The Scuttlebutt: Understanding Military Culture

Civilian Women in Vietnam

​During the Vietnam War, American civilians played pivotal roles in supporting both military operations and humanitarian efforts, working through government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Thousands of these civilians were women, and we talk with several of them tonight!

Ann Kelsey was a UCLA graduate when she volunteered for the Army Special Services to serve in Vietnam as a civilian librarian. ​In Vietnam, Kelsey managed the U.S. Army Headquarters Area Command Library in Saigon before overseeing four libraries across Cam Ranh Bay, the Sixth Convalescent Center, Dong Ba Thin, and Nha Trang. These libraries functioned much like small-town public libraries, providing soldiers with access to books, records, and movies. They served as crucial sanctuaries, offering soldiers a respite from the war and a connection to the familiar comforts of home.

Kelsey’s role extended beyond managing library resources; she assisted soldiers with correspondence courses, helping them pursue educational goals amidst the chaos of war. Her dedication to supporting the troops highlighted the importance of intellectual engagement and morale-boosting activities during the conflict.

After her service in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, Ann continued her career in library science, working in various libraries and specializing in automation planning and system procurement. She remained actively involved in veterans’ organizations and efforts to document the oral histories of veterans, ensuring that the experiences of those who served are preserved for future generations. ​wliw.org+2oralhistory.rutgers.edu+2news.ucr.edu+2

Ann’s experiences in Vietnam not only exemplify the critical role of civilian support during wartime but also underscore the profound impact such service can have on both the individuals who serve and those they support.​

René Johnson similarly felt a compelling need to understand the U.S. involvement in the war firsthand. In 1969, after graduating from Florida State University, she joined the American Red Cross’s Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program, becoming one of the esteemed “Donut Dollies.” ​

René was initially stationed at Chu Lai with the Americal Division and later at Cu Chi with the 25th Infantry Division. Her primary role involved traveling to remote fire support bases via helicopter, where she and her colleagues organized morale-boosting activities for the troops. A typical day entailed boarding a helicopter around six in the morning, visiting one or two firebases, conducting programs for at least five hours, serving lunch, and then returning to base to prepare for the next day’s activities. ​

The challenges were significant. René  recounted that visiting soldiers in hospitals, especially those with severe injuries, was particularly taxing. She grappled with finding the right words to comfort those who had sustained critical wounds, such as lost limbs or disfigured faces, and endeavored to reassure them about their futures. ​

Despite the hardships, René found her work deeply fulfilling. After completing her one-year tour as a Donut Dollie, she felt a profound connection to Vietnam and its people. This bond led her to return with the U.S. Army Special Services in the Service Club division, further supporting the troops and local communities.

Betty Burris felt it wasn’t fair that our men were subject to the draft and women weren’t. Betty applied to the Air Force but was told she’d have to wait for induction, probably due to a quota that limited the number of women in the military. As a USO volunteer in Philadelphia, she learned of the American Red Cross (ARC) Service in Military Hospitals program. Betty served in the ARC as a Social Worker from 1970 to 1978 in the Portsmouth Naval Regional Medical Center (Virginia), Valley Forge Army Hospital (Pennsylvania), 95th Evacuation Hospital (Vietnam) , Saigon Army Hospital (Vietnam), Wiesbaden Air Force Hospital (Germany), and the Philadelphia Naval Regional Medical Center (Pennsylvania).      

We’ll also talk with other women who served in Vietnam with the US Agency for International Development , Non-governmental organizations, and the American Red Cross. ​

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Marine Force Recon in Vietnam

We invite veterans of Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance (Force Recon) to talk about their service in Vietnam. Bill Barber and Bruce “Doc” Norton both have stories about conducting deep reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and direct action missions behind enemy lines.

Unlike conventional infantry units, Force Recon operated in small teams, often just six to eight men, inserted by helicopter, boat, or foot deep into enemy-controlled territory. Their primary mission was to locate and observe North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong movements, determine enemy strength, and call in airstrikes or artillery on enemy positions. They also conducted raids, prisoner snatches, ambushes, and battle damage assessments. The nature of their work meant they frequently engaged in brutal, close-quarters combat, often fighting their way out of overwhelming enemy forces.

Force Recon’s training and operational methods set them apart from standard Marine infantry. They were trained in airborne operations, scuba diving, long-range patrolling, and survival in enemy territory. Their missions required a high level of stealth, endurance, and mental toughness, as they could be alone in the jungle for days, surviving on limited rations while avoiding detection. In Vietnam’s dense terrain, Force Recon teams had to move silently, leaving no trace, and blend into the jungle to observe enemy troop movements. They carried suppressed weapons, radios for calling in fire support, and often had to break contact with superior enemy forces using a combination of speed, deception, and well-planned extraction procedures.

