HELP!!! I have a project for my American Studies class where I must interview a Vietnam conflict veteran. I couldn't find one that wasn't already being interviewed, so instead, I turn to y'all for help. I'll go ahead and post the interview questions, so feel free to fill them in. More than yes/no answers would be very appreciative. I have ten questions to be asked: 1. How old were you during the time of the American involvement in the Vietnam conflict? 2. What do you remember about the conflict? 3. What impact did the conflict have on your life? 4. Do you think it was "right" for the US to intervene in Vietnam? 5. What was your primary source of information about the Vietnam conflict? 6. Do you think there are any lessons to be learned from this conflict? 7. What was your view of the President at the time? 8. Did you receive any medals from your service? 9. Were you drafted into service or did you voluntarily join? 10. What was the most interesting part about Vietnam during the conflict? If you could also include your name (first is perfectly fine for privacy issues), branch of service and rank, that would be greatly appreciated. Some other questions: -How difficult was it for you and for your fellow soldiers not knowing who exactly the enemy was, such as the language barrier and not knowing how long the combat would go on. -How did u feel toward the vietnamese civilians? -Was it more troubling/angering for you to be shipped off to war, or not having a hero's welcome when u returned? -How did you feel about the peace protesters that were anti-war, anti-American? I do hate rushing this interview, especially the fact that it is somewhat informal. Any help would be tremendous. Thank you very much for your time. Fell free to give input that any of you may have.
#1 ..I left Viet-nam in November of 1967, I was 27, was there off and on for three years. I was an aircrew member and was older than the guys on the ground, but younger than most flight crew members. #2 Memories of war are always overshawowed by the presence of death. In Viet-nam the most memorable thing was they were so young. We inflicted casualties of about 100 to 1 on the enemy, but the question was always...why aren't they letting us finish this, why cant we strike them in the harbors where they were recieving war materials from the Russians and other communist nations..why do we let them mass in Cambodia and Laos where they were able to make hit and run attacts on outposts before air support could arrive....But even then, early on ..we knew it was a political war..we were pawns being played by the war and anti-war politicians in Washington. .#3 ..I didnt get to spend much time with my wife and children for about three years. I had very young children..they probably hardly knew who I was. I loved my wife and I missed her a lot. #4 ..Yes..We felt we were going to save the So.Viet-namese the same way we saved the So.Koreans..we would have done it and quickly if the war hadn't been so politically polorized in the US. # 5 ..I subscribed to US News& World Report, National Review, Human Events, and others. #6 Yes..No more wars where US Armed Forces are sent into harms way without 100% backing by the US government. #7 Its not safe to serve in the armed forces under a President who dosn't command the confidence of the people. I only wish we could have served under a commander and chief..the caliber of Geo,W Bush. #8 Many more than those who deserved them more ..those who gave their lives for their country. #9 Joined in 1957 #10 In war, there is one common interest..get it over with and go back home... safe. JC Higgins Petty Officer 1st Class USN (1957-1967) @1a..We knew who the enemy was..and we knew who was keeping us from finishing the war. It wasnt them. @2a..They were dangerous. @3a..No..Most heros died in Viet-nam, I am proud to have served with them. @4a.. The same as I do now..guess. @5a..Thanks for giving a hoot.
Higgins, what a terrible picture you paint. I have heard the same story from many who served in Vietnam. I hope our country never forgets the lessons from that horribly executed war. Thanks for your service.
