Vern Pike was commissioned as a U.S. Army officer upon graduation from Wake Forest University. Soon he had a front row seat to and a role to play in the growing tensions of the Cold War.

In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col. Pike describes his duties in the American sector of West Berlin, Germany. Pike shares how he discovered the early stages of the Berlin Wall, take us inside the assignment that could have led to the start of World War III, and shares the story of a high-profile but top secret prisoner exchange on the fabled "bridge of spies."

Pike also served two tours in Vietnam. In this discussion, he describes his assignments and his moment of fame when the legendary Bob Hope came to entertain the troops.

Don't miss our fascinating conversation with retired U.S. Army Col. Vern Pike.