U.S. Army Production, "The Big Picture." Contemporary video about the Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War.
VIDEO HERE (28:40 minutes)
U.S. Army Production, "The Big Picture." Contemporary video about the Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War.
VIDEO HERE (28:40 minutes)
Televised into the living room oin the nightly news twice a day. Once at national level then local highlights at 10. Probably did more to feed the counter culture as anything else.
ReplyDeleteThat war was a brutal slog for the common soldier. It was like like a modern French and Indian War, and not pretty to look at. If you consider that the social conditions at home in the 1960's were swinging back to a period of upheaval and rebellion against societal norms, it was the worst possible time to be fighting a protracted jungle dogfight in front of uncensored television cameras. America has gone through these "wild" social decades a few times, The "Gay" 1890's and the Roaring 20's are examples. the 60's were going to be wildly rebellious even without the war, but with it on television every night showing the suffering of our wounded, the situation at home became explosive.
DeleteMy thirty seven months in First Cav came after it had transitioned to 'Tri-Cap' from Airmobile. Still got a shitload of helicopter rides though.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning, the Huntley-Brinkley Report enjoyed a wide following. But David Brinkley, in his coverage of the war, was no less damaging to US forces than Jane Fonda.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who served in the 11th (1st Cav). He told how they despised Brinkley, that if he showed up they might give him a one way ride, to unite the commie lover with his friends.
A partner who flew A-1s out of Laos said pretty much the same. A-1s often carried a load out surpassing the weight of the aircraft. He said he'd pickle the whole load if he knew Brinkley was down there.
So many young fuckers today say the U.S. lost the war. For that to be true they would have to say it was purposefully erroneous news reports to American audiences which did it.
Even the VC generals said the same. They credited American media for winning the war. Never forget.
The US did win the in-country counter insurgency against the NLF (Viet Cong). They were essentially wiped out in the wasteful, sacrificial attacks of the 68 Tet Offensive, and there is plenty of evidence that Giap and Hanoi planned it to get the NLF out of the way for reunification purposes. The fact that NVA troops were only used at Hue and Khe Sahn in that offensive lends credibility to that assertion. The VC were much reduced after that and only played a supporting role for the rest of the war. From then on the NVA regulars did most of the fighting.
DeleteThere is no doubt the newsmen undermined the American war effort from the start. It probably should have been expected by civilian and military upper leadership, but they seem to have been counting on more of that old World War 2 spirit out of the public.
Good flick. Memories man. I have nothing to say about the arvins but the ROK's were mentioned. I have the utmost respect for them. Tough lil bastards for sure.
ReplyDelete