In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Popi’s first letter to Suzie, written on November 30, 1964. After a grueling month of flying missions in Vietnam, Popi shares the horrors he witnessed, including the devastating aftermath of an overrun outpost. His raw, emotional words provide a haunting glimpse into the realities of war and the burdens carried by those back home.
\n\nAccompanied by a striking photo of a co-pilot banking above a burning village, today's episode delves into the weight of addiction, legacy, and how personal choices are shaped by the past.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A co-pilot banking over a burning village, potentially linked to Popi’s November 30 mission.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we read the final entry from Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated Wednesday, November 25, 1964. Bill reflects on an unusually quiet week in the Corps area, reports of new Viet Cong battalions arriving, and a reconnaissance mission along the Cambodian border that highlights the moral ambiguities and tactical challenges of the conflict.
\n\nAs the diary closes, we transition to a new chapter of his story: the letters he wrote to his wife, Suzie, back home in Florida. These letters, written with a softer tone for his family, offer a contrasting glimpse into the war’s impact on both soldier and family.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A woman in a white dress, seated on a motorized bicycle, captures the tension between innocence and secrecy in a war-torn landscape.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into one of the most intense days of the Vietnam War as described in Bill Lowie's diary entry from November 18, 1964. Dubbed the "biggest troop lift in the history of war," this operation saw every UH-1B helicopter outfit in central and southern Vietnam mobilized under the command of General Nguyễn Khánh.
\n\nFrom pre-dawn takeoffs to the dangerous landings under fire, Popi recounts the challenges of transporting thousands of troops across hostile terrain. Meanwhile, the day’s events take a tragic turn when a Viet Cong saboteur plants a bomb in the cafeteria at Tân Sơn Nhất Airport, killing several Americans and reminding us of the unpredictability of the conflict.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A striking aerial view captured by Popi during the mission, showcasing the aftermath of a bombing run, providing a rare glimpse into the war as he saw it.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie reflects on a typhoon that narrowly missed their base and an impending troop lift to Saigon. This seemingly calm diary entry contrasts with the emotional weight of rediscovered family photos from Vietnam—slides that have become central to preserving and sharing his legacy.
\n\nAccompanied by a humorous photo Popi's friends, including his best friend Bud Bender, today’s episode explores the personal meaning behind these images, their role in reconnecting with family history, and the broader questions they evoke about purpose and memory in the Vietnam War.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-The narrow avoidance of a typhoon and preparations for a troop lift.
\n-The rediscovery of Popi’s Vietnam slides and their significance in family storytelling.
\n-Reflections on how soldiers’ beliefs about the war shape their actions and our understanding of history.
\n-A personal connection through family slides and sharing stories with younger generations.
📷 Featured Photo: A candid moment featuring Popi's friends, including Bud Bender during their service, blending humor with deeper reflections on the soldiers’ experiences.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a night fraught with tension, as Bill Lowie’s diary entry from November 16 recounts an evening on high alert for a possible Viet Cong attack amidst a typhoon warning. The haunting atmosphere of that night, made worse by memories of the Bien Hoa incident, left Popi and his comrades sleepless and on edge. This entry reveals how these experiences rippled through his life, later influencing family dynamics in small but lasting ways.
\n\nAccompanied by a photograph of Hueys conducting a night training mission under flares and tracer rounds, today’s episode contemplates how the echoes of war shape lives far beyond the battlefield.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A nighttime image of Huey helicopters training under flares and tracer rounds, representing the eerie, tense atmosphere surrounding Popi’s night.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s diary recounts a harrowing Medevac mission on Saturday, November 14, 1964, in which he and his crew were called away from a resupply run to extract wounded ARVN soldiers caught in an ambush. Despite the urgent conditions, they managed to transport 15 soldiers, many with severe and life-threatening injuries. Through his vivid description of their wounds and the unforgiving realities of combat, we’re reminded of the relentless intensity of Medevac operations.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A somber image Popi took from his pilot’s seat, showing an ARVN soldier in visible pain, bandaged and awaiting medical attention on the floor of the helicopter. The photograph captures both the urgency of the mission and Popi’s dedication to documenting the experience.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into Bill Lowie’s November 9th diary entry, capturing a raw and tragic side of the Vietnam War. Bill recounts a troop lift under fire, the confusion of battle, and the unimaginable toll that came when a bird strike was mistaken for enemy fire—leading to an attack on civilian structures. The entry reflects the ongoing tension and emotional strain that soldiers faced as innocence, guilt, and fear intertwined.
\n\nAccompanied by a blurry photograph of a young Vietnamese girl smiling for the camera, this episode also explores Popi’s own complex feelings about children during and after his time in Vietnam. Despite his years as a grandfather, the memories of conflict and the guilt that haunted him seem never to have left.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A young Vietnamese girl captured in a grainy, endearing snapshot, possibly one of the children Popi felt compelled to help during his deployment.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore the events of early November 1964 as Bill Lowie reflects on an L-19 aircraft reported missing over Vietnam. These versatile planes, known as "Bird Dogs," were often used for reconnaissance and forward air control, though they flew low and were vulnerable to enemy fire. Popi’s diary notes the search-and-rescue mission following this loss, along with a routine troop lift he conducted the next day. The entries convey the steady pulse of daily operations, underscoring both the risks and the repetition that came with his role.
\n\nAccompanied by a photo of an L-19 soaring past Hueys and Cobras, today’s episode provides a snapshot of a soldier's perspective on an increasingly routine wartime day. We also take a step back to reflect on the impact of the 1964 presidential election, which marked a shift in American politics as Lyndon B. Johnson secured a landslide victory, shaping the national dialogue for years to come.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: An L-19 aircraft flying past grounded Hueys and Cobras, capturing the unique and essential role of these small planes in the war effort.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we join Popi in the days leading up to the 1964 U.S. presidential election. Popi notes an unexpected lull in activity in Vietnam—an odd quiet that contrasts sharply with the political turbulence brewing back home. The episode recounts an intense ARVN-led troop lift operation near Ca Mau, where dense jungles and hidden waterways played host to a fierce encounter with the Viet Cong, resulting in 89 known enemy casualties. As Popi’s entry describes, only one ARVN soldier was killed in the operation, but the toll on both sides reflects the unyielding struggle for control over the country’s southern regions.
\n\nAgainst this backdrop, we dive into the political atmosphere surrounding the 1964 election. Incumbent Lyndon B. Johnson and his opponent, Barry Goldwater, presented starkly different visions for America. Johnson’s advocacy for civil rights, including his historic signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, marked a significant shift toward racial equality, but it also came at a cost—alienating parts of his own Democratic South. Goldwater, meanwhile, argued against the Act, emphasizing states' rights, but faced scrutiny for a position that many perceived as racially insensitive. The Cold War also cast a shadow over the election, with Johnson’s policy of containment clashing with Goldwater’s hardline approach, a stance that even raised questions about nuclear conflict. Johnson’s infamous “Daisy” ad reinforced these fears, marking the election as a high-stakes decision in a divided America.
\n\nWhile Vietnam had not yet come to dominate the American consciousness, Johnson’s call for a gradual escalation in Vietnam hinted at the storm to come. This quiet moment before the conflict expanded into a deeply polarizing issue reflects the undercurrents of uncertainty surrounding the U.S. presence in Southeast Asia. On the home front, Johnson’s Great Society aimed to lift up communities through sweeping social reforms, while Goldwater’s stance against federal intervention underscored ideological divides about the role of government.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: Popi standing beside a signpost displaying various town names and distances, