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From top left, the crew of the UH-2A Seasprite helicopter that rescued 2 aviators in North Vietnam on June 19, 1968: pilot Clyde Lassen, co-pilot Leroy Cook, and gunners Donald West and Bruce Dallas. (U.S. Navy)

President Lyndon B. Johnson awards Navy Lt. Clyde Lassen the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony in Washington, January 16, 1969. (UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

A left front view of a Helicopter Light Anti-submarine Squadron 30 (HSL-30) SH-2F Sea Sprite helicopter preparing to land on the helicopter pad of the destroyer USS NICHOLSON (DD-982).

Episode 3301 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the award of the Medal of Honor to Navy Vietnam Vet. The featured story is titled: This Medal of Honor recipient turned on his helicopter lights during a risky rescue in Vietnam – Clyde Lassen refused to leave two downed aviators behind.. It appeared on the We are the Mighty website and was submitted by Stephen Ruiz.

Ruiz reported in his story that on the night of June 19, 1968, during the Vietnam War, Navy pilot Clyde E. Lassen demonstrated the extraordinary courage, skill, and determination that defined the Vietnam Veteran generation. Flying a UH-2A Seasprite rescue helicopter deep into hostile North Vietnamese territory, Lassen and his crew undertook a mission many considered nearly impossible: rescuing two downed Navy aviators, Lt. Cmdr. John Holtzclaw and Lt. Cmdr. John Burns.

The aviators had ejected from their F-4 Phantom II after it was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Despite darkness, rugged terrain, intense enemy fire, and a helicopter not ideally suited for the mission, Lassen refused to abandon the stranded airmen. Multiple rescue attempts were thwarted by extinguished flares, difficult flying conditions, and even a collision with trees that damaged the aircraft. Running dangerously low on fuel, Lassen continued pressing forward.

Knowing time was running out, he switched on his landing lights, fully exposing his helicopter to enemy forces. As his crew fired into surrounding treelines to suppress enemy positions, Lassen hovered over a rice paddy long enough for the wounded aviators to reach the aircraft and be pulled aboard. He then escaped through heavy anti-aircraft fire and safely delivered the men to the USS Jouett.

For his heroism, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Lassen the Medal of Honor in January 1969. His actions stand as a powerful example of the bravery and selfless commitment displayed by Vietnam Veterans. Faced with overwhelming danger, they repeatedly placed duty, honor, and the lives of their fellow servicemen above their own, leaving a legacy of courage that continues to inspire Americans today.

Listen to Episode 3301 and discover more about the award of the Medal of Honor to Navy Vietnam Vet Clyde Lassen.

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James Capers, Jr.

James Capers, Jr.

Episode 3300 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the award of the Medal of Honor to Marine Vietnam Vet Major (Ret) James Capers, Jr.. The featured story is titled: Vietnam War Recon Marine, James Capers Jr, to receive Medal of Honor. It appeared on the Task & Purpose website and was submitted by Jeff Schogol.

Schogol reported that retired Marine Maj. James Capers Jr. is finally receiving the Medal of Honor, nearly 60 years after displaying extraordinary courage during one of the most remarkable actions of the Vietnam War. In April 1967, Capers led a nine-man reconnaissance team from the Marine Corps’ 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company deep in South Vietnam when they were caught in a devastating ambush. Despite suffering multiple bullet and shrapnel wounds, a broken leg, and severe blood loss, Capers refused to abandon his Marines.

For four days and nights, the team fought to survive under relentless enemy pressure. As casualties mounted and the wounded struggled to stay alive, Capers continued directing his men and leading them toward extraction. Even after reaching a helicopter, he placed the lives of his Marines above his own. When the overloaded aircraft struggled to lift off, Capers twice attempted to leave the helicopter behind so that his wounded men could escape. He also insisted that the body of the team’s military working dog be brought home.

Capers has always rejected the label of hero, saying he simply did what any Marine commander would do: take care of his troops. His humility reflects the values that defined the U.S. Marines who served in Vietnam—selfless leadership, loyalty, courage, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

The story of James Capers Jr. represents the very best of the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Marines repeatedly faced impossible odds, endured brutal jungle warfare, and placed mission and comrades above personal safety. Capers’ long-overdue Medal of Honor stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, sacrifice, and greatness of all U.S. Marines who served in the Vietnam War.

Listen to Episode 3300 and discover more about the award of the Medal of Honor to Marine Vietnam Vet Major (Ret) James Capers, Jr.

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Saying Goodbye to Vietnam

Regis Martin

Episode 3299 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Regis Martin’s take on the War. The featured story is titled: On Saying Goodbye to Vietnam. It appeared on the Crisis Magazine website and was submitted by Regis Martin.

