Best Viet Cong Podcasts (2025)

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VW3: The Rise of the Viet Cong 44:00

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15d ago44:00

44:00

In 1959, the government of North Vietnam, now under the direction of Communist Party Chairman Le Duan, decided to initiate a war with the South Vietnamese government led by Ngo Dinh Diem. To help fight Diem’s regime, the North Vietnamese facilitated the formation of a National Liberation Front (later dubbed the Viet Cong by the South Vietnamese gov…

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VW5: The Gulf of Tonkin Incident and the Entry of American Ground Forces 53:21

13h ago53:21

53:21

In August, 1964, three North Vietnamese gunboats attacked an American destroyer. This incident was followed by a perceived (but imaginary) second attack. These attacks, although one was not real, led to the US Congress passing the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, which authorized the president to take “all necessary measures to repel armed attack against…

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

14h ago12:22

12:22

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…

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

3d ago15:32

15:32

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 …

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

6d ago9:15

9:15

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…

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VW4: South Vietnam in Crisis 58:12

8d ago58:12

58:12

In early 1963, the Viet Cong decisively defeated an attacking ARVN force at the Battle of Ap Bac, proving that the guerrillas were a force to be reckoned with. During that same year, much of South Vietnam fell under Viet Cong control, while most of the rest of the country descended into chaos. South Vietnamese cities saw an increasing number of pro…

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

9d ago8:05

8:05

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…

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Vat Tu VINA 1:54

9d ago1:54

1:54

Công Ty TNHH Vật Tư VINA với mục tiêu cung cấp cho khách hàng những sản phẩm, dịch vụ và giải pháp đáng tin cậy và hiệu quả cao nhất.Với lực lượng cán bộ nhân viên chuyên nghiệp, được đào tạo bài bản và có nhiều kinh nghiệm hoạt động trong lĩnh vực Cáp Thép, chúng tôi luôn tự tin có thể mang đến cho khách hàng sự hài lòng nhất thông qua các giải ph…

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Qua Tang 3A 1:24

9d ago1:24

1:24

Chào mừng bạn đến với Quà Tặng 3A – nơi gửi gắm những món quà ý nghĩa, lan tỏa yêu thương và kết nối mọi người. Chúng tôi tự hào mang đến những sản phẩm quà tặng tinh tế, sáng tạo và chất lượng, phù hợp cho mọi dịp đặc biệt trong cuộc sống. Với sứ mệnh biến mỗi món quà thành một câu chuyện, Công ty Quà Tặng 3A cam kết đồng hành cùng bạn để tạo nên …

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

17d ago6:36

6:36

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…

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VW2: Dien Bien Phu and the Geneva Agreements 41:18

22d ago41:18

41:18

After the Second World War, France decided to reassert control over French Indochina. This policy met strong resistance from both Communist and right-wing political and military organizations in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Resistance grew, leading to the First Indochina War (1946-1954). This conflict ended with the Geneva Agreements, in which the …

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

22d ago8:41

8:41

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 …

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

26d ago9:45

9:45

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 …

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

28d ago5:17

5:17

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…

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VW1: Introduction to the Vietnam War 59:31

29d ago59:31

59:31

In this episode, Sean McIver returns to join James and to help kick off a new series on the Vietnam War. Sean and James give an overview of Vietnamese history from its beginning down through the period of French domination, the Japanese conquest during WW2, and the fight for control of Vietnam after WW2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info…

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

29d ago18:26

18:26

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. …

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

1M ago9:14

9:14

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…

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All Episodes, May 1965 1:50:22

1M ago1:50:22

1:50:22

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. …

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The 10 Best Allied Fighters of World War II (with Sean McIver) - Part 2 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

In this episode, Sean and James complete their discussion of the top 10 Allied fighters of World War II. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Key Battles of American History

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

1M ago6:52

6:52

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…

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HC Viet Nam 1:55

1M ago1:55

1:55

Xã hội ngày càng phát triển, cuộc sống vật chất với những gánh nặng chi tiêu càng khiến mỗi chúng ta luôn có những lo toan, bộn bề trong công việc. Mỗi người thường dành nhiều thời gian để nghĩ đến việc kiếm thật nhiều tiền hơn so với việc chăm lo và vun vén những điều nhỏ nhặt để mang lại hạnh phúc cho gia đình của mình. Còn gì tuyệt vời hơn để có…

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

1M ago6:48

6:48

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…

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The 10 Best Allied Fighters of World War II (with Sean McIver) - Part 1 45:23

1M ago45:23

45:23

In this episode, James and frequent guest Sean McIver count down the ten best Allied fighter planes of World War II. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Key Battles of American History

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

1M ago6:52

6:52

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…

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Episode 096: 1965-05-25 | It Won’t Be Long Now 6:09

