Best Vietnam War Personal Accounts Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 015: 1964-11-04 | Election Year In A Time Of War 9:42

1h ago9:42

9:42

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we join Popi in the days leading up to the 1964 U.S. presidential election. Popi notes an unexpected lull in activity in Vietnam—an odd quiet that contrasts sharply with the political turbulence brewing back home. The episode recounts an intense ARVN-led troop lift operation near Ca Mau, where dense jungles and hid…

1
Episode 014: 1964-11-02 | The Mortar Strike on Bien Hoa 7:13

2h ago7:13

7:13

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into a significant attack on Bien Hoa Air Base as documented by Bill Lowie in his diary entry from November 2, 1964. Located just outside of Saigon, Bien Hoa was one of the largest U.S. air bases in Vietnam, housing a substantial concentration of aircraft and personnel and serving as a critical hub for lau…

1
From Vulcan to Gannet: A Cold War career in the Royal Air Force 58:54

15m ago58:54

58:54

This episode is brought to you by the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford near Manchester where I am a volunteer. Trevor Jackson is also one of the volunteers, but unlike me he’s a former Vulcan pilot who shares with me his extraordinary career. From his early days with the Royal Air Force Cadet Force to flying iconic aircraft like the BAC Jet Provost…

1
All Episodes, October 1:28:47

1h ago1:28:47

1:28:47

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we’re bringing together all of Bill Lowie’s October 1964 diary entries, creating a powerful, unified narrative of life at the heart of the Vietnam War. From the intense helicopter missions and dangerous outpost attacks to moments of reflection on the emotional toll of combat, this supercut highlights the hi…

1
Episode 013: 1964-10-28 | Outpost in the Mist 5:57

4d ago5:57

5:57

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie’s diary describes the attack on the remote outpost of Io Chou, where both U.S. and ARVN forces suffered heavy losses with minimal known casualties on the Viet Cong side. Today’s entry offers a haunting glimpse into the isolated and vulnerable nature of these outposts, where soldiers faced surprise ambush…

1
Episode 012: 1964-10-27 | Downed Hueys in the Delta 6:57

3d ago6:57

6:57

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into Bill Lowie’s October 27 diary entry, recounting a high-stakes troop lift deep in the Mekong Delta. During the operation, two gunships were brought down by enemy fire, triggering a complex and dangerous recovery mission. This episode explores the precarious work of H-37 recovery helicopters, facing bat…

1
Episode 011: 1964-10-26 | Quiet but Not Safe 6:00

6d ago6:00

6:00

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Bill Lowie's diary entry from October 26, 1964, where an eerily quiet day in Vietnam reveals the ever-present danger beneath the surface. While there were no direct confrontations with the Viet Cong, their silence could mean something far more sinister. We dive into the tactics of guerrilla warfare, the …

1
Doorsteps of Hell - a US Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War (371) 1:23:44

6d ago1:23:44

1:23:44

As Tom Williams fought the enemy, every day, without fail, he would record the day’s events in his diary. It is these diaries (which Tom has to this day), that enable him to tell the story of Vietnam in the late sixties/early seventies, like it really was. I talk with Tom about his book “Doorsteps of Hell” where he offers an honest, unembellished a…

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Episode 010: 1964-10-25 | A Life In Motion 9:03

5d ago9:03

9:03

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we read Bill Lowie’s diary entry from October 25, 1964, where he recounts another mission chasing Viet Cong forces with ARVN troops. Beyond the battlefield, this episode takes a deeper dive into Popi's life, tracing his journey from his birth in Georgia to his experiences across the globe. From peeling potatoes for…

1
Episode 009: 1964-10-24 | Borderline Chaos 5:28

6d ago5:28

5:28

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a tense encounter near the Cambodian border on October 24, 1964. Bill Lowie’s diary recounts the assault on the Dan Phouc outpost, where Viet Cong forces approached through flooded rice fields and captured an American captain. Popi’s vivid entry captures the strategic vulnerability of these border areas …

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Episode 008: 1964-10-23 | The V.C. In A Vise 7:06

7d ago7:06

7:06

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we dive into an intense entry from my grandfather’s diary, where he details his first assault mission in Vietnam. In this mission, Popi describes transporting ARVN troops into a Viet Cong stronghold, facing enemy fire, and narrowly escaping danger thanks to gunship support. Accompanied by a personal story of my own…

1
Episode 007: General Comments After One Month | Guns, Grunts, and Double Agents 7:48

9d ago7:48

7:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we dive into Bill Lowie’s reflections after his first month in Vietnam. Popi dispels the myth that American advisors were equipped with outdated, World War II-era surplus and shares his experiences with the latest military equipment and aviation. We also explore the frustrations felt by U.S. advisors over the lack …

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Episode 006: 1964-10-20 | Psyops and Target Practice 6:31

10d ago6:31

6:31

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie recounts a unique mission flying a helicopter outfitted for psychological operations, broadcasting messages to the Viet Cong as part of a psychological warfare effort. Despite initial skepticism from his fellow soldiers, Popi reflects on the potential effectiveness of these missions in reaching illiterat…

1
How the Cold War almost destroyed European Football (370) 44:17

12d ago44:17

44:17

In the late 1960s European club football competitions were thriving However unexpected events in 1968 threatened its survival. I delve into the fascinating world of European football during the Cold War era with Craig McCracken, a self-described peddler and purveyor of quasi obscure retro football nostalgia via the 'Beyond The Last Man' blog. We ex…

1
Episode 005: 1964-10-12 | Jet Fuel and the Delta 7:35

18d ago7:35

7:35

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie recounts his first flight over the lower Mekong Delta, where he experiences the unsettling reality of conducting military operations in a region largely controlled by the Viet Cong. During a three-hour flight, Popi's helicopter stops at a dirt strip to refuel, only to be tasked with transporting a new ad…

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Nuclear Missions - a Canadian CF104 Starfighter Pilot's Story (369) 1:11:06

18d ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Flying at high speed and low level, RCAF pilot Allen French was at the sharp end of potential nuclear bombing missions during the Cold War. Born at the dawn of the baby boomer era, Allen delves into his early inspirations, his father's service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the pivotal moments that led him to join the Air Force. From training…

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Episode 004: 1964-10-10 | Screwdrivers to Saigon 7:01

22d ago7:01

7:01

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi recounts a challenging day filled with the recovery of a downed Huey helicopter, the long wait under the scorching sun during a formal medal ceremony, and a disturbing injury that reflects the psychological toll of war. I also provide some background on another helicopter. Accompanied by a photograph of soldie…

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Episode 003: 1964-10-08 | The First Wake-Up Call 5:30

22d ago5:30

5:30

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, I share an entry dated October 8, 1964. During a harrowing night, Bill and his comrades were fired upon by the Viet Cong (V.C.), awakening nearly everyone on the compound. While no hits were reported, this close encounter underscores the ever-present danger faced by U.S. forces in Vietnam. We delve into the history…

1
Episode 002: 1964-10-07 | The Lost .50-Cal 10:28

23d ago10:28

10:28

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, I explore an entry from my grandfather Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated October 7, 1964. In this account, Popi recounts the tense recovery of military equipment after a U.S. Mohawk reconnaissance aircraft is shot down near his base. After the pilot jettisoned his .50-caliber guns to lighten the aircraft, Popi'…

1
Episode 001: 1964-10-06 | Saved by a Flak Vest 6:44

24d ago6:44

6:44

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, I dive into the very first entry from my grandfather Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated October 6, 1964. Serving as a helicopter pilot in the 114th Assault Helicopter Company, Bill recounts a close call involving Specialist Kelley, a crew-chief and gunman who narrowly avoided serious injury when a .30-caliber bu…

1
The KGB Spies Next Door (368) 1:04:21

25d ago1:04:21

1:04:21

In the sleepy suburb of Ruislip in London during the late 1950s, life was anything but exciting for Gay Search, a 15-year-old girl. Little did she know, her mundane existence was about to be shattered by a shocking revelation that would turn her world upside down. This is the gripping tale of suburban espionage, the story begins with the seemingly …

1
Episode 000: Introduction | The Projector and Its Family 12:10

1M ago12:10

12:10

Welcome to Dearest Suzie, a podcast and photo series that brings to life the personal letters, diary entries, and photographs of U.S. Army helicopter pilot William “Bill” Lowie during his service in the Vietnam War. In this introductory episode, host Alexander Lowie—Bill’s grandson and an anthropologist—sets the stage for a journey through family h…

1
From Sydney to the Vietnam War: An Australian Soldier's Cold War Journey (367) 1:19:55

1M ago1:19:55

1:19:55

In this gripping episode of Cold War Conversations, we hear the remarkable first-hand account of John Brooker, an Australian veteran who takes us on a journey from the streets of Sydney to the battlefields of Vietnam. John shares his experiences from joining the Citizens Military Force (CMF) to his deployment with the Royal New South Wales Lancers …

1
Unveiling Cold War Secrets: Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum (366) 1:22:00

1M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

It's 40 years since the film Threads was shown on British TV. It portrayed the effects of a nuclear attack on the city of Sheffield, England and the eventual long-term effects of nuclear war on civilization. It therefore seems apt to publish a tour I had of the Hack Green Regional Seat of Government Bunker museum. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, …

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The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama with Ben Macintyre (365) 1:11:37

2M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

On April 30, 1980, six heavily armed gunmen burst into the Iranian embassy on Princes Gate, overlooking Hyde Park in London. There they took 26 hostages, including embassy staff, visitors, and three British citizens. I talk with Britain’s bestselling historian Ben Macintyre who has written a new book called “The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the G…

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Behind Enemy Lines: War correspondent Jacques Leslie's eyewitness accounts of the conflicts in Vietnam, Cambodia and India 1:19:16

2M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

Send us a text In this episode of Whiskey and a Map, award winning journalist and author Jacques Leslie recounts his years as a war correspondent covering the wars in Vietnam and Cambodia and the Indira Gandhi crises in India. At the age of 24, Jacques Leslie became a Los Angeles Times foreign correspondent, and covered the war in Vietnam and Cambo…

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From Sheffield to Sandhurst: A Cold War Territorial Soldier's Memories (364) 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Chris is a former member of the Yorkshire Volunteers, part of Cold War Britain’s Territorial reserve Army. This episode is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on military life, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in military history and the Cold War era. Chris’s journey into the military began with…

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From East Berlin to Ireland: A Cold War Journey of Resilience (363) 1:34:51

2M ago1:34:51

1:34:51

Juli begins by recounting her early years in East Berlin, a time marked by the tragic loss of her father. Drafted into the army just days before her birth, her father continually deserted to see his family, ultimately leading to his untimely death. This early loss left Juli and her mother to navigate a harsh landscape in East Germany alone. Life in…

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Afghan warlords, Somali pirates, crossing the world's most dangerous jungle and other stories of adventure with Rasmus Krath 54:26

2M ago54:26

54:26

Send us a text In this episode, we are joined by Danish adventurer, documentarian and speaker Rasmus Krath. Rasmus ventures solo into some of the most dangerous places on the planet armed only with camera and the ability to connect with and gain the trust of the people who live there. His adventures have taken him into active war zones of Afghanist…

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BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany (362) 1:09:48

2M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

BRIXMIS and its operations behind enemy lines continue to fascinate the listeners of Cold War Conversations. In August 2024 I was honoured to be invited to the National Army Museum in London to interview Andrew Long, the author of BRIXMIS and the Secret Cold War - Intelligence Collecting Operations Behind Enemy Lines in East Germany. The National A…

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To Catch a Spy - How the Spycatcher Affair Brought MI5 in from the Cold (361) 1:13:24

2M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

The Spycatcher affair remains one of the most intriguing moments in the history of British intelligence and a pivotal point in the public's relationship with the murky world of espionage and security. It lifted the lid on alleged Soviet infiltration of British services and revealed a culture of law-breaking, bugging and burgling. But how much do we…

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The longest-held prisoner of war in American history (360) 1:06:58

3M ago1:06:58

1:06:58

Jack Downey was the longest-held prisoner of war in American history. He was a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. I speak with Barry Werth the author of Prisoner of Lies - Jack Downey's Cold War. He details Downey’s story when the CIA recruited him as a new Yale graduate in the post-World War II…

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The Soviet Sixties (359) 1:01:25

3M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

Beginning with the death of Stalin in 1953, the “sixties” era in the Soviet Union was just as vibrant and transformative as in the West. The ideological romanticism of the revolutionary years was revived, with a renewed emphasis on egalitarianism, equality, and the building of a communist utopia. Mass terror was reined in, great victories were won …

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Low Flying the Cold War USAF F-111 Nuclear Bomber (358) 1:29:04

3M ago1:29:04

1:29:04

Due to personal circumstances, I’ve been unable to produce a new episode this week, however, you will be aware of the many gems in the back catalogue and I have chosen one of my favourites today which is a rip-roaring story of service in the USAF with Rick Shreve an F111 pilot which I know you will enjoy. Normal service should be resumed next week.…

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Facing down grizzly bears, charging mountain gorillas, a solo ski crossing of Yellowstone in winter and other adventures with award winning wildlife photographer Tom Murphy. 1:11:13