Bill Barber served with the First Force Reconnaissance Company, Third Reconnaissance Battalion in I Corps Vietnam in 1965-1966. He stayed in the Marine Corps after returning from Vietnam and went on to serve in Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Panama Invasion.

Bruce “Doc” Norton, a Navy Corpsman who served with Marine Force Recon in Vietnam, later became an author and historian, documenting the experiences of these elite Marines. Norton’s writings provide firsthand insight into the brutal and relentless nature of Force Recon missions. His accounts describe the grueling conditions of operating in triple-canopy jungle, where visibility was limited, and the ever-present danger of ambushes, booby traps, and enemy patrols made every step a potential death trap. He wrote about the intense firefights that would erupt when a recon team was compromised, often requiring rapid extraction by helicopter under heavy enemy fire. In these situations, the ability to call in airstrikes and artillery with precision was the difference between survival and annihilation.

Norton’s experiences also highlight the bond among Force Recon Marines and their dedication to each other. As a corpsman, he was responsible for treating wounded Marines under fire, sometimes having to perform life-saving procedures while rounds cracked through the jungle around them. His books detail moments of heroism, loss, and the sheer physical and mental toll that these missions took on the men who conducted them. Unlike the large-scale battles of conventional Marine units, Force Recon’s war was often fought in the shadows, a relentless cycle of stealth, violence, and survival.

Marine Force Recon’s impact on the Vietnam War was significant. Their intelligence-gathering efforts helped shape Marine operations in I Corps, allowing commanders to anticipate enemy movements and strike before the NVA or Viet Cong could. Their direct action missions disrupted enemy logistics, eliminated key targets, and kept pressure on enemy forces in areas where large Marine units could not operate effectively. Despite their small numbers, Force Recon Marines were a force multiplier, striking fear into the enemy and providing invaluable battlefield intelligence.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Veterans Discuss the Draft Lottery

This compelling conversation revolves around the memories of Vietnam veterans regarding the 1969 draft lottery, a pivotal moment in American history. The lottery, televised nationally, replaced the previous system of deferments, particularly the college student deferment, which had shielded many young men, including some of the participants, from immediate conscription. The event was highly anticipated and anxiety-inducing, with participants glued to their radios or televisions to learn their fate. The veterans’ experiences illustrate the emotional weight of this lottery, highlighting how it impacted their lives and future plans.

The veterans describe the lottery’s mechanics: two drums containing birthdates and numbers, respectively, were used to randomly assign draft numbers. Lower numbers meant a higher likelihood of being drafted into the Vietnam War. Several veterans vividly recall the palpable tension and the stark contrast in reactions between those receiving low and high numbers. One veteran, Chad, recounts how his low number didn’t immediately alter his plans but forced him to seriously consider his future and ultimately led him to pursue a commission in the Navy. This illustrates how the Vietnam lottery dramatically altered the trajectory of young men’s lives. Many of them, like the veterans in this discussion, found themselves faced with a difficult decision, and the shadow of Vietnam hung heavy over their futures. Even those who had already enlisted found the lottery to have a significant impact, some using it to justify self-initiated eliminations from training programs.

The discussion underscores the stark differences between volunteering for service and being drafted. Those who volunteered often had more choice regarding their assignment, unlike draftees who were frequently assigned to infantry units and faced a higher probability of combat in Vietnam. This crucial difference highlights the unequal distribution of risk and opportunity inherent in the system. Several veterans described their choice to enlist, highlighting the various reasons, including the opportunity for specialized training and the differing lengths of service compared to the draft. They discuss the logistical complications, particularly concerning the length of service and unexpected early releases, often impacting their financial planning and family life.

The veterans also touch upon the significant number of Americans who fled to Canada to avoid the draft, highlighting the widespread anti-war sentiment and the lengths many went to avoid deployment to Vietnam. While precise numbers remain elusive, estimates range from 30,000 to 60,000. This conversation, however, does not omit the often untold story of Canadians who chose to join the US military to fight in Vietnam, showing that there were many people on both sides of this particular border issue. The participants speak to the emotional and practical challenges faced by those who made these difficult choices, illustrating the deep divisions within the country during this time. The stories shared by those who went to Vietnam remind us that many lives were affected by this war in profound ways. The Donut Dollies, while not explicitly mentioned in their anecdotes, represent a parallel story of civilian involvement in the Vietnam War, providing a stark contrast to the experiences of soldiers who served on the frontlines and felt the ever-present threat of the draft. The women of the Donut Dollies program provided invaluable support to the troops, and their stories are a reminder that civilians, too, were affected by the war effort.

The discussion highlights the complexities of the Vietnam War era and the lasting impact of the draft lottery on the lives of countless American men. The veterans’ candid reflections paint a picture of a generation grappling with profound choices amidst immense social and political upheaval. Their shared experiences underscore the psychological toll of the war, whether they served in Vietnam or dodged the draft, and the collective memory of this tumultuous period. It was a time where even a simple radio announcement about the draft lottery could dramatically change the course of someone’s life and profoundly shape their memories of the Vietnam war, even years after the fact. The emotional weight of those experiences is conveyed with remarkable honesty, and the contrast between the casual television broadcast of the lottery and the very real human consequences is striking. Even the mention of the Donut Dollies, who provided crucial support in Vietnam, serves as a reminder of the broader context of civilian involvement and the widespread impact of the war.

Conversation with Navy SeaBees

We call upon all former Navy SeaBees to join us for a conversation marking the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy’s Construction Battalions on March 5, 1942. Formed in response to the urgent need for military construction forces capable of working under combat conditions, the Seabees have since established themselves as an indispensable part of U.S. military operations.

Before World War II, the Navy relied on civilian contractors to build bases and infrastructure. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entry into the war, it became clear that construction crews needed to be able to defend themselves. The solution was the formation of Naval Construction Battalions—skilled builders trained as combatants. The name “Seabees” comes from the phonetic pronunciation of the initials “CB.”

Seabees undergo rigorous training that combines construction expertise with military readiness. Initial training takes place at the Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Port Hueneme, California. Recruits learn essential skills like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, heavy equipment operation, and demolition. In addition, they receive weapons training and instruction in defensive tactics, ensuring they can operate in hostile environments. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” reflects their dual purpose.

During World War II, Seabees were deployed to the Pacific and European theaters, constructing airstrips, roads, bridges, and bases under combat conditions. They played a key role in the island-hopping campaigns of the Pacific, building the infrastructure necessary for advancing U.S. forces. In the Battle of Guadalcanal, Seabees constructed Henderson Field, a crucial airstrip that enabled the Allies to gain air superiority. At Iwo Jima, they worked under constant enemy fire, repairing airfields to keep American planes in the fight. By the war’s end, Seabees had built over 400 advanced bases and countless facilities that proved essential to victory.

When the Korean War erupted in 1950, the Seabees were once again called upon to provide critical construction support. They built airstrips, roads, and supply depots in challenging environments. One of their most notable achievements was the rapid construction of an airfield at Wonsan, which played a key role in supporting Marine and Army operations. Seabees also repaired and maintained infrastructure in war-torn areas, showcasing their ability to work in extreme conditions.

In Vietnam, the Seabees operated extensively, constructing bases, airstrips, hospitals, and roads while also engaging in civic action projects. They built schools, hospitals, and bridges to help local communities, winning the support of Vietnamese civilians. One of their most daring projects was the construction of Khe Sanh Combat Base, a strategic stronghold. Seabees worked under enemy fire to complete the base, enabling U.S. forces to hold their ground during the pivotal siege of Khe Sanh in 1968.

Since Vietnam, Seabees have continued to play a crucial role in military and humanitarian missions worldwide. They built infrastructure in the Persian Gulf during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, repaired damage from hurricanes and natural disasters, and provided disaster relief in Haiti and the Philippines. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Seabees built forward operating bases, roads, and medical facilities, ensuring U.S. and allied forces had the support they needed.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Gold Star Families Speak

Vietnam Marine Corps veteran and author Ron Farina's new book, "Sacrifice: The Final Chapter," tells the stories of American Service Members who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the enduring effects on their loved ones.

We talk with Ron about the book and also with three family members profiled in it.

We hear from Helen Keiser-Pederson whose son Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel was killed in Afghanistan in 2013, Michael and Pat Parry whose son Brian Bill, Navy SEAL, was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, and Rob Kugler, a Marine himself, whose brother and idol, Mike, was killed in Iraq in 2007.

Ron Farina’s storytelling provides an emotional look into the specific acts of sacrifice, using each person’s unique perspective to tell their stories. His Vietnam War experience enables him to capture the essence of military service and sacrifice, not only by these inspirational men and women warriors but also by the remarkable people left behind. The book is a testament to the resilience and strength of these families, highlighting how they navigate their grief and find ways to honor their loved ones’ memories.

Like the book, this program is a call to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of Service Members and their families long after the news stories fade.

This conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war, urging readers to acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by Service Members and their families. Through vivid and haunting narratives, Farina ensures that the stories of these heroes and their families are not forgotten, but rather honored and remembered.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Major General William M. Matz, Jr. (Ret)

We welcome Major General William M. Matz Jr., a distinguished retired U.S. Army officer, whose new book, My Toughest Battle: A Soldier’s Lifelong Struggle with Polio, chronicles his journey of overcoming polio and his distinguished military career.

In August 1944, at a young age, Matz contracted polio, resulting in paralysis of his right leg. Despite a grim prognosis, he demonstrated remarkable determination, undergoing extensive treatments and rehabilitation. His perseverance enabled him to overcome the physical challenges posed by the disease, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

Matz pursued higher education at Gettysburg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He furthered his studies with a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of San Diego. His academic achievements were complemented by military training, including graduation from the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne and Ranger Schools, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. Additionally, he completed Harvard University’s Senior Executives in Government/Management Course.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1962, Matz embarked on a military career that spanned over three decades. As an infantryman, he served in Korea and Panama, and as a company commander with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he was wounded during the 1968 Tet Offensive. His service extended to multiple tours with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, and he held the position of executive secretary to Secretaries of Defense Caspar Weinberger and Frank Carlucci. Matz also served two years with Navy/Marine Corps amphibious forces in the Pacific during a second tour in Vietnam and deployed with the 7th Infantry Division to Panama during Operation JUST CAUSE in 1989.

Upon retiring from the Army in 1995, Matz transitioned to the defense industry, holding positions such as Vice President of Army Programs at Raytheon Company and General Manager for Vinnell/Northrop Grumman’s Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2005, President George W. Bush appointed him to the Veterans’ Disability Benefits Commission, where he served until 2008. He also served as President of the National Association for Uniformed Services, advocating for service members, veterans, and their families.

In January 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Matz as the Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), a position he held until March 2021. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials, honoring the service of U.S. armed forces.

Throughout his career, Matz received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Navy F-14s and the Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS)

The Tactical Air Reconnaissance Pods System (TARPS) was a significant advancement in reconnaissance technology, particularly for the U.S. Navy during the late 20th century. TARPS, developed and deployed during the Gulf War (1990-1991), was a crucial system designed to enhance real-time intelligence-gathering capabilities for naval aviation, especially for carrier-based aircraft.

The system was integrated into F-14 Tomcat fighter jets, allowing them to conduct high-resolution imagery and reconnaissance missions. TARPS utilized a sophisticated suite of sensors, including high-definition cameras and infrared systems, to capture imagery and data over enemy territory. This made it a valuable asset for targeting and surveillance, providing crucial intelligence during the conflict.

One of the individuals behind the deployment of TARPS was Chris Bacon, a Navy veteran who played a role in the system’s operational success. In August 1998, at 17 years old, Chris Bacon joined the Navy and started basic training in Orlando, Florida. After graduation, he went to Photo School in Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduating, he received orders to report to the VF-103, F-14 Fighter Squadron. VF-103 was part of Carrier Air Wing 17, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Shortly after, he deployed for workups in preparation for a six-month deployment. As scheduled, the airwing deployed on August 7 aboard the USS Saratoga and made a rapid crossing of the Mediterranean as Iraq invaded Kuwait. Ten days after deploying, the US began Operation Desert Shield. On the evening of January 28, the USS Saratoga received orders to initiate Desert Storm. After seven months and 21 days of deployment, with 11,700 arrested landings, 12,700 sorties flown, and 36,382 miles traveled, the USS Saratoga returned to its home port on March 28 with fewer sailors.
The success of TARPS marked a significant milestone in the evolution of naval reconnaissance capabilities, enabling Navy pilots to gather detailed intelligence in real time while remaining out of the enemy’s direct line of fire.

During the Gulf War, the U.S. Navy utilized TARPS extensively for various missions, including target identification, battle damage assessment, and strategic reconnaissance over Iraq and Kuwait. The system’s ability to gather high-quality imagery and intelligence played a vital role in guiding airstrikes and shaping military strategy. The data collected by TARPS provided commanders with timely and actionable intelligence, which greatly enhanced the effectiveness of allied forces during the conflict.

TARPS became a benchmark for future reconnaissance technologies, demonstrating the importance of integrating advanced sensors into military aircraft to improve operational effectiveness. It also highlighted the growing importance of real-time intelligence in modern warfare, a trend that would continue to evolve in subsequent conflicts and military technologies.

In addition to its use in the Gulf War, TARPS continued to serve as a vital tool in the U.S. Navy’s arsenal for many years after the conflict. It contributed to numerous intelligence-gathering operations and was a crucial component of naval reconnaissance efforts in the post-Cold War era. TARPS’ legacy paved the way for future advancements in aerial reconnaissance systems and underscored the importance of technological innovation in military operations.
Overall, the development and deployment of TARPS represented a major leap forward in naval aviation technology. Thanks to the efforts of individuals like Chris Bacon and the broader U.S. Navy team, TARPS played a critical role in the Gulf War, providing essential reconnaissance data that helped shape the outcome of the conflict. Its impact on military reconnaissance continues to be felt today as modern systems build on the foundation laid by TARPS.

January 1, 1994, marked Chris’s final six-month deployment, which coincided perfectly with Operation Deny Flight and Operation Provide Promise, which enforced the UN’s no-fly zone and provided air support over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Upon his return, the USS Saratoga docked in Jacksonville, Florida, and was decommissioned. Her last day at sea was his last day in the Navy.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

The Story of Vietnam POW Doug Hegdahl

Vietnam veteran and author Marc Leepson joins us to talk about his new book, The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW’s Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton.

Doug Hegdahl, a young U.S. Navy sailor, became one of the most unlikely heroes during the Vietnam War. Born in South Dakota in 1946, Hegdahl enlisted in the Navy in 1966. His life took a dramatic turn on April 6, 1967, when he was swept overboard from the USS Canberra in the Gulf of Tonkin. Picked up by a North Vietnamese fishing boat, Hegdahl was handed over to enemy forces and imprisoned at the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”

Initially, Hegdahl’s captors viewed him as a low-value prisoner due to his lack of rank or intelligence-related responsibilities. Exploiting this perception, Hegdahl adopted a persona of naivety and incompetence. He pretended to be illiterate and acted as though he could barely understand the basic circumstances of his imprisonment. This ruse, combined with his youthful appearance and seemingly simple demeanor, led his captors to underestimate him.

Hegdahl’s apparent harmlessness earned him a relatively lenient treatment compared to other POWs, many of whom were subjected to severe torture and harsh interrogation. This freedom allowed him to interact with other prisoners, where he quietly began to collect vital information. Hegdahl’s keen memory became his most powerful tool. By covertly communicating with fellow POWs, he memorized the names, capture dates, and personal details of approximately 256 other American prisoners. He developed mnemonic devices and repeated the information constantly, ensuring he would not forget it.

Hegdahl’s captors sought to use him for propaganda purposes. They compelled him to write statements criticizing the U.S. and attempted to feature him in anti-American broadcasts. Hegdahl feigned compliance but deliberately sabotaged these efforts by inserting errors or delivering performances that were so unconvincing they failed to serve their intended purpose. His ability to walk the fine line between appearing cooperative and undermining his captors’ objectives was critical in maintaining his cover.

In 1969, Hegdahl was released as part of a propaganda initiative by the North Vietnamese. Unlike many POWs who resisted early release to avoid being used as political tools, Hegdahl’s decision to leave was strategic. Senior officers among the prisoners encouraged him to accept release so he could bring his valuable information back to the U.S. government. Upon his return, Hegdahl briefed military officials and intelligence agencies, providing a comprehensive list of POWs still held in Vietnam. His meticulous recall of names and details played a key role in later efforts to account for missing personnel.

Hegdahl’s experience as a POW highlighted the importance of unconventional methods in resisting enemy tactics and supporting fellow prisoners. His ability to exploit his captors’ assumptions about him demonstrated the value of adaptability and ingenuity in adverse conditions. While his story was less widely known than those of higher-ranking officers, his contributions to the broader POW effort were profound.

After the war, Hegdahl’s story became a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of American POWs. His efforts to document the identities and circumstances of his fellow captives provided crucial support to families and military officials seeking closure. In recounting his experiences, Hegdahl often emphasized the importance of collaboration and the shared commitment among POWs to resist their captors and uphold their duty despite extreme adversity.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Donut Dollies in Vietnam

This video features a compelling conversation centered around a documentary in production about the “Donut Dollies” in Vietnam. The filmmaker, Libby, whose mother was a Donut Dolly, discusses her project and its significance in highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of these women during the Vietnam War. Libby’s goal is to bring to light the stories of the 627 women who served as Donut Dollies, part of the American Red Cross’s recreation program in Vietnam. She emphasizes that these women served for a full year, a commitment often minimized or misunderstood, and that they are still not officially recognized as military veterans. This lack of recognition is a driving force behind her documentary.

