As the Vietnam War escalates, a teenager joins the Marines! William L. Brooks is a native New Yorker, born in the Borough of Queens. Upon graduating from Aviation High School, Mr. Brooks enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with both the First and Second Marine Divisions. He saw action during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded several medals, including the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1969.