To give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies. Review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to learn more. Got it!

Vietnam Veteran Memoirs Podcasts

Vietnam Veteran Memoirs public [search 0]
Related Topics
Podcasting Education Society History Conversations Communities Military Veterans Mack War Military History Memoir Asia Vietnam Civil War Family History Payne Saigoneer Vietnam War News US Veterans
More
Download the App!
Get it on App Store Get it on Google Play
show episodes
 
Artwork

1
Dearest Suzie

Alexander Lowie

icon0
icon131
icon
Unsubscribe
 icon
icon
Unsubscribe
 icon Weekly+
 
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 history and wartime memories. With the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaching, Alexander will share Bill’s experiences in a unique “on thi ...
…   continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3075 – The Mig 21 Challenge to American Pilots in the Vietnam War 10:18

Play Pause
icon
10:18
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
10:18icon
 
Episode 3074 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the the challenges posed to American pilots during the Vietnam War by the MiG-21 Fishbeds . The featured story appeared on the Slash Gear Website and was … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3074 – American Legion Post 4442 started a Purple Heart Parking Program 10:31

Play Pause
icon
10:31
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
10:31icon
 
NOTICE – All references to the American Legion in this episode should be to the VFW VFW Post 4442 Info Episode 3074 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the American Legion Post 4442 Purple Heart … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 116: 1965-08-02 | Waiting to Write 6:13

Play Pause
icon
6:13
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:13icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on August 2, 1965. He’s still stuck in limbo without orders, unsure where to send his letters, New Jersey or Florida, and frustrated by the instability of his temporary base. Writing with a pencil instead of his usual pen, he reflects on how hard it’s been to write while on the move. With less than two …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3073 – Vietnam War caused the near extinction of Asian Tigers per The Revelator 21:07

Play Pause
icon
21:07
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
21:07icon
 
Episode 3073 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the contention that the American Vietnam War caused the near extinction of the Asian Tigers. The featured story comes from an Op=Ed that appeared on the Revelator … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3072 – Bucks County honors Fallen Vietnam Vet, USAF Maj. Frank C. Parker III with a Bridge Renaming in his honor 9:06

Play Pause
icon
9:06
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
9:06icon
 
Episode 3072 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the renaming of a bridge in Quakertown, PA to honor the memory of fallen Vietnam Vet USAF Maj. Frank C. Parker III. The featured story appeared on … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
All Episodes, July 1965 43:55

Play Pause
icon
43:55
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
43:55icon
 
In this compilation episode of Dearest Suzie, we revisit the letters of July 1965—a month of unbearable heat, long missions, and mounting exhaustion as Popi enters the final stretch of his tour. Stationed between Da Nang and Quang Ngai, he writes of 36-hour shifts, bad food, absent mail, and growing uncertainty about where he’ll be sent next. Amid …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3070 –Vietnam and Laos Celebrate Their Friendship 8:36

Play Pause
icon
8:36
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
8:36icon
 
Episode 3070 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about. how Laos and Vietnam are celebrating the good relations between the two nations. The featured story appeared on the Vietnam Plus website and is titled: Vietnamese in … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3068 –Vietnam Vet Steve Newman and his walking sticks for Vets Program 11:53

Play Pause
icon
11:53
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
11:53icon
 
Episode 3068 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about. Vietnam Vet Steve Newman and his Walking Stick for Veterans Program. The featured story was titled: Veteran requests help harvesting walking stick materials. It was submitted by … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 115: 1965-07-24 | Not in the Movie 6:40

Play Pause
icon
6:40
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:40icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 24, 1965, during a rare day off. He’s not sure where Suzie is, in Florida or still in New Jersey, so he’s sending his letters home and hoping they find her. There’s still no word on his orders, but he’s hoping to leave Quang Ngai by August 8. The delay matters not just for him, but for Charlie, …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3066 –Vietnam Veteran Ray Randlett and his new book Mike 37 17:35

Play Pause
icon
17:35
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
17:35icon
 
Recommended Reading Buy Now Episode 3066 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about. the new book recently published by Vietnam Veteran Ray Randlett. The featured story appeared in the Delaware Gazette and was titled: Local veteran … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 114: 1965-07-22 | Your World In A Bag 5:43

Play Pause
icon
5:43
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
5:43icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 22, 1965. He’s still living out of a duffle bag, waiting for orders, and counting down the days—just 62 left in-country. Suzie’s letter has arrived, and he’s glad to hear she’s enjoying her vacation despite everything. Things have been quiet for the moment but there’s a big operation planned for…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3065 – Jason Boatwright of Pensacola extols the service of Vietnam Veterans 13:57

Play Pause
icon
13:57
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
13:57icon
 
Episode 3065 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about. The featured story is an opinion piece that appeared in the Pensacola News Journal and was titled: It is not too late to give Vietnam Veteran the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 113: 1965-07-19 | Faith in War 6:23

