The Moth Radio Hour: The Vietnam War

Release Date: November 14, 2017
Host: The Moth
Produced By: Jennifer Hickson and The Moth Team

Introduction: Brotherhood in War

Jennifer Hickson opens the episode by highlighting the profound theme of brotherhood amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. She reflects on the difficulty many veterans face in sharing their experiences, citing a veteran's struggle with chronic PTSD and emotional scars from the conflict. This sets the stage for three poignant stories that delve into the bonds forged in battle, the resilience of those who served, and the lasting impact of war.

Story 1: Dave Dillard – Surviving the Tet Offensive

Timestamp: [03:24]
Speaker: Dave Dillard

Dave Dillard recounts his harrowing experience as an 18-year-old paratrooper during the Tet Offensive in March 1968. Serving as a radio telephone operator (RTO) with Delta Company, Dillard describes a night when their unit unexpectedly encountered a massive North Vietnamese regiment numbering between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers.

• Encounter with the Enemy:
  “I heard a rooster crow... But chickens don't live in the jungle. We were out there chasing the North Vietnamese.”
  ([03:24])
  The sound of the rooster signaled the proximity of the enemy, leading to an intense firefight that resulted in significant casualties: “We had taken five men down, killed and about 20 wounded in 15 minutes.”
  ([09:45])

• Loss and Heroism:
  Amidst chaos, Dillard is severely wounded, losing his hearing: “I was deaf. I couldn’t hear a thing.”
  ([15:30])
  Despite his injury, the company’s commander, Paul Buca, demonstrates unwavering leadership, orchestrating the evacuation under fire and ensuring their survival. Buca's actions earn him the Congressional Medal of Honor, but Dillard emphasizes his own gratitude for surviving to live a full life:
  “I got life. I got to go home. I got to see my mom and my dad again.”
  ([34:22])

• Reflection:
  Dillard concludes by reflecting on the emotional weight of war and the profound bonds he shares with his fallen brothers:
  “When my old rooster decides to crow at 4:30 in the afternoon, that takes me back to a different time and a different place.”
  ([36:12])

Story 2: Edie Meeks – A Nurse’s Journey Through Trauma

Timestamp: [22:09]
Speaker: Edie Meeks

Edie Meeks shares her experiences as a dedicated Army nurse in Vietnam, portraying the relentless influx of casualties and the emotional toll it took on her and her fellow nurses.

• Arrival and Overwhelming Casualties:
  “The first day was okay, but by the second, more casualties came... by the fourth day, they just kept coming.”
  ([22:15])
  Meeks describes the emotional burden of treating wounded soldiers, often forming deep, personal connections:
  “I took care of a young man who had a terrible abdominal wound. He asked me to read his mother's letter.”
  ([24:30])
  The constant loss forced Meeks to suppress her grief:
  “You don’t have time to grieve, you don’t have time to feel bad.”
  ([25:45])

• Post-War Struggles and Healing:
  Upon returning home, Meeks faced depression and PTSD, exacerbated by societal expectations to appear "normal." Her path to healing began with involvement in memorials and communities of fellow Vietnam women:
  “At the dedication, there were women there that spoke my language. I felt safe for the first time.”
  ([31:10])
  A pivotal moment occurred when she interacted with a Huey helicopter, symbolizing her traumatic memories:
  “I touched it, and it punched a hole through that wall. That was Vietnam.”
  ([33:36])
  This confrontation with her past catalyzed her acceptance and ongoing healing process.

• Legacy and Advocacy:
  Meeks has since dedicated herself to honoring fellow veterans, serving on boards like the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Her journey underscores the enduring impact of war on medical personnel:
  “For anyone who served, it's important to remember our stories honestly. We owe that to ourselves and to our children.”
  ([51:01])

Story 3: Jason True – The Orphaned Perspective

Timestamp: [37:58]
Speaker: Jason True

Jason True provides a unique perspective as a Vietnamese orphan during the final days of the Vietnam War, sharing his traumatic experience with Operation Babylift.

• Operation Babylift and Separation:
  At 14 years old, Jason and his two younger brothers were among thousands of children evacuated to the United States. However, his first attempt ended in heartache when a South Vietnamese police officer prevented his departure due to his age:
  “No, you can’t leave the country. You are too old.”
  ([38:15])
  The officer’s refusal and the subsequent ripping of a bribe symbolized the harsh reality of war’s disruptions:
  “He ripped the hundred dollar bill in half.”
  ([39:45])

• Impact of Separation:
  Remaining in Vietnam, Jason bore the burden of caregiving for his brothers after losing their parents. The emotional strain intensified as he realized his brothers had safely arrived in the U.S.:
  “I realized then that I just lost all of my family.”
  ([42:20])
  His determination to reunite with them led to a second, successful evacuation against government orders:
  “I begged Sherry. I said, anything you can do, help me out.”
  ([44:30])
  The emotional reunion underscored the resilience and hope amidst profound loss:
  “I felt the intensity of great happiness and peace knowing things are going to be okay.”
  ([51:45])

• Gratitude and Moving Forward:
  Jason expresses immense gratitude towards the individuals who facilitated his escape and underscores the importance of family reunification:
  “I'm extremely grateful to Sherry and everyone who helped get so many children out of harm's way.”
  ([50:30])

Conclusion: Reflections on War and Remembrance

Jennifer Hickson closes the episode by honoring the bravery of all who served, including Glenn Baker, an African American soldier who highlighted the racial divides that existed even amidst the unit’s cohesion:
“I think it’s important for all Americans who see themselves reflected in the Vietnam War Memorial Stone to remember the war honestly.”
([52:10])
The episode underscores the multifaceted experiences of those touched by the Vietnam War—soldiers, nurses, and civilians—emphasizing the enduring bonds and the imperative to remember and honor their stories.

Key Takeaways

• Brotherhood and Sacrifice: The stories emphasize the deep bonds formed in combat and the lasting impact of shared traumatic experiences.
• Diverse Perspectives: From soldiers on the battlefield to nurses in the ICU and orphans seeking reunification, the episode provides a comprehensive view of the war’s far-reaching effects.
• Healing and Remembrance: The narratives highlight the importance of sharing stories as a path to healing and the significance of honoring those who served and suffered.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Dillard:
  “I got life. I got to go home. I got to see my mom and my dad again.”
  ([34:22])

• Edie Meeks:
  “I touched it, and it punched a hole through that wall. That was Vietnam.”
  ([33:36])

• Jason True:
  “I realized then that I just lost all of my family.”
  ([42:20])

Further Resources

For more in-depth stories and additional content from this episode, visit themoth.org.