Martin reported that this powerful reflection captures the experience of the Vietnam Veteran Generation, a generation shaped by one of the most controversial and challenging periods in American history. Between 1964 and 1975, millions of young Americans came of age during the Vietnam War, yet only a small percentage were called upon to serve, and an even smaller number faced combat. Those who answered that call carried a burden that would define their lives forever.

The author recounts being drafted after receiving a low lottery number during his senior year of college. Although he never sought war, he chose to serve out of patriotism, duty, and respect for a family tradition of military service stretching back to World War II. Like countless members of the Vietnam Veteran Generation, he placed country above personal preference and fulfilled his obligation when called.

Serving in Saigon during 1970-71, he witnessed a nation struggling amid war and uncertainty. While his role was not on the front lines, he remained part of the vast military effort dedicated to defending freedom in Southeast Asia. He never forgot the nearly 58,000 Americans who gave their lives, nor the friends whose names are forever etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The essay also highlights a painful reality shared by many Vietnam veterans: they returned home without parades or public celebration. Yet despite the hardships, sacrifices, and national divisions surrounding the war, these veterans endured with dignity and honor.

The Vietnam Veteran Generation represents courage, duty, resilience, and selfless service. Their sacrifices helped preserve the freedoms Americans enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Listen to Episode 3299 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Regis Martin’s take on the War.

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Don McCullin Vietnam

A Marine in shock

Marines in Tet

Episode 3298 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam War photographer Don McCullin and his last book. The featured story is titled: Don McCullin’s Final Photo Book Will Look Back at His 16 Trips to Vietnam. It appeared on the PetaPixel website and was submitted by Matt Growcoot.

Growcoot reported that “Few photographers have documented the human cost of war as powerfully as Sir Don McCullin. Born in 1935, the renowned British photojournalist built a legendary career capturing the suffering, hardship, and resilience of people caught in conflict and poverty. His guiding philosophy has always been deeply personal: ‘Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.’

Now approaching his 91st year, McCullin has announced what he says will be his final book, Vietnam, a comprehensive retrospective of his experiences covering the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1972. Drawn from dozens of trips to the war zone and hundreds of rolls of film, the book will feature many of his most iconic black-and-white images, including the famous Shell-Shocked US Marine photograph taken during the Tet Offensive.

More than a collection of photographs, Vietnam will include McCullin’s personal notes, commentary, contact sheets, press materials, identification cards, and other artifacts from his time in the field. Together, they offer an intimate and deeply reflective account of the fear, violence, devastation, trauma, and human suffering he witnessed.

Despite worldwide recognition, McCullin remains haunted by the memories of Vietnam, especially the Tet Offensive, where he saw many American soldiers killed at close range. He continues to question whether his work changed anything, noting that wars have continued long after Vietnam. Yet his photographs remain among the most powerful visual records of war ever created, ensuring that the sacrifices and tragedies of those conflicts are never forgotten.”

Listen to Episode 3298 and discover more about Vietnam War photographer Don McCullin and his last book.

Recommended Reading

Vietnam

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Quang Tri Tunnels

Episode 3297 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Quang Tri tunnels becoming a tourist attraction. The featured story is titled: The underground tunnel village where Vietnamese people lived for years to hide from war. It appeared on the CNN website and was submitted by Pavlo Fedykovych.

Fedykovych reported that The story of Vịnh Mốc is one of the most remarkable examples of human endurance and ingenuity during the Vietnam War. Once a peaceful fishing village in Quảng Trị Province, Vịnh Mốc found itself on the front lines of conflict after Vietnam was divided by the Geneva Accords and the nearby Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) became a focal point of military activity. Subjected to relentless bombing, with thousands of tons of explosives falling on the area, the villagers faced a stark choice: abandon their homes or find a way to survive.

Determined to remain on their ancestral land, the people of Vịnh Mốc embarked on an extraordinary project. Beginning in 1965, they dug an extensive underground tunnel complex that would become a fully functioning subterranean village. Stretching more than a mile and built on multiple levels, the tunnels contained family living quarters, wells, kitchens, meeting areas, and numerous exits leading to the sea and surrounding farmland. Ingenious engineering features helped protect residents from bomb blasts while providing ventilation, water, and access to supplies.

For nearly seven years, approximately 400 villagers lived beneath the earth. During the day they remained hidden underground, emerging only at night to fish, farm, and gather necessities. Despite the harsh and claustrophobic conditions, life continued. Families raised children, meals were prepared using specially designed smoke-dispersing stoves, and at least 17 babies were born in the tunnels.

Today, the Vịnh Mốc Tunnels stand as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by Vietnamese civilians during the war. They symbolize resilience, determination, and the extraordinary lengths ordinary people will go to protect their families and preserve their way of life in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Listen to Episode 3297 and discover more about the Quang Tri tunnels becoming a tourist attraction.