Play Pause
icon
6:23
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:23icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on July 19, 1965. The Viet Cong have been active, and he’s running on little rest. He’s relieved to hear Suzie is feeling better and jokes about the boys going to Baptist Bible school, a light moment that reflects the mix of his Southern Baptist background and Suzie’s Northern, Catholic roots. With 60 d…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3064 – Missouri National Veterans Memorial adds a Vietnam Era Huey Helicopter to its display 10:49

Play Pause
icon
10:49
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
10:49icon
 
Episode 3064 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the dedication of a Vietnam Era Army helicopter at the Missouri National Veterans Museum at Perryville, Missouri. The featured story appeared in the Republic Monitor of Perryville … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3063 – Vietnam War MIA Allen Christensan remembered by his family 10:11

Play Pause
icon
10:11
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
10:11icon
 
Episode 3063 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the family of Vietnam War MIA Allen D. Christensan and their hopes for the future. The featured story is titled: Family of missing Vietnam War soldier holds … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3062 – Aussie Vietnam Vet Richard Norden was awarded the Victoria Cross after a 57 year delay 11:59

Play Pause
icon
11:59
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
11:59icon
 
Episode 3062 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Private Richard Norden, a courageous Australian soldier who served in the Vietnam War, has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia — the nation’s highest military … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 112: 1965-07-13 | The Long Way Home 6:53

Play Pause
icon
6:53
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:53icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 13, 1965, reflecting on the grind of daily missions and the long shadow of homecoming. He’s finally received mail and it comes as a massive relief. He’s been worried about Suzie's health and the boys and he’s already thinking ahead to a real vacation together. He still has no off…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 111: 1965-07-08 | Little Games 7:00

Play Pause
icon
7:00
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
7:00icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 8, 1965. He’s recently been relocated and is settling in for what he assumes will be a 30-day extension. Still no mail has arrived, and the heat is nearly unbearable, so intense he nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion. But despite all that, this letter carries a more playful ton…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam: Full Piece 17:29

Play Pause
icon
17:29
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
17:29icon
 
In this extended episode of Dearest Suzie, we take a deep dive into one of the most unsettling intersections of memory, military routine, and moral reckoning. Sparked by a real Stars and Stripes article from August 1965 and shaped by Popi’s letters and postwar reflections, “Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam” uses fiction to get closer to a kind of tr…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 110: 1965-07-06 | Thirty-Six Hours and Counting 6:42

Play Pause
icon
6:42
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:42icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 6, 1965, after completing a brutal 36-hour stretch of non-stop duty. He’s exhausted, running on fumes, and facing a major disappointment, what should have been a return to Vinh Long has turned into another 30-day extension. Instead of heading home, he’s being sent to Quang Ngai, an even more rem…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
All Episodes, June 1965 1:21:41

Play Pause
icon
1:21:41
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
1:21:41icon
 
In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we turn the page to June 1965—a month that captures the emotional, physical, and moral exhaustion of war. From routine missions to the haunting fallout of Agent Orange and battlefield guilt, June gives us one of the most layered portraits of Popi yet. It’s the month he leaves Vinh Long for Da Nang, starts c…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3053 – The Service of Vietnam Vet Ken Lyons of Richfield, Ohio 8:22

Play Pause
icon
8:22
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
8:22icon
 
Episode 3053 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the service of Vietnam Vet Ken Lyons of Richfield, Ohio. The featured story appeared on the Script Type Publishing Website and was titled: Local Veteran models a … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 109: 1965-07-02 | War At Home In Middle Georgia 12:22

Play Pause
icon
12:22
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
12:22icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 2, 1965, sharing a short note from Da Nang. He’s still flying missions from dawn until dark, suffering through the relentless heat, and counting the days until he returns to Vinh Long. He mentions a surprise Viet Cong bombing on the airfield and notes that their unit still hasn’t received new or…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3052 – South Dakota dedicates bridge to remember fallen Vietnam Veteran Fred D. Larson 9:21

Play Pause
icon
9:21
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
9:21icon
 
Episode 3052 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the bridge dedication in South Dakota honoring fallen Vietnam Veteran Fred D. Larson. The featured story appeared on KXLG of Pollock, South Dakota. It was submitted by … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 3051 – The Traveling Wall appeared in Caro, Michigan 10:01

Play Pause
icon
10:01
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
10:01icon
 
Episode 3051 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of the Traveling Vietnam War memorial that brings healing, memories for Michigan veterans. The featured story comes from Central Michigan University’s WCMU and is titled … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 108: 1965-06-30 | His Shoes 15:32

Play Pause
icon
15:32
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
15:32icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes to Suzie on June 30, 1965, from Da Nang, exhausted from a grueling work schedule that has him flying from dawn until after dark. Though short and weary, his letter offers updates on family finances and hints at a possible return to Vinh Long by early July. What stands out most, however, is the contrast …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 107: 1965-06-27 | The USO: A Home Away From Home 9:15

Play Pause
icon
9:15
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
9:15icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Da Nang on June 27, 1965, using stationery supplied by the USO, which prompts a reflection on the organization’s unique role in the Vietnam War and beyond. While waiting on maintenance and new orders, he shares his appreciation for the Da Nang USO center, describing it as a welcome break from the i…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 106: 1965-06-24 | Oral History Hiccups 8:05

