Congressman gives rare glimpse into his military past

In a rare public occurrence, Congressman Leonard Boswell talked about his Vietnam experiences during a “Veteran’s Day” ceremony in Des Moines.Boswell is usually reticent about sharing details of his two tours in Vietnam, but yesterday before a group of veterans Boswell recounted some “flash backs.” He told veterans there’s a lot that could be told if they sat around a campfire. Boswell was a commanding officer during his second tour. He says when someone is lost in battle, the commander writes his or her loved ones as soon as possible. Boswell says that part of the command is “tough duty.” Boswell told stories about officer training school, and one of the rescue missions he performed as a helicopter pilot. Boswell flew his ‘copter out over the ocean to rescue a pilot who had ditched out of his crippled plane. He says after several attempts, his ‘copter low on fuel, they finally got the man out. Boswell says water washed over the Huey, and they got out with what must have been fumes in the gas tank.After a 20-year military career, Boswell returned to southwest Iowa to farm, and he later entered politics.