Father Richard Vidrine (2017)
Vietnam War Oral Histories
Details
Collection:LPB
Genre: Interview
Place Covered: Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, Vietnam
Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority
Date Issued: 2017-09-12
Duration: 00:15:10
Subjects: United States. Navy | Military | Veterans | Vietnam War, 1961-1975
Contributors:
- Vidrine, Richard Interviewee
Description
An oral history interview conducted on September 12, 2017, with Father Richard Vidrine of Ville Platte, Louisiana. Father Vidrine served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He discusses: volunteering for the Navy Medical Corps; their role in supporting the United States Marines in Vietnam; his training; being sent as a reinforcement to the area known as Death Valley; breaking his ankle after falling off a rice paddy levee; the difficult task of identifying the body of a friend and fellow medic; his friendships with other Vietnam veterans; serving at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; his medals; the indifferent welcome home; people’s lack of sensitivity in asking about his war experience; and his advice for young people interested in joining the military.