As an applied oral historian specializing in veterans' experiences, I’ve heard many combat stories. But this is one of the most emotionally moving accounts of the Vietnam War I've heard in a long time. The sounds, imagery, and narration are powerful. Haunting.

I came across this radio story shortly before I interviewed a Vietnam veteran who was in the vicinity of Mike Baronowski. As a young US Marine, John was at the “Rock Pile,” in the endless rain and rotting mud, walking patrols, enduring mortar fire—and worse. I shared this story with John. His reaction was reserved, only to say that he could identify with it. Having heard John’s own story, I knew it hit him hard.

The ending is especially meaningful for me, given the work that I do—capturing, preserving, and sharing the stories of veterans of all eras and branches of service—in their own words. These voices—indeed, our voices—matter. They are precious, and they deserve to be saved. Yet, for so many reasons, we often fail to record them. Then it is too late. Unless . . .

I encourage everyone to give this a close listen. Find your meaning in it. Let it sink in. I believe this will affect the way you think about the next Vietnam veteran you meet. At least it should.

--Kevin Farkas, Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh