Vietnam War

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  Interview with Walter Deitz - OH 805

  Walter Deitz

  This interview was conducted by Rosanna Thomas with Sgt. Walter Deitz Sr. for the Veterans History Project at the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections at Winthrop University. Deitz discusses his decision to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966 rather than wait to be drafted, his basic and infantry training at Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, and his training as a tank mechanic in California. He describes his service in Vietnam, including his assignment to Hill 55, his experiences during and following the Tet Offensive, and his duties operating and maintaining tanks and recovery vehicles. Deitz recounts several experiences in the combat zone, including serving at the Nam O Bridge, responding to attacks, traveling between locations during the monsoon season, and an incident in which an accidental bomb explosion killed Marines near his position. He also describes the difficulties of returning to his unit after a period of leave in Hawaii and his subsequent service at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, before receiving an early discharge in 1970.

  The interview also addresses Deitz's experiences returning to civilian life after the Vietnam War, including his observations of public attitudes toward veterans and his transition to a career as a mechanic. Deitz and his wife, Patricia, discuss maintaining contact during his deployment through letters and cassette recordings, family life during his military service, and the challenges of being separated from family. Deitz reflects on his military service, his decision not to reenlist, and his feelings about his children and grandchildren serving in the military. The interview concludes with reflections on military service, the draft, patriotism, and the lasting significance of his experiences as a Vietnam veteran.

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  Interview with Eugene 'Gene' Driver - VHP 108

  Julius Eugene Driver

  In his January 24, 2018 interview with Emily Deinert, Gene Driver discusses his career in the Air Force – he served during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. During the Cold War, he was loaned out to the CIA and worked in Area 51 with an alias doing research with the spy planes. He discusses who else worked in Area 51 with him (he knows only aliases), and why they were chosen to work on this secret project. Driver then talks about when he was sent to Vietnam in 1967, and describes the mortar attacks on the air force base at which he was stationed and how he earned a bronze star with the “V” device.

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  Interview with Harvey Mayhill - VHP 115

  Harvey Cecil Mayhill

  In his November 29, 2017 interview with Emily Cranwell Deinert, Harvey Cecil Mayhill (1943-2024) describes his time in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He shares why he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, as well as what the basic training experience was like. He then discusses his time at various Air Force bases across the United States and what his responsibilities were as part of a Communications squadron. Mayhill also talks at length of how his Commander, Wayne Schrame, had invited Mayhill over for Thanksgiving the year Mayhill's mother died -- Mayhill points to this act of kindness as influencing the way Mayhill volunteers and serves those around him. He then describes some of the volunteer service he currently participates in.

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  Interview with Jacky Bayne - VHP 016

  Jacky Crawford Bayne

  In his October 27, 2003 interview with Kelly Mitchell, Jacky Bayne describes his experience overseas in the Vietnam War. He shares the stories of when he was wounded in Vietnam, his near death experiences associated with that, and his journey back to the United States. Bayne also explains how he met his wife and his recovery from his wounds. He concludes with what he did after the war and some of his special memories from his service. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with William D. Wolfe - VHP 022

  William D. Wolfe

  In his October 20, 2003 interview with Alan Garmendia, William D. Wolfe recollects about his time in the Navy during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Wolfe shares the details of his work in the Navy on an experimental destroyer testing new sonar. The interview concludes with reminiscences of the South Pacific and pastimes of soldiers. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Jim Fouratt - OH 234

  Jim Fouratt

  In his February 28, 1993 interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Jim Fouratt discussed his involvement with the Gay Liberation Front and the anti-war movement. Fourrat is an actor and has been since before he was a gay rights activist. Fourrat explained his role as a leader in the Gay Liberation Front, a non-violent activist group. He also covered the topics of “outing”, hippies, the New Left, the Black Panther Party, J. Edgar Hoover, Stonewall, homophobia, blacklisting in Hollywood, self-empowerment, the AIDS epidemic, and non-violence versus violence. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.

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  Interview with Barry Melton - OH 246

  Barry Melton

  IN PROCESSING

  An interview with Barry Melton and his rock filled 1960s experience including his start in a loose-knit jug band called the Fish which focused itself on the Vietnam antiwar movement.

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  Interview with Jules Hall - OH 069

  Jules Hall

  In his May 10, 1979 interview with Kenneth M. Nelson, Jules “Butch” Hall recounts his time in service and the role he played in Rock Hill’s Black Panther Party. Hall also compares Friendship College to Winthrop College and shares efforts to educate the black community. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.