Vietnam Veteran News

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Bobby Barrett

Episode 3045 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Bobby Barret, the Vietnam Dustoff pilot who received the Congressional Gold Medal honor.  The featured story appeared in the Monroe Journal of Mississippi and was titled: Former Vietnam War Dustoff pilot shares in Congressional Gold Medal honor and was submitted by Ray Van Dusen.

A local hero and Vietnam War veteran, former Army Dustoff pilot Bobby Barrett, was recently recognized with one of the nation’s highest civilian honors — the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious award celebrates the bravery and selflessness of Reynolds and his fellow helicopter medevac pilots who risked their lives daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the front lines of battle during the Vietnam War.

Known as “Dustoff pilots,” these courageous aviators flew unarmed helicopters into active combat zones, often under heavy enemy fire, to evacuate the injured and provide urgent medical aid. Reynolds, a native of Monroe, flew hundreds of these daring missions between 1969 and 1971, earning a reputation for valor, calm under pressure, and dedication to his comrades.

The Congressional Gold Medal ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., honored the Army Medical Evacuation Units who served during the Vietnam era. It marks national recognition of their extraordinary sacrifice and humanitarian service. Reynolds expressed gratitude, saying the award represents “the countless lives saved, not just the pilots, but the whole Dustoff team.”

Local veterans’ groups and the Monroe community have rallied to celebrate Barrett’s achievement. His story has reignited conversations around the critical role of medevac pilots in wartime history and the importance of honoring military service.

Barrett’s legacy as a Vietnam Dustoff pilot stands as a powerful reminder of courage, service, and the enduring impact of those who risk everything to save others.

Listen to Episode 3045 and discover more about Vietnam Dustoff pilot Bobby Barrett.

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The Grand Century Mall of San Jose

Episode 3044 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the vibrant Vietnamese community of San Jose. This episode is inspired the contributions to this podcast by a good friend, Andy Pham. The featured story appeared on the M-A Chronical website and is titled: San Jose’s Long Vietnamese Roots. It was submitted by D’Anjou Paul Libunao.

D’Anjou is a junior in his second year of journalism at M-A High School. He enjoys writing movie reviews and about gaming culture. Outside of journalism, he competes in Street Fighter 6 tournaments around the Bay Area.

The M-A Chronicle is a student-managed public forum, dedicated to objective and comprehensive reporting. As the online newspaper of Menlo-Atherton High School, we seek to celebrate the successes of our high-performing school as well as highlight the voices of those living on the margins. Written, produced, and edited entirely by students, we present a variety of stories about our diverse school community in a factual and unbiased manner.

Just over two miles southeast of the modern skyscrapers and trendy shops of downtown San Jose lies a more familiar setting of sprawling strip malls, wide parking lots, and large retail stores. Within this classic American backdrop lies the Grand Century Mall, the heart of San Jose’s Little Saigon. While Vietnamese-American communities exist across the United States, San Jose’s Vietnamese ethnic enclave holds a rich history tracing back to the fall of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, known as Saigon.

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, a moment to reflect on and honor the lives lost during the perilous journeys of the ‘boat people.’ While around 130,000 refugees made it to the United States, an estimated  400,000 Vietnamese refugees died along the way.

Listen to Episode 3044 and discover more about the San Jose Vietnamese community.

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Linwood Riddick, who turns 80 on Monday, accepts his bachelor’s degree at South Carolina State University on Friday May 9th.
Sam Watson/South Carolina State University

Episode 3043 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Linwood Riddick who recently graduated from college as he celebrated his 80^th birthday. The featured story appeared on NPR radio and was titled: He graduated from college at age 79. A campus tragedy inspired him to enroll. It was submitted by Jennifer Ludden.

Linwood Riddick’s journey to a college diploma at age 79 is a powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and transformation. As reported by NPR News, Riddick defied age stereotypes and societal expectations, walking across the graduation stage with pride after earning his degree from South Carolina State University. His decision to pursue higher education later in life wasn’t just about personal achievement—it was driven by a deeply emotional catalyst.

