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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.

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ROY VŨ, a history professor at Dallas College North Lake Campus.

Episode 3035 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Professor Roy Vu who will discuss his book Farm to Freedom.  Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast will introduce and interview Professor Vu about his new book.

ROY VŨ is a history professor at Dallas College North Lake Campus and an advisory board member for Foodways Texas and Keep Irving Beautiful, where he is the 2018 recipient of the Sadie Ray Graff Education Award. His previous books include Our Finite Bounty: An Anthology of Sustainable Topics and Feasted Landscapes: Sustainability in American Topics. He lives in Irving, Texas.

Home gardens, in addition to providing sustenance and satisfaction, embody a sense of self identity. In this groundbreaking work on Vietnamese foodways, Farm-to-Freedom: Vietnamese Americans and Their Food Gardens brings to light how the Vietnamese diasporic population in Texas uses gardens literally and figuratively to set down roots in a new country.

These gardens, often hidden in plain sight, establish the seat of Vietnamese immigrant culture, according to author Roy Vũ. They can also offer Vietnamese Americans an empowering pathway to forging a new homeland duality by retaining ties to the foods and environs they drew comfort from in Vietnam.

Farm-to-Freedom uses the concept of emancipatory foodways as a lens into gardens that serve a semi-palliative purpose by succoring the experienced tragedies of war and exile for Vietnamese immigrants and Vietnamese Americans, which arguably adds another dimension to the importance of the home garden. Vũ covers topics including but not limited to culinary citizenship, food democracy, culinary justice, and food sovereignty. Farm-to-Freedom reveals how these gardens not only provide those who tend them a greater sense of security and agency in an unfamiliar land but also give them the means to preserve and expand Vietnamese cuisine for themselves while simultaneously enriching food culture in the United States.

With a wealth of original oral histories, community-based recipes and poetry, and photographs of home gardens in suburban and urban settings, Farm-to-Freedom provides a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese diaspora in Texas for scholars, professionals, and general readers alike.

Listen to Episode 3035 and discover more about Professor Vu’s book Farm to Freedom.

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Episode 3034 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with Phi-Van Nguyen, the author of A Displaced Nation. Cody Billock will serve as the interlocutor and Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast will introduce the guests.

The book A Displaced Nation provides important information about how the American Vietnam War came about. The War was a momentous event for the world. It resulted in the creation of a monument in Washington, D.C. with 58,281 names etched on its surface of Americans who died in that War. It is very important to know what happened in the past so we don’t repeat the bad things in the future. The book discussed in this episode helps in that education process.

 In A Displaced Nation, Phi-Van Nguyen argues that the displacement of eight hundred thousand mostly Roman Catholic evacuees from North Vietnam in 1954 had a profound impact on the war opposing Saigon on both Hanoi and on the evacuees themselves. Assisting with the transportation, emergency relief, and resettlement of the evacuees allowed diverse organizations and the United States to support Saigon. This transnational mobilization also convinced the evacuees the “free world” would never let Vietnam remain divided.

Many people see the Vietnam wars spanning from 1945 to 1989 as separate conflicts. But Nguyen demonstrates that the evacuees experienced a continuous civil war. A Displaced Nation shows the evacuees felt so validated by transnational support that they thought they could use this external help to return one day to the north. This belief was not constant nor were the strategies to achieve it the same for all, but through their political activism and action the evacuees showed they were willing to seize any opportunity to oppose Hanoi during the subsequent decades, even once established overseas.

Listen to Episode 3034 and discover more about A Displaced Nation.

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Episode 3033 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a conversation with Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast, David Levinthal and Lon Holmberg. Levinthal and Holmberg have recently published picture books about the Vietnam War.