The conversation opens with Libby explaining her motivation, fueled by her parents’ story – her mother, a Donut Dolly, meeting her father, a helicopter pilot, at Camp Eagle. She notes the consistent surprise and misunderstanding she encounters when mentioning her mother’s service, with people often assuming it was a short-term, superficial role. This misunderstanding underscores the need for a documentary that reveals the true scope and impact of the Donut Dollies’ work in Vietnam.

A significant part of the video focuses on Libby’s quest to gather material for her documentary, titled something like “Donut Dollies: Brave Women in the Vietnam War.” She’s already interviewed seventeen Donut Dollies, but she desperately needs veteran accounts to provide context and perspective. She actively solicits testimonials from Vietnam veterans, emphasizing that even brief recollections of their interactions with the Donut Dollies—positive memories or significant encounters—would greatly enhance the documentary.

Several Vietnam veterans participate in the video call, offering invaluable insights and personal anecdotes. One veteran recounts a poignant story of a Donut Dolly, Jenny Kersch, who died shortly after arriving in Vietnam, highlighting the inherent risks these women faced. Another veteran, Rick Weber, a member of the 101st Airborne Division stationed at Camp Eagle, offers to connect Libby with Susan McLean, another Donut Dolly who served with Libby’s mother. He shares his own positive memories of the Donut Dollies, emphasizing their significant morale-boosting role for enlisted men, a function officers weren’t typically involved in. Other veterans share stories, including one of Donut Dollies asleep in a helicopter after a long day, and another of a Donut Dolly holding a baby at an airport before departing for Vietnam. This underscores the often-unseen human cost of service.

The discussion also tackles the controversial “Donut Dolly” moniker itself. Some find the term demeaning and sexist, while others embrace it as the established term of endearment given by the troops they served. The participants acknowledge the diverse opinions surrounding the name, and that some women preferred “SR American Red Cross girls.” This demonstrates the complexity of the legacy of the Donut Dollies and the varied perspectives on this aspect of their service.

The video concludes with Libby reiterating her urgent need for veterans’ accounts and photos before the March release date, coinciding with Women’s History Month, Red Cross Month, and Vietnam Veterans Day. She makes contact information available, underscoring the importance of sharing these stories to ensure the Donut Dollies’ contributions during the Vietnam War are properly acknowledged and remembered. The conversation reveals not only the Donut Dollies’ significant role in boosting morale in Vietnam but also the lasting impact their service has had on the veterans they supported, as well as their own personal and enduring legacy. The call to action for veterans to share their memories underlines the documentary’s aim: to finally give these brave women in Vietnam the recognition and respect they so richly deserve.

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My 365 Days with the Wolfhounds in Vietnam

John Quintrell served in Vietnam as a member of the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Wolfhounds,” part of the 25th Infantry Division. His service spanned a full year of intense combat in 1968, during the Vietnam War. This was a period of high conflict, marked by the Tet Offensive and fierce engagements against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong forces.

In his memoir, My 365 Days with the Wolfhounds, Quintrell provides a detailed, firsthand account of his experiences during that year. The book captures the daily realities of a combat soldier in Vietnam, including the challenges of jungle warfare, camaraderie among troops, moments of fear and resilience, and the psychological toll of war. His narrative combines personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions of firefights, and reflections on the broader impact of the conflict on soldiers and civilians.

The memoir serves as a tribute to his fellow soldiers and offers readers a raw and authentic perspective on the Vietnam War from someone who lived through its harrowing realities.

The podcast series Someone Is Killing the Wolfhounds is a dramatic adaptation My 365 Days With The Wolfhounds. It chronicles the intense, true story of a group of soldiers in Vietnam grappling with the horrors of war and their volatile, dangerous lieutenant, Ritter. The series captures their decision to take extreme measures to survive, combining the tension of Training Day with the gritty realism of Platoon.

The podcast is produced by Voyage Media and features vivid storytelling with professional sound design, original music, and a compelling cast. It spans ten episodes, exploring themes of camaraderie, survival, and moral conflict amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. Quintrell himself served as an executive producer, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of events from his memoir​

You can listen to the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!