Cole Randall ’23, a mechanical engineering and political science double-major at Union College, partnered with David Matloff — a U.S. Army MASH surgeon who served in Vietnam — to help him write his memoir. The memoir, “Reflections from Vietnam / David B. Matloff Collection,” was accepted by the Library of Congress. 

Randall worked on the memoir for months with Dr. Matloff, who spent 30 years as a general surgeon at Geneva (New York) General Hospital after his service. Randall views the library’s acceptance as a meaningful accomplishment. In an interview with Union, he called it “an important step to preserve a critical part of history.” Like many Gilman graduates, Randall enjoys studying a wide range of subjects. The project allowed him to expand his skill set, nurture his interest in history, and better appreciate the “interview-based, personal side of research.” 

Randall developed a lasting friendship with Dr. Matloff and endeared himself to his family. Ellen Matloff, his daughter and the project's organizer, called Randall “a rock star,” describing him as “smart, talented, and hardworking,” and praising his kindness to her father.   

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View the Matloff collection on the Library of Congress website.