Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Lee H. Maddox had graduated from high school and had completed a year and a half of college. He wasn't real confident that his studies were helping him get to where he wanted to be. He thought his situation over carefully. He was in Memphis, TN attending classes and was sure he needed to make a change.

In January 2001, he pulled his car into...