistant S3 for the operations section of headquarters, ensuring that aircraft received their assignments. Raised on his family’s chicken hatchery in San Marcos, California, Galyean narrates his family history, his decision to join the U.S. Army, and his interest in helicopter flight. Galyean describes his experience in flight school, including reflections on media representations of military training and the Vietnam War. Galyean describes his unique role while serving stateside, forming a military response team to suppress riots in the wake of the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Galyean meditates on the impact of controversial topics, such as the My Lai massacre, civilian casualties, and the rules of engagement. Galyean reflects on religion, comradery, family, and how the military changed his life.

2024-11-12

California State University San Marcos University Library

Thomas Galyean

video

SC027-071

San Diego Veterans History Initiative

Oral Histories

Community history, San Diego Veterans History, Veteran experience

Thomas Galyean, “Galyean, Thomas. Interview November 12th, 2024.,” Voices of North County, accessed May 8, 2026, https://archivesoralhistories.csusm.edu/items/show/610.