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SMJ Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine

Episode 3296 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet SMJ Paul Hershey. The featured story is titled: Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey – a U.S. Marine, Part 1. It appeared on the Appen Media Group website and was submitted by Bob Meyers.

Meyers reported that Marine Vietnam Veterans represent one of the most courageous and dedicated generations in American military history, and the story of Sgt. Maj. Paul Hershey is a shining example of their greatness. Faced with the expiration of his student deferment in 1965, Hershey chose to enlist in the United States Marine Corps rather than wait to be drafted. That decision launched a remarkable 29-year career of service that carried him through some of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War and beyond.

After enduring the demanding training at Parris Island, Hershey deployed to Vietnam, where he fought in major combat operations including Operation Dewey Canyon, Operation Hastings, the battles of Que Son Valley, A Shau Valley, Helicopter Valley, and the brutal Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive. Like many Marines who served in Vietnam, he faced danger almost daily. His bravery came at a high cost, as he was wounded four times and spent nearly a year recovering in military and VA hospitals.

Yet, like so many Marine Vietnam Veterans, Hershey continued to serve. He became a drill instructor, helped train future Marines, participated in the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, and assisted in rescuing refugees fleeing communist rule. He also took part in the Mayaguez Incident, one of the final military actions connected to the Vietnam era.

Promoted to sergeant major in 1979, Hershey rose to one of the highest enlisted ranks in the Marine Corps. His career reflects the resilience, leadership, sacrifice, and devotion to duty that define Marine Vietnam Veterans. Their service under extraordinarily difficult circumstances helped shape military history and continues to inspire generations of Americans.

Listen to Episode 3296 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet SMJ Paul Hershey.

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Platoon leader 2nd Lt. Mike Lambert and Staff Sgt. John Miller sit outside their command post at An Hoa Combat Base. Command posts typically were where commanders and their staffs made strategic decisions based on real time information.
[LAMBERT FAMILY/PROVIDED]

Mike Lambert, center with green necktie, gathers with family members to celebrate his and Peggy’s 50th wedding anniversary at St. Brendan the Navigator Church in Cumming.
LAMBERT FAMILY/PROVIDED

Episode 3295 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Marine Vietnam Vet Mike Lambert. The featured story is titled: The story of Mike Lambert, U.S. Marine in Viet Nam. It appeared on the Appen Media Group website and was submitted by Bob Meyers.

Meyers reported that Mike Lambert’s story is a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication that defined the Vietnam Veteran generation. Raised in Buckhead, Georgia, Mike built a life rooted in family, faith, and service. His remarkable love story with his wife Peggy began through her brother David, a naval officer who had served in Vietnam. Their whirlwind romance led to a marriage that has endured for decades and produced a large, loving family.

After graduating from Spring Hill College in 1966, Mike answered the call to serve. Motivated by a desire to help others and defend freedom, he joined the United States Marine Corps and arrived in Vietnam in November 1967. As a young second lieutenant leading a battle-hardened rifle platoon near An Hoa Combat Base, Mike quickly earned the trust of his Marines under intense combat conditions. Facing enemy snipers, booby traps, mines, and frequent clashes with North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces, he demonstrated calm leadership and bravery.

Mike and his platoon played a critical role in protecting vital routes from enemy infiltration and later fought in the brutal Battle of Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive. The fierce urban combat tested every Marine’s skill, endurance, and courage. Through it all, Mike and his fellow Marines displayed extraordinary resilience in one of the war’s most difficult campaigns.

For his valor and sacrifice, Mike received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Combat “V.” Yet his story represents far more than one man’s achievements. It reflects the greatness of all Vietnam Veterans—men and women who served honorably under difficult circumstances, endured hardship, and answered their nation’s call with courage. Their legacy of duty, sacrifice, and patriotism continues to inspire future generations of Americans.

Listen to Episode 3295 and discover more about Marine Vietnam Vet Mike Lambert.

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1st Lt. Army Nurse Ginny Dornheggen in the 67th Evacuation Hospital’s intensive care unit recovery ward in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. in September 1970. The photo was used when Ginny was inducted into the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2024.

Episode 3294 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Army nurse Ginny Deardorff. The featured story is titled: Nurse Ginny, a Vietnam heroine who saved lives. It appeared on the Appen Media Group website. It was submitted by Bob Meyers.

It was reported by Meyers that the story of Ginny Deardorff Dornheggen is a powerful reminder of the courage, skill, and sacrifice of female Vietnam veterans. Determined from childhood to become a nurse, she joined the Army Nurse Corps after nursing school and was eventually deployed to Qui Nhon in 1970. There, at the 67th Evacuation Hospital, she cared for severely wounded soldiers, sailors, and Marines in the surgical intensive care unit and recovery room.

Working 12-hour shifts or longer, often six or seven days a week, Dornheggen treated devastating combat injuries caused by explosions, gunshots, and battlefield hazards. Her work demanded exceptional medical skill and emotional strength. During a massive Viet Cong attack on a nearby ammunition dump in January 1971, she and fellow nurses shielded wounded patients and moved them to safety while explosions continued through the night. Their actions saved lives.

Like many female Vietnam veterans, Dornheggen carried the invisible wounds of war for years, coping with PTSD while continuing to serve her family, community, and profession. Her military nursing career ultimately spanned 43 years, touching countless lives.

About 7,000 women served as nurses in Vietnam, yet their contributions were often overlooked after the war. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial now stands as a lasting tribute to these remarkable women. Ginny Dornheggen’s story represents the greatness of female Vietnam veterans: compassionate under fire, resilient in adversity, and indispensable to the survival of thousands of wounded service members.

Listen to Episode 3294 and discover more about Army nurse Ginny Deardorff.

Library of Congress Vietnam History Project

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The Wall That Heals at Pottawattamie County

Episode 3293 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Wall that Heals visit to Pottawattamie County. The featured story is titled: Pottawattamie County Welcomed Thousands for The Wall That Heals. It appeared on the https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov website. It was submitted by Veterans Service Office of the County.

It was reported that the arrival of The Wall That Heals in Pottawattamie County over Memorial Day weekend created a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s Vietnam veterans. Hosted at Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs, the traveling three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial provided thousands of visitors with an opportunity to honor the more than 58,000 service members whose names are etched on the Wall.

Throughout the four-day event, an estimated 10,000 people from Iowa, Nebraska, and surrounding areas visited the memorial. Many searched for the names of fallen loved ones, left personal tributes, and reflected on the tremendous sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. For Vietnam veterans, the exhibit offered something many had waited decades to receive—a heartfelt welcome home and long-overdue recognition for their service.

The weekend featured several meaningful ceremonies, including a Welcome Home Ceremony, a Quilts of Valor presentation, a PTSD awareness event called Light the Night for PTSD, and a Memorial Day Closing Ceremony. These events highlighted both remembrance and healing while honoring veterans who answered their nation’s call during one of America’s most challenging conflicts.

More than 250 volunteers helped make the event possible, demonstrating the community’s gratitude toward those who served. From the motorcade escort that welcomed the Wall into town to the playing of Taps each evening, every detail reflected respect for America’s veterans.

The Wall That Heals reminded visitors that the greatness of Vietnam veterans is found not only in their bravery on the battlefield but also in their resilience afterward. Their sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to duty continue to inspire future generations and strengthen the nation they proudly served.

Listen to Episode 3293 and discover more about the Wall that Heals visit to Pottawattamie County.

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Air Force COL Harry John Pawlak II, “Opa” died peacefully at home on March 24, 2024

Episode 3292 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Vet Harry Pawlak Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Air Force Colonel Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam. It appeared on the Arlington National Cemetery website. It was submitted by Kevin M. Hymel.

Hymel reported that U.S. Air Force Col. Harry Pawlak’s remarkable life stands as a powerful example of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication displayed by America’s Vietnam veterans. Laid to rest with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery on May 7, 2026, Pawlak’s story reflects the extraordinary service of a generation that answered their nation’s call under some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable.

During the Vietnam War, Pawlak flew more than 700 combat reconnaissance missions between 1964 and 1967, often piloting a slow-flying Cessna O-1E named “Darlene” after his wife. Flying low over hostile territory, he routinely faced enemy fire while searching for enemy forces. His bravery became legendary. In one mission, he deliberately drew enemy fire away from a wounded South Vietnamese wingman, helping save the pilot’s life and earning the Vietnam Medal of Gallantry with Silver Star. On another mission, he attacked an enemy convoy, triggering a massive explosion that destroyed more than 80 trucks. Despite burns to his face and temporary blindness, he managed to survive the ordeal and return safely.

Pawlak was shot down twice during the war. After one crash in Laos, he escaped capture and endured a grueling three-week trek through the jungle, surviving on insects and lizards before reaching safety. Such determination exemplifies the resilience that made Vietnam veterans some of the toughest warriors in American history.

Following Vietnam, Pawlak continued serving his country for more than two decades, retiring in 1988 with over 5,000 flight hours and numerous decorations. Even in retirement, he remained a leader in military and aviation organizations. His Arlington funeral, attended by generations of family members, honored a true American hero whose life embodied service, courage, and devotion. Harry Pawlak’s legacy reminds us of the greatness of Vietnam veterans and the sacrifices they made for their nation.

Listen to Episode 3292 and discover more about the Vietnam Vet Harry Pawlak Flew 700 Combat Missions Over Vietnam.