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Episode 3133 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Vet who returned a diary found on the battlefield in 1967. The featured story is titled: Vietnam veteran carried enemy’s diary for 56 years — until he fulfilled his silent promise to fallen soldier’s family. It appeared on the Upworthy website and was submitted by Hridyambika A Manu.
Manu reported that in a powerful reminder of compassion and reconciliation, Vietnam War veteran Peter Mathews fulfilled a decades-long mission to return a lost diary belonging to a fallen Vietnamese soldier. In May 2023, 56 years after discovering the diary during the brutal battle of Dak To in 1967, Mathews returned it to the family of Cao Van Tuat, a 21-year-old soldier who perished in the war. The diary—filled with poetry, music, and vivid illustrations—had remained in Mathews’ care for over half a century, a symbol of both the tragedy and humanity of war.
Despite political divisions and the horrors of combat, Mathews, like so many Vietnam veterans, carried a deep respect for life and a desire for healing. His emotional journey—from counting bodies on the battlefield to reuniting with Van Tuat’s family—speaks volumes about the character of these veterans. His act of kindness brought peace to a family that had no mementos of their lost son, not even a photograph. Vietnam veterans like Mathews exemplify dignity, integrity, and compassion, showing that even after decades, their service and humanity continue to make a difference in the world.
Listen to Episode 3133 and discover more about the Vietnam Vet who returned a diary found on the battlefield in 1967.