1M ago6:09

6:09

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 25 with a rare sense of warmth and optimism—thanks, in part, to receiving two letters from Suzie in a single day. He mentions that his brother Jim, a Marine, is being sent to the Dominican Republic for a conflict unfolding at the same time as Vietnam acting as part of the wider Cold War logic tha…

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Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil | All Episodes 35:11

1M ago35:11

35:11

In this personal narrative episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the war letters and into a birthday dinner in suburban Florida—a setting that slowly reveals a decades-spanning story of intergenerational trauma, systemic failure, and the quiet desperation that leads ordinary people to seek help from extraordinary places. What begins as a quie…

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Episode 095: 1965-05-22 | A White Knight, Not the Snake 7:03

1M ago7:03

7:03

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about a surreal mission supporting South Vietnamese troops on a disputed island off the coast of Ha Tien. While the island was claimed by both Vietnam and Cambodia, the mission itself felt more like a break than a battle. Back at base, his thoughts turn to home: a surprise gift for Billy, who hasn’t mis…

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KW13: Prisoners of War in the Korean War 41:38

1M ago41:38

41:38

In any war, being taken prisoner is a traumatic experience, and the Korean War was no exception. In this episode, James discusses the experiences of Korean War POWs on both sides. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Key Battles of American History

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Episode 094: 1965-05-20 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil, Finale 8:22

1M ago8:22

8:22

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Vinh Long on May 20 after a rare slow day, sharing simple pleasures and family pride. He compliments Billy’s school paper, jokes about toddler haircuts, and eagerly awaits new photos from home. With little news from the field beyond a trip to the range and an upcoming U.S.O. show, Popi admits there…

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Episode 093: 1965-05-18 | A Quagmire on the Horizon 5:51

2M ago5:51

5:51

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 18, sharing a quiet day in Vinh Long marked by a short operation and a long-awaited letter from home. His tone is warm and affectionate, filled with light updates about insurance policies, family visits, and his role as an instrument instructor. Though officially recognized by the Army as an airc…

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Episode 092: 1965-05-17 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 5 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a much-needed break after several intense flying days. He’s still receiving letters from home and sends updates about camera gear, anniversary gifts, and the lack of desire to ever extend his tour in Vietnam—"not for all the tea in China," as he puts it. Between updates about taxes, slide projectors,…

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Episode 091: 1965-05-15 | Popi’s Souvenir Rifle 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a rare day off, reflecting on a grueling two-day operation that left over 200 Viet Cong reported dead. It’s May 15, 1965, and though the battle is over, the war lingers—in photographs, memories, and a souvenir rifle he brings back from the field. Popi casually mentions photographing the aftermath and…

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KW12: The Naval War in Korea 39:19

2M ago39:19

39:19

In this episode, James gives a summary of the crucial role played by the U.S. and allied navies, including transport, supply, naval air operations, special forces operations, and naval support of ground operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Key Battles of American History

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Episode 090: 1965-05-13 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 4 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes after an exhausting day—17 hours of flying, including a major operation that left 125 Viet Cong reported killed and one American wounded. It’s May 13, 1965, and his fatigue seeps into every word of the letter. Despite being overwhelmed, he takes time to connect: recounting a chance meeting with Captain …

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Episode 089: 1965-05-11 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 3 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from an unusually quiet night in Vinh Long. It’s May 11, 1965, and for once, he’s alone on base. While the rest of his unit is off at Ben Hoa responding to an attack that left five Americans dead, Popi remains behind after a supply run to Saigon, teaching new pilots and preparing for a farewell party. T…

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An Interview with Suzie 1:02:32

2M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the battlefield and into the memory, voice, and wisdom of the woman who saved the letters. Recorded over Zoom, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with my grandmother, Susan “Mema” Lowie, about her life before, during, and after the Vietnam War. It’s a deeply personal portrait o…

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San Forex uy tin 2:24

2M ago2:24

2:24

Thị trường Forex là một lĩnh vực đầu tư đầy tiềm năng nhưng cũng không kém phần phức tạp và rủi ro. Sứ mệnh của chúng tôi là cung cấp cho cộng đồng trader Việt Nam những thông tin, kiến thức, và công cụ cần thiết để họ có thể đưa ra các quyết định giao dịch thông minh và có lợi nhất. Cung cấp thông tin minh bạch: Chúng tôi cam kết mang đến cho bạn …

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Cong ty Thien Long 0:58

2M ago0:58

0:58

Với hơn 9 năm thành lập chuyên lĩnh vực máy tính PC, laptop, và máy in tại Sài Gòn, TP.HCM. Công Ty Thiên Long cung cấp các loại linh kiện và phụ kiện máy tính với giá sỉ rẻ, phù hợp với mọi nhu cầu của khách hàng. Tầm Nhìn Bằng khát vọng tiên phong, cùng chiến lược đầu tư – phát triển bền vững. Công Ty thiên Long phấn đấu trở thành Tập đoàn kinh t…

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Episode 088: 1965-05-08 | Showing Off 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Vietnam with a mix of weariness, routine, and yearning. It’s May 8, 1965, and while most of his day is spent giving instrument instruction and catching up with familiar faces over lunch, the heart of the letter lies in a quiet reflection about home. Suzie is planning a summer trip with the boys, an…

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KW11: The Air War in Korea 46:58

2M ago46:58

46:58

In this episode, James presents an overview of the air war over Korea, including the transition from propeller-driven planes to jets, the strategic bombing campaign, the experience of individual pilots, and the key role of helicopters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Key Battles of American History

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Episode 087: 1965-05-07 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 2 8:54

2M ago8:54

8:54

In today’s episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes during a quiet afternoon, though the tone is edged with tension. The Viet Cong have been growing more active, and six helicopters from his platoon were damaged in a recent attack, yet thankfully, no one was hurt. Between missions and radio static, he’s listening to “Country Corner” on AFN and teasing…

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Episode 086: 1965-05-05 | Finding Popi’s Camera 10:27

2M ago10:27

10:27

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we hear from Popi as the rainy season begins in Vinh Long. His letter is calm, full of updates from a quiet day — a trip to the range, a short note about mailing gifts, and a few thoughts on the Hong Kong R&R he’s decided not to take. The real excitement in today’s letter, though, comes when he casually mentions pi…

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Episode 085: 1965-05-04 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 1 8:47

2M ago8:47

8:47

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we hear from Popi on May 4, 1965, as he responds to three letters from Suzie and shares how much he loved the photos of the boys. There’s no mission report today, no combat update — just a quiet letter about family, missed birthdays, and the difficulty of shopping for gifts in a place where anything nice has to be …

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Episode 084: 1965-05-02 | Navy Bombers 6:40

2M ago6:40

6:40

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from a quiet day in the air, flying support for a Navy bombing run. From his Huey, he watches jets drop 500-pound bombs across the landscape — a moment that sparks reflection on the uneasy collaboration between different branches of the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. While Popi’s experience might…

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All Episodes, April 1965 1:20:06

2M ago1:20:06

1:20:06

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the April 1965 letters from Bill Lowie—a month defined by loss, guilt, long stretches of boredom, and small moments of unexpected joy. Now firmly settled into his new role with the Cobras, Popi spent April flying missions that ranged from uneventful to harrowing, often with little warning as…

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Gettysburg in Literature, Film, and History: Day 3 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

In this episode, Sean, Steve, and James continue their discussion of the real events and background of the Battle of Gettysburg as portrayed through the 1993 film Gettysburg. One last massive infantry charge just might be the answer to break the gridlock of this battle! Your lovable hosts also discuss the aftermath of Gettysburg and its place in th…

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Episode 083: 1965-04-30 | Cry On Their Shoulder 7:01

2M ago7:01

7:01

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes home after what he calls a "better outcome" in the field. A large Viet Cong weapons cache has been captured, and while the victory lifts spirits briefly, there’s no triumph in his tone — just exhaustion. One day before, he witnessed the death of a friend during a failed recovery mission. Now, he’s tryin…

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Episode 082: 1965-04-29 | The Worst Letter 7:17

2M ago7:17

7:17

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we reach a letter that many in my family consider the most difficult to read. Dated April 29, 1965, this letter doesn’t relay an ordinary mission or a humorous aside. It’s a moment of personal reckoning. Popi writes in the aftermath of a mission that left two of his friends dead — and he blames himself. The day had…

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MangFPT 2:47

2M ago2:47

2:47

Trong thời đại công nghệ số phát triển mạnh mẽ hiện nay, nhu cầu kết nối Internet ổn định, tốc độ cao và dịch vụ viễn thông chất lượng trở nên thiết yếu hơn bao giờ hết. Với mong muốn mang đến trải nghiệm Internet tốt nhất cho người dùng. Giới Thiệu Về MangFPT.vn https://mangfpt.vn/ là trang Web đăng ký dịch vụ chính thức của Công ty Cổ phần Viễn t…

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Episode 081: 1965-04-26 | Military Industrial Complexities 7:41

2M ago7:41

7:41

In this episode, Popi writes after a long day chasing Viet Cong forces through the heat. His tone is dry, understated, tired. He asks about the boys, about birthday parties and photographs, about sizes and gifts and letters never received. In his own words, the work is “not boring, really, but not something that you can write home about.” And yet —…