Play Pause
icon
8:05
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
8:05icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang on June 24, 1965, after a long, grueling week of missions, including the evacuation of a town and a terrifying mortar attack while refueling. Exhausted but still counting down the days, he mentions finally catching some rest and responds to Suzie’s letter, all while quietly processing the l…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 105: 1965-06-16 | Flying Sick in Da Nang 6:36

Play Pause
icon
6:36
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:36icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang after completing his move north, catching Suzie up on mail, family updates, and a growing sense of fatigue, both physical and emotional. He’s sick with his first cold since arriving in Vietnam but continues flying missions daily due to a shortage of pilots. The letter is full of little dome…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 104: 1965-06-11 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 3 8:41

Play Pause
icon
8:41
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
8:41icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang on June 11, 1965, sharing that he’s finally made the move north after his sudden orders. He’s relieved to see familiar faces and to settle—at least for now—into slightly better quarters with hot water and decent food. But even this small reprieve is colored by uncertainty: mail delivery is …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 103: 1965-06-07 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 2 9:45

Play Pause
icon
9:45
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
9:45icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 7, 1965, with a heart heavy from homesickness. He had called home that morning, only to be met with the sweet but painful plea from his son Brian: “Please come home.” It hit him hard. But there’s no time to dwell—orders came in suddenly: pack up, move out. By tomorrow he’d be heading to Da Nang …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 102: 1965-06-05 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 1 5:17

Play Pause
icon
5:17
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
5:17icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 5, 1965, from a moment of anticipation—he’s about to go on R&R in Saigon. But even that, he discovers, comes with its own tangle of logistics and disappointment. He’s learned that the free seven-day leave he’d hoped to take in Nha Trang isn’t available unless he leaves the country. Rather than b…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 101: 1965-06-04 | In Search of a Vietnam Hero 18:26

Play Pause
icon
18:26
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
18:26icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s June 4, 1965, letter is a short but telling glimpse into a week of steady missions and routine hardships. He’s worn out after long days, reflecting on the slow grind of war and the small comforts of home, a letter from Suzie, an update on car payments, and those custom shirts he finally managed to send out. …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 100: 1965-06-02 | Inheriting More Than Letters 9:14

Play Pause
icon
9:14
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
9:14icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 2, 1965, sounding exhausted after another nine-hour day in the air. His letter is short but full of those familiar, loving updates, details about paying off a used car, finally mailing the shirts he had made for Suzie and the boys, and worrying whether they’ll fit. Yet beneath Popi’s routine wor…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
All Episodes, May 1965 1:50:22

Play Pause
icon
1:50:22
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
1:50:22icon
 
In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the letters from May 1965—a month marked by long flights, uneventful operations, administrative headaches, and the persistent strain of being far from home. Popi writes often about mail, money, and military logistics: insurance policies, bank balances, and the arrival of his 13th Air Medal. …
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 099: 1965-05-31 | The Parachuting Monkey 6:52

Play Pause
icon
6:52
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:52icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 31, 1965, during a stretch of unusually quiet days. It’s Memorial Day, and though officially off-duty, the men are restless—itching for something to do. With no missions on the schedule, they head to the range just to kill time. Popi is still waiting on the custom shirts he had made for Suzie and…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 098: 1965-05-29 | Knights of the Air 6:48

Play Pause
icon
6:48
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:48icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 29, 1965, from a moment of rare quiet. There’s no mission that day, just rest and reflection—and a bit of flair. The letter comes on what he jokingly calls “sexy paper,” printed with silhouettes of a Huey helicopter and a white knight chess piece. These symbols represent Popi’s unit: the 114th Av…
…   continue reading
 
Artwork

1
Episode 097: 1965-05-28 | When You’ve Seen One 6:52

Play Pause
icon
6:52
Play Pause
icon
  Play later
  Play later
  Lists
  Liked
6:52icon
 
In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes with a tone that feels heavier, wearier. He opens with warmth, thanking Suzie for pictures of the kids and slipping in a flirtatious remark he quickly retracts. But the letter shifts quickly. He’s just learned that Ed Piper—a man Suzie knew—was killed in a mid-air collision at Quinhon. Popi doesn’t dwel…
…   continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide

Top Podcasts
The Bill Simmons Podcast
PTI
First Take
Marketplace
Comedy of the Week
The Bugle
How Did This Get Made?
Doug Loves Movies
Planet Money
TED Talks Daily
NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas
The World This Hour
Daily Boost Motivation and Coaching
Radiolab
Science Friday
This American Life
Criminal
Sword and Scale
In The Dark
Player FM logo
Help/FAQ | Upgrade | Advertise
Arts|Business|Comedy|Economics|Entertainment|News|Politics|Religion
Science|Soccer|Sports|Storytelling|Technology|True Crime
Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Episode being played series thumbnail
icon icon
Speed
Series settings
1x
1x
Volume
100%
icon
icon icon
/

View Player FM in...
Player FM
Browser
Chrome
Safari
Firefox
Listen to this show while you explore
Play