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Actor Larry Wilcox was just 19 when he joined the Marine Corps, inspired by his older brother.Starting in 1967, Wilcox completed a deployment in Vietnam as a Field Artillery specialist with the 12th Marine Regiment, overseeing the aiming of howitzers and heavy guns. His wartime duties took him to places like Dong Ha, the Demilitarized Zone, and through the intense Tet Offensive.Wilcox was honorably released from service in 1973 with the rank of Staff Sergeant, and he couldn't wait to reunite with his loved ones near San Francisco. Upon landing at the airport, he encountered disapproving stares from bystanders and hurriedly flagged down a taxi."I barely had enough money for the cab, but I didn’t care," Wilcox recalled years later.The taxi driver, appearing tired from life's burdens, stayed quiet throughout the lengthy hour ride. When Wilcox went to settle the expensive bill, the driver simply said, "this one’s on me, Sergeant. Thank you for your service," his voice catching in his throat."He’ll never know how much that meant to me," said Wilcox. "It's what I needed at that moment."God Bless Larry Wilcox and every forgotten veteran from Vietnam. #vietnamwar #usmc #semperfi #chips