In 1968, a tragic campus shooting at South Carolina State University  deeply affected Riddick. The senseless act of violence, which took the life of a student, compelled him to turn grief into action.

Riddick’s NPR story highlights not only the impact of lifelong learning but also the significance of community, resilience, and civic responsibility. His graduation at 79 years old serves as a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams or contribute meaningfully to society. By transforming tragedy into motivation, Linnwood Riddick became a beacon of hope and a symbol of intergenerational wisdom.

NPR’s coverage of Riddick’s story continues to inspire readers across South Carolina and beyond, proving that education, healing, and purpose have no age limit. His path from grief to graduation reminds us that even in the face of adversity, it’s possible to create a legacy of impact, compassion, and courage.

Listen to Episode 3043 and discover more about Linwood Riddick and his college degree.

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Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Nate Brushe, a recovery noncommissioned officer, wet-screens material during a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) recovery mission in Vietnam, April 11, 2025. The DPAA mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for our missing personnel to their families and the nation. This is the first time the Oregon National Guard has supplemented a DPAA mission.

Episode 3042 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Oregon National Guard Soldiers Who go on a Recovery Mission for Missing Vietnam War Service Member

In a powerful display of dedication and national pride, Oregon National Guard Soldiers, Sgts. 1st Class Nathan Brushe and Brian Miller, are leading a mission to locate and return the remains of a missing Vietnam War service member. Collaborating with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), these Citizen-Soldiers are deployed to Southeast Asia to help bring closure to families still waiting for their loved ones to come home.

Tasked with a solemn yet vital responsibility, the Oregon National Guard is using advanced archaeological recovery techniques to search crash sites, identify personal effects, and recover potential remains. The mission reinforces the military’s unwavering commitment to its creed: “Never Leave a Comrade Behind.”

Operating in challenging terrain and remote areas, the Guard’s efforts reflect not only a commitment to historical accountability but also to international humanitarian cooperation. The mission highlights how military service extends beyond combat—it includes restoration, remembrance, and repatriation.

“This is more than a mission,” said a participating Oregon Guardsman. “It’s a promise to a fallen brother and to his family. We won’t stop until he’s brought home.”

Currently, over 1,500 Americans from the Vietnam War remain unaccounted for. Through missions like this, the Oregon National Guard plays a pivotal role in honoring that legacy and fulfilling the U.S. military’s ongoing efforts to locate and recover every missing hero.

As the Oregon National Guard continues this mission, it not only strengthens the bond between soldiers and communities—it also brings hope to the families of the fallen and ensures that the sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans are never forgotten.

Listen to Episode 3042 and discover more about the Oregon National Guardsmen search for Vietnam War MIA remains.

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Fighterworld general manager, Air Commodore (retd) Jack Fanderlinden, right, listens as Wing Commander (retd) Hugh Holt recalls flying Hercules aircraft with him in 37 Squadron during the Vietnam War. Photo: Leading Aircraftman Kurt Lewis

Episode 3041 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the last ANZAC aircraft to leave Saigon just before it fell to the North Vietnamese. The featured story appeared on the Australian Government Defense website and was titled: Fighter World recalls last RAAF boots on ground in Vietnam and submitted by Flight Lieutenant Julia Ravell.

In a powerful tribute to Australia’s military history, Fighter World has unveiled a moving exhibit honoring the last Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel who served in the Vietnam War. The exhibit, rich in historical artifacts and first-hand accounts, commemorates the final RAAF boots on the ground before Australia’s official withdrawal in 1972.

Located in Williamtown, Fighter World is a museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of Australian military aviation. The new Vietnam War section highlights the critical role of RAAF No. 2 Squadron, which flew Canberra bombers during intense combat missions, and the RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam, which provided essential logistics and evacuation support.

Central to the story is the personal journey of Flight Lieutenant Jack Fanderlinden among the last to leave Tan Son Nhut Air Base. His account provides a vivid picture of the war’s closing days—marked by uncertainty, rapid withdrawal, and emotional farewells.

Interactive displays showcase RAAF aircraft, uniforms, and personal gear, bringing to life the sacrifice and service of Australian airmen. Veterans, historians, and aviation enthusiasts alike are drawn to the museum’s commitment to authenticity and storytelling.

Fighter World’s exhibit not only recalls the end of Australia’s air force involvement in the Vietnam conflict but also educates new generations on the enduring legacy of those who served. With keywords like RAAF Vietnam War, last boots on ground, Fighter World museum, and Australian military aviation, the exhibit stands as a poignant reminder of courage, duty, and history.

Listen to Episode 3041 and discover more about the last ANZAC aircraft out of Saigon in 1975..

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Revellers watch a parade marking the 50th anniversary of reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. Photo: Kyod

Episode 3040 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the status of U.S, – Vietnam relations fifty years after reunification of the southeastern nation. The featured story is titled Vietnam’s wary friendship with US shows signs of strain again, 50 years after war’s end. It came from This Week in Asia and was submitted by Huw Watkin.

Most Vietnam Veterans retain a lasting interest in the country where they fought decades ago. That is why this story is featured in this podcast episode. The story begins with a description of the celebration of the 50th year anniversary or the reunification of Vietnam.

It was the biggest party Saigon had ever seen – a grand celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, and a showcase of its emergence as a rising economic and diplomatic power in Asia.

On Wednesday, some 15,000 military, police and civil defense personnel marched through what is now known as Ho Chi Minh City, cheered by hundreds of thousands lining the streets. Millions more watched the parade live on state television and social media.

Dignitaries from around the world were in attendance. But notably absent was a high-level delegation from the United States – a curious omission given Washington’s long-running efforts to strengthen ties with Hanoi amid rising tensions with Beijing.

The muted American turnout came at a delicate moment in bilateral ties – with Washington suspending Vietnam war-era aid programs, threatening sweeping new tariffs on Vietnamese goods, and just weeks after a high-profile visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Vietnam war – or “American war”, as it is known locally – was rooted in Cold War geopolitics and colonial-era divisions. The Geneva Accords of 1954 temporarily split the country, but elections meant to reunify it never took place. Instead, it became one of the 20th century’s deadliest proxy conflicts, with millions of lives lost before the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Listen to Episode 3040 and discover more about the current status of relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

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Revellers watch a parade marking the 50th anniversary of reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. Photo: Kyod

Episode 3039 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the status of U.S, – Vietnam relations fifty years after reunification of the southeastern nation. The featured story is titled Vietnam’s wary friendship with US shows signs of strain again, 50 years after war’s end. It came from This Week in Asia and was submitted by Huw Watkin.

Most Vietnam Veterans retain a lasting interest in the country where they fought decades ago. That is why this story is featured in this podcast episode. The story begins with a description of the celebration of the 50th year anniversary or the reunification of Vietnam.

It was the biggest party Saigon had ever seen – a grand celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification, and a showcase of its emergence as a rising economic and diplomatic power in Asia.

On Wednesday, some 15,000 military, police and civil defense personnel marched through what is now known as Ho Chi Minh City, cheered by hundreds of thousands lining the streets. Millions more watched the parade live on state television and social media.

Dignitaries from around the world were in attendance. But notably absent was a high-level delegation from the United States – a curious omission given Washington’s long-running efforts to strengthen ties with Hanoi amid rising tensions with Beijing.

The muted American turnout came at a delicate moment in bilateral ties – with Washington suspending Vietnam war-era aid programmes, threatening sweeping new tariffs on Vietnamese goods, and just weeks after a high-profile visit to Hanoi by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Vietnam war – or “American war”, as it is known locally – was rooted in Cold War geopolitics and colonial-era divisions. The Geneva Accords of 1954 temporarily split the country, but elections meant to reunify it never took place. Instead, it became one of the 20th century’s deadliest proxy conflicts, with millions of lives lost before the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Listen to Episode 3039 and discover more about the current status of relations between the U.S. and Vietnam.

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Remembering the human side of the Vietnam War

Episode 3038 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the new exhibit in Tacoma that sheds light on the overlooked personal histories of Vietnam Veterans. The featured story is titled Remembering the human side of the Vietnam War and it appeared in the Tacoma Ledger, a student news magazine for UW Tacoma. It was submitted by J.A. Aleman.

A new exhibit at the Tacoma Washington State History Museum opened on April 26 titled “The Things They Brought Home: Memories of Washington’s Vietnam Veterans.” The exhibit was curated by retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army Erik Flint and military historian Dr. Megan Nishikawa for the 50-year anniversary of the end of the war. While there, not only did I meet them, but Vietnam Veterans and some of their family members.

The war affected many individual lives in Vietnam, but also in the United States, leaving nearly 60 thousand American troops dead. As many as 2 million Vietnamese civilians and 1.3 million soldiers also perished during the war. These are people who fought in the war who are sent by their leaders. They didn’t have in mind the agenda that politicians did, they were just there to serve their country.

The act of war itself should never be celebrated, but as a society we can’t just brush aside those that fought in them when they are willing to speak about their experiences. Soldiers weren’t officially given orders to stay silent but were met with much animosity.

The main hope for the exhibit is that more and more veterans and their families will come forward to share their stories, so as a society we can demonstrate we care about our shared history. The exhibit is open until Nov. 16, 2025 to visitors of all ages.

Listen to Episode 3038 and discover more about the new exhibit in Tacoma that sheds light on the overlooked personal histories of Vietnam Veterans.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SSG Marvin R. Young.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3037 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SSG Marvin R. Young. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the 5^th Infantry Regiment Association website.

In the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Marvin R. Young etched his name into the annals of military heroism. A native of Odessa, Texas, Young served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On August 21, 1968, during a fierce firefight near Ben Cui, South Vietnam, SSG Young displayed extraordinary valor that would posthumously earn him the Medal of Honor—the highest military decoration awarded by the United States.

Amid a devastating ambush by North Vietnamese forces, SSG Young repeatedly risked his life to cover the retreat of his platoon. Refusing evacuation after being wounded, he engaged the enemy with relentless fire, ensuring the safety of his fellow soldiers. Even when gravely injured, Marvin R. Young continued to fight, providing critical cover fire until he succumbed to his wounds. His gallantry, intrepidity, and selfless sacrifice were in the finest traditions of the U.S. Army.

The Medal of Honor citation highlights his indomitable courage under fire, leadership, and devotion to duty—core values of the Vietnam War’s most heroic soldiers. SSG Young’s actions saved lives and exemplified the spirit of American military service in Vietnam.

Today, his legacy endures as a symbol of bravery and patriotism. His name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and in the hearts of those who cherish freedom. Marvin R. Young is not only a Medal of Honor recipient but a true American hero whose courage continues to inspire generations.

Listen to Episode 3037 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SSG Marvin R. Young.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force LTC Gerald O. Young.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3036 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force LTC Gerald O. Young. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Air Force Historical Support Division website. 

During the Vietnam War, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Gerald O. Young demonstrated extraordinary heroism and unwavering commitment to his fellow airmen. On November 9, 1967, then-Captain Young, a skilled HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” rescue helicopter pilot, was tasked with extracting a special forces team trapped behind enemy lines in Laos. The mission, under intense hostile fire, became one of the most perilous of the war.

Despite the danger, Young maneuvered through enemy anti-aircraft fire to reach the team. As his helicopter hovered, it was hit by enemy rounds and burst into flames. Instead of abandoning the mission, he ensured the evacuation of his crew and wounded soldiers. Severely burned and wounded himself, Young refused rescue and evaded capture for over 17 hours in the dense jungle, choosing to remain behind to guide additional rescue efforts.

For his selfless courage and indomitable spirit, Gerald O. Young was awarded the Medal of Honor—the highest U.S. military decoration. He became the first U.S. Air Force helicopter pilot to receive this prestigious award during the Vietnam War.

Lieutenant Colonel Young’s bravery under fire and devotion to duty exemplified the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force. His actions saved lives and inspired a generation of airmen. Even after the war, his legacy continued to shape Air Force rescue operations and pilot training.

LTC Gerald O. Young’s Medal of Honor story stands as a powerful reminder of sacrifice, valor, and the enduring spirit of American heroes in Vietnam.

Listen to Episode 3036 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Air Force LTC Gerald O. Young.