Vietnam Era. PO3 Gillentine entered the U.S. Navy in 1970 through 1974, leaving the Reserves in 1976. He served on both the U.S.S. American and the U.S.S. Independence, in the Mediterranean and Vietnam. He was an Aircraft Mechanic, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Good Conduct Medal during his time of service. 