Voice of a Veteran: the War in Vietnam
An interview with an American veteran of the Vietnam War - 20.03.2024
The Interview:
After weeks of bashful wondering, I finally worked up the courage to ask an acquaintance of mine — a Vietnam War veteran — for an interview. For the sake of his anonymity in respect to the article, I will refer to him simply as Jay.
Jay joined the armed forces of the United States during the Vietnam War and was correspondingly deployed to the Pacific. Fortunately, he returned in good health in 1970.
Question 1: When you went to Vietnam, what did you believe the reasons for going were?
Jay: Fighting communism.
After our interview, I asked Jay to review my draft to ensure he was comfortable with the article. Here, he expanded on his reasons for joining the war, expressing his strong sense of patriotism and desire to pay his dues to his country. Jay emphasized the profound gratitude he feels for the quality of life in the United States—a tangible indication of his admirable character.
Question 2: Were you drafted or did you volunteer?
Jay (laughing): I volunteered.
Like, on purpose?
Jay (laughing): Yes, on purpose.
Question 3: Looking back, do you now have different beliefs as to why we [the United States military] went to Vietnam?
Jay: Yes. I believe it was all political on both ends. . . Johnson didn’t want to be the first president to lose a country to communism.
Question 4: If you could summarize your experiences in Vietnam in three words, which would you choose?
Jay: Learning. Terror. Anger.
Question 5: What are your thoughts or feelings on the concept of “war crimes”?
Jay: They should be punished to the max.
Question 6: What was your relationship with Vietnamese civilians during your time over there?
Jay: Very good.
Question 7: How do you view the portrayal of the war in the media today — the public perception?
Jay: Well, you just don’t hear about it.
Anything else?
Coming home was the worst part. We were despised. It was the 60s and it was all political — the riots. . .
Further Insights from Jay:
After the interview, Jay spoke further about his interactions with Vietnamese citizens during his time there and gave a few more comments about his experiences and thoughts regarding the war.
He mentioned that the people in the villages were extremely friendly; that they just wanted to grow their rice and live without fear of losing their land, crops, and livelihood. He smiled as he recalled buying beer from the locals. He also explained that the American military had interrupted a civil war; that the country was divided between the Buddhists and the Catholics; that the French had really made a mess of things through colonialism.
Closing Remarks:
I extend my sincere gratitude to 'Jay' for his time, consideration, and indulgence. Jay's insights provide valuable perspective on the Vietnam War era, shedding light on the complexities of the conflict and the pulse in the boots on the ground.
- The Shultz Report by M. Shultz