The turbulent 1950’s and 1960’s shaped Preston Tribble’s future of service to his country and support of his family. Raised on the Southside of Atlanta, he met his future bride, Mattie, in grade school where she sat behind him in class. When tragedy disabled Preston’s father, he worked several jobs while dating Mattie.

As the movements of the 1960’s captured America’s focus, Preston struggled to find a job and in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. While Preston was at basic training at Fort Gordon, their son Ricky was born. Since frequently moving and living abroad on a soldier’s pay was impossible for a small family, Mattie stayed in Atlanta to raise her son. Preston was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and then in Italy. Their family was completed when they adopted Florence, Mattie’s niece, during Preston’s second tour in Vietnam.

Mattie recalls her happiest times were when Preston was home. While stationed away from home, Mattie and Preston corresponded regularly. “We did not have a pot to make water boil!” re-calls Mattie. “We were separated for over a year and could not afford to travel to see him.”

Preston was serving in intelligence when he received orders for a second tour to Vietnam.

Mattie continued, “This time it did not feel right. There was something weird about this time. Even the plane that took Preston away was different and yet, Preston was determined to serve his country and family. He wanted to go to Vietnam.”

SGT Preston Tribble Jr. was a good American citizen and soldier who died May 12, 1969 in Quang Nam province, Republic of South Vietnam.

Sergeant Preston Tribble, Jr. is memorialized at Atlantic Station via Millennium Gate.