3M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

Send us a text Facing down grizzly bears, charging mountain gorillas and a solo cross country ski crossing of Yellowstone in winter, are just some of the adventures award winning wildlife photographer Tom Murphy shares with us in this episode of Whiskey and a Map. Tom uses his photography to illustrate his passion for the remaining wild places on o…

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Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution (357) 57:33

3M ago57:33

57:33

Allan Little recounts his journey from his student days in Edinburgh to working as a journalist the front lines of Cold War history in Eastern Europe and beyond. In 1989 he found himself on the night shift at the BBC’s Today programme in London when the Berlin Wall fell. Witnessing the world change in real time Allan’s desire to be part of these mo…

1
Mafia Spies and the CIA Plot to Kill Fidel Castro (356) 56:47

4M ago56:47

56:47

Thomas Maier an investigative journalist is our guide to the shadowy world of organized crime and espionage where shares insights from his extensive research and writing, including his latest book and drama documentary "Mafia Spies," which explores the unlikely alliance between the CIA and the Mafia in their attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro. We…

1
Teaching English in East Germany (355) 1:15:40

4M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Bärbel was born in a village near Magdeburg in 1962, She explores her personal and professional life growing up in East Germany. We delve into her family's views on the East German government, her journey to becoming a teacher, and her experiences teaching English. We cover gender roles and the pressures to become a member of the communist party. A…

1
Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter (354) 1:08:40

4M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO. He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would have used required dual control from both the President of the United States and the British Prime …

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Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot (353) 46:34

4M ago46:34

46:34

Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald. He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, the Canberra. He describes the capabilities of this versatile and iconic aircraft, from high-speed reconnaissance to its nuclear role. The Canberra's des…

1
A Cold War Hungarian Journey Through War, Revolution, and Emigration (352) 1:05:27

4M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this comprehensive narrative, Imre recounts his life from his birth in 1936 in Hungary to his emigration to the West after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He discusses the influence of his family’s Hungarian and German heritage, his father’s work in the oil industry, and the impact of World War II and communist rule on his upbringing. The account…

1
Solo Journey across Russia and the Former States of the Soviet Union with Adventurer and writer Katie Aune. 53:09

5M ago53:09

53:09

Send us a text In this episode, Katie Aune takes on a adventure far off the typical tourist track, from riding the Trans-Siberian Railway across Russia and taking a cargo ferry from Ukraine to Georgia, to volunteering in Tajikistan and camping in the desert of Turkmenistan. Katie is a recovering tax attorney who has worked in nonprofit and higher e…

1
Mutiny in the East German Army (351) 48:02

5M ago48:02

48:02

In this riveting account, Tilo recounts his experiences as an East German soldier during the final months of East Germany. He details the rising political awareness among soldiers, and his fear that his unit will be asked to shoot on demonstrators also provides a personal perspective on the pivotal moments leading up to and following the fall of th…

1
Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (350) 1:12:45

5M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

This episode is brought to you by the CNN Original Series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game which premieres 2nd June 2024 and is available now on BBC Iplayer). The series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the 1980s as the Cold War brings two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. This razor-sharp series examines the tenuousness of glo…

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The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349) 52:36

5M ago52:36

52:36

Luca Trenta is an associate professor at Swansea University and has recently authored The President's Kill List: Assassination and US Foreign Policy Since 1945. We dig in detail into the contents of the book delving into the history of Cold War CIA operations including instances of electoral interference and assassination. Our conversation explores…

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The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348) 33:58

5M ago33:58

33:58

I’m a big fan of the History Daily podcast, where my good friend Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Visit Historydaily.com or search History Daily in your podcast app to learn more. As an introduction to History Daily I have selected two Cold War-themed episodes that I know yo…

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A US Diplomat's Son in Cold War Soviet Union, Nicaragua and Cuba (347) 1:08:40

5M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War. Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both…

1
Into the world’s most dangerous jungle on a counter poaching mission with Joshua Asel 57:11

6M ago57:11

57:11

Send us a text Described by some as a never ending green hell and by others as the most beautiful bio diverse place on the planet, the jungles of Panama attract the best and the worst of mankind. In this episode, conservation photographer Joshua Asel recounts his adventure into the jungles of Panama’s Darian gap to embed with the indigenous tribal …

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East German Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346) 50:25

6M ago50:25

50:25

Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links: UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Tilo shares his raw and powerful testimony of a young man conscripted into the East German military at the height of Cold War tensions. …

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America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345) 1:22:42

6M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades. David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more tha…

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Vietnam War Personal Accounts Podcasts

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