Another overview of the Vietnam War, complete with pictures and links for even more information from Credo Reference.
"History and Hindsight: Lessons from Vietnam" is a 1985 New York Times article written by Charles Mohr. In this article, Mohr describes the major points of the war and the problems he now sees with the United States involvement.
The Vietnam War: A Concise International History by Mark Atwood Laurence, published 2008. In this book, Laurence attempts to view the war from all sides, bringing in global history to strengthen his variety of perspectives.
Where the Domino Fell: America in Vietnam, 1945-1990 by James Stuart Olson and Randy Roberts, published 1991. Olson and Roberts create a concise history of America's involvement in Vietnam beginning at the end of World War II. This book also looks at how our popular culture has taken in war over the years. Also available to read at the Schwarzman Building.
The Vietnam Wars, 1945-1990 by Marilynn Blatt Young, published 1991. This book equally looks at the Vietnam War from both the American and Vietnamese sides to allow the reader to see both perspectives.
Oral Histories and Memoirs:
Patriots: The Vietnam War Remembered From All Sides by Christian G. Appy, published 2003. An oral history that shares stories of all sorts of people who were involved during the war and how they experienced it.
A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo, published 1977. Caputo's personal memoir of his time as a Marine in Vietnam as well as the time he spent there reporting.
Dispatches by Michael Herr, published 1977. Journalist Michael Herr followed American soldiers in Vietnam and helped to uncover the day-to-day activities and horrors of the Vietnam War.
If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home by Tim O'Brien, published 1999. O'Brien is one of the most well known Vietnam authors today. This book is his personal experience as a foot soldier for one year in Vietnam.
The 13th Valley by John M. Del Vecchio, published 1982. A group of American airbourne infantry find themselves stranded in a Vietnamese valley for 12 horrible days.
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes, published 2010. A very successful Vietnam novel, it tells the story of a Marine and his peers who fight in the war and become men, see the harsh sides of war and the military, and learn all sorts of new things.
The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh, published 1993. A novel that views the other side of the war and this book was first published, against the Vietnamese government's wishes. It tells the story of a soldier and the discoveries he makes while in the war.
Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien, published 1999. O'Brien's most well known book about the war; he shows the reader the horrors of the war, blending fact and fiction together for a spell-binding story.
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, published 2009. A collection of short stories about several different men, O'Brien once again shows his the reader the horrors and impacts of the war.
Items Related to Stories Told in Interview:
Sweat mentioned his father was a Shinnecock Native American and his sisters lived on the reservation. A brief history of this tribe was found on Credo Reference. Or, visit their website to find out more.
One of the cities Sweat spent a lot time in was Bien Hoa (sounds like "ben wah" in the interview). From Gale US History in Context, a brief description of the city and its importance in the war.
During his first weeks in Vietnam, Sweat moves to Dak To during monsoon season. From Gale US History in Context, a brief description of this city.
The history of HERD as Sweat called it, or the 173rd Airborne Brigade, that he was a part of. From the Army's official website.
A defintion of R&R, rest and relaxation vacation, from the Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War (published 1996).
A short clip from Bob Hope's Christmas show in 1967. A longer clip of Bob Hope reflecting on his programs in Vietnam can also be watched. Because of Sweat's position in the army, he was unable to see Bob Hope when he came to their camp.
A definition of Viet Cong from Gale US History in Context.
Sweat's camp moves to An Khe and this brief overview is from the Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History, found through Credo Reference.
A Gale US History in Context topic page about the Tet Offensive. General information as well as numerous links to other articles, videos, and more.
The Tet Offensive: A Concise History by James H. Willbanks, published 2007, is an in-depth look at the Tet Offensive and the impact it had both in Vietnam and in the United States. This book can be found in the Schwarzman Building.
Information for the Borden Ave Veterans Residence located in Long Island City, NY.
Resources for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
A general overivew of what PTSD is as well as links to other articles and books. From Credo Reference.
A definition of PTSD in the context of the Vietnam War. Found through Credo Reference, from the Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War: A Political, Social, and Military History.
The website for the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System.
The website for the VA New Jersey Health Care System.
A 2012 editorial in the New York Times about the treatment of Vietnam veterans who were given other-than-honorable charges because they believe their PTSD pushed them to do something they normally wouldn't do.