In his latest book, David Levinthal explores the visual lexicon of the war in Vietnam through photographs that have thunderous, visceral impact. The images showcase the artist’s sophisticated handling of photographic tools and techniques to dramatize figures and dioramas based on the war. His reflection on the consequential effects of the conflict on American popular culture and the artist’s own memories of the era, Vietnam is haunted by the legacy of movies like Platoon and Full Metal Jacket and recontextualizes Hitler Moves East, Levinthal’s breakthrough body of work made with Garry Trudeau just as America was withdrawing from Vietnam. With written contributions from French novelist Bernard-Henri Lévy; and art historian and curator Lisa Hostetler, the volume takes visual inventory of a war that shattered conventional ideas about America’s geopolitical power, the national psyche, contemporary social relations, and mass media.

Holmberg’s book Crossing the Pass of Clouds: An Army Photographer’s Vietnam Journal is an intimate portrait of the last years of the Vietnam War in 147 black-and-white pictures and a series of vignettes written by photographer Lon Holmberg. As the photographer for American Commanding General Creighton Abrams, Holmberg had the opportunity to document pivotal moments involving a range of influential historical figures. Among the many remarkable images Holmberg has captured are photographs of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu, US Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger during his journey to China, a trip that paved the way for President Nixon’s historic visit the following year.

Listen to Episode 3033 and discover more about Lon Holmberg and David Levinthal picture books about the Vietnam War.

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30% Discount Code: CLA2025 – (Good thru May 31, 2025)

Buy the book by phone: 800 737 7788

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Anvi Hoang

Episode 3032 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a conversation with Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast and writer Anvi Hoang. Anvi was born and raised in Vietnam, Twenty Five years ago she came to this country to continue her graduate education in Indiana.

In this episode she will describe the experience of the Vietnamese people after the end of the American Vietnam War fifty years ago. Anvi is in a good position to talk about the subject because she has a great deal of experience in both Vietnam and the U. S. especially since she has become a naturalized citizen of this country.

She described the hardships faced by the Vietnamese people during the ten years after the fall of Saigon. Starvation and extreme poverty was widespread in those years because the government was attempting to put communism into practice to pay homage to the Chicoms and the USSR who were there benefactors in the War.

Anvi describes how the Vietnamese trashed their communist economic system in the late 1980’s, converted to a capitalistic type and now everyone is better off and mostly rich.

During the conversation Anve also talked about the book Water Mark and her contribution to it.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its publication, the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network and Texas Tech University Press are proud to release a newly updated version of Watermark: Vietnamese American Poetry & Prose, the seminal anthology of Vietnamese American literature. Contextualized by a new foreword from Isabelle Thuy Pelaud and seasoned with new voices, Watermark: Vietnamese American Poetry & Prose, 25th Anniversary Edition takes its place as a generational work of eclectic and essential voices.

Listen to Episode 3032 and discover more about Anvi Hoang’s very interesting discussion of life in Vietnam after the American Vietnam War.

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800-848-6224

There is a 30% discount off the purchase price with the use of buyer code 20AWP25 good through July 1, 2025.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema.

Medal of Honor

Episode 3031 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema, a true American hero, exemplified extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War. Serving in the U.S. Army’s Company D, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, Yntema displayed unmatched bravery during a critical mission in An Giang Province Province, Republic of Vietnam, on January 16–18, 1968. His heroic actions would earn him the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.

While leading a company of South Vietnamese soldiers, SGT Yntema’s unit was attacked by a superior Viet Cong force. Despite being wounded early in the battle, Yntema refused evacuation and continued to direct the defense. When his weapon was damaged, he fought on with a pistol and grenades, rallying his men and holding his ground. Even after being captured and brutally beaten, SGT Yntema steadfastly refused to surrender vital information or betray his comrades. His ultimate sacrifice became a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

Born June 26, 1945, in Bethesda, Maryland, Gordon Douglas Yntema dedicated his life to service, valor, and duty. His Medal of Honor citation highlights his extraordinary heroism, selflessness, and loyalty under impossible conditions. Yntema’s legacy lives on as a testament to the bravery of all who served during the Vietnam War.

Today, Medal of Honor recipient SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema is remembered as a shining example of the courage, sacrifice, and honor that defines America’s military heroes. His story continues to inspire new generations of soldiers and patriots alike.

Listen to Episode 3031 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army SGT Gordon Douglas Yntema.