vietinterview

Interview a Veteran

There is no better way to learn about the war in Vietnam than to talk with someone who was there. The key to a good interview is preparation and listening. By thinking about what you want to learn in advance, you can write your questions and put them in the order you would like to ask them. It’s critical that you listen to the response, because many times a person will say something that requires a follow-up question. Sticking with a script will lead to a brief and uninformative interview. It’s also important to try to ask questions that elicit more than a yes or no response.

Many veterans still struggle with their experience in Vietnam and they do not wish to talk about it. If a veteran says that he or she would rather not respond, then do not push him or her. War isn’t easy. Be patient and understanding.

Sample Interview Questions

What is your name? __________________________________________________

What was your life like in high school? ____________________________________

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What did you want to do after you graduated from high school? _________________

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When you were in high school, did you worry about Vietnam? ___________________

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Were you drafted or did you volunteer? ____________________________________

Why did you volunteer? ________________________________________________

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In what branch of service did you serve? ___________________________________

What was basic training like? ___________________________________________

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When did you find out you were going to Vietnam and how did you feel? __________

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Did you call your parents or loved ones before you left? _______________________

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When were you in Vietnam? ____________________________________________

What were your first impressions of Vietnam? ______________________________

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How old were you when you were in Vietnam? ______________________________

Where were you in Vietnam? ____________________________________________

What was your assignment in Vietnam? __________________________________

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What was it like being in the field? Were you scared? _________________________

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Did you feel like you were prepared by the military to go to war? _________________

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Can you tell me about some of the bad things that may have happened to you?

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What was your opinion of the war strategy of search and destroy and the body count?

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Were there any good times that you remember? _____________________________

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Did you ever get to see Bob Hope or any entertainers? ________________________

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There were many civilians, like Red Cross volunteers and Doughnut Dollies who served in Vietnam.
Did you ever meet them? What were they like?

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Women don’t receive much attention, but thousands of women served and eight women
died in Vietnam. What was your impression of the women in Vietnam?

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Before the Womens Memorial was built in Washington, there was a big argument about it.
Do you think it was a good idea to build a womens memorial?

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Do you think that women should be allowed to fight in combat? Why or why not?

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Many African-Americans fought and died in Vietnam. I have heard there were some
racial problems in Vietnam. Did you ever notice any problems?

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What did you think about Lieutenant Calley and what happened at My Lai? ________

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What did you think of the protesters back here in the United States? _____________

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What did you think when you heard about Kent State? ________________________

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Do you think Richard Nixon was right to send troops to Cambodia? Why or why not?

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When some veterans returned, they joined the protest movement. Did you ever consider doing that?

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What was your opinion of the war?_______________________________________

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What was your opinion of President Johnson? _____________________________

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What was your opinion of President Nixon? ________________________________

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I’ve heard that veterans weren’t treated very nicely when they came back to the United States.
What was it like for you when you came back?

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Some men and women have had trouble dealing with what they experienced in Vietnam.
How has it been for you?

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How do you feel about the war now after all these years? _____________________

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If you had to do everything all over again, would you do it? Why or why not?_________

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As a veteran, is there any advice you would like to share with me, or do you have any closing thoughts?

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Thank you for helping me and thank you for serving our country.