Archived Abstracts
A Call to Action: A Different Vietnam Story
Location
Room 215, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
60
Start Date
4-8-2020 4:15 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 4:30 PM
Department
History
Abstract
Despite recent research of the Vietnam War, throughout time, it remains a very controversial topic. Examining the research and first-hand stories reveals a constant theme in the Vietnam story. The stereotypical story is that of a young man that is drafted into the Army to fight in Vietnam and is either personally affected or someone close to him is affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. Through extensive research, it is seen that this story is not as true as history books and films make it out to be. A close case study of my grandfather and Naval officer, Kenneth J. Huelskamp Sr., shows that there are more aspects to the Vietnam War than the stereotypical story of the soldier. An analysis of multiple interviews with Huelskamp, himself, on top of other interviews with family members and other research helps to create a completer and more complex story of the United States soldier experience, especially in the Vietnam War. Further research could lead to future discoveries and corroboration of stories like this one that could change the telling of history. Additional case studies and research could help show the full capacity and range that the war had on society and its people.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Adam Dean Dr. Mike Santos
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A Call to Action: A Different Vietnam Story
Room 215, Schewel Hall
Despite recent research of the Vietnam War, throughout time, it remains a very controversial topic. Examining the research and first-hand stories reveals a constant theme in the Vietnam story. The stereotypical story is that of a young man that is drafted into the Army to fight in Vietnam and is either personally affected or someone close to him is affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. Through extensive research, it is seen that this story is not as true as history books and films make it out to be. A close case study of my grandfather and Naval officer, Kenneth J. Huelskamp Sr., shows that there are more aspects to the Vietnam War than the stereotypical story of the soldier. An analysis of multiple interviews with Huelskamp, himself, on top of other interviews with family members and other research helps to create a completer and more complex story of the United States soldier experience, especially in the Vietnam War. Further research could lead to future discoveries and corroboration of stories like this one that could change the telling of history. Additional case studies and research could help show the full capacity and range that the war had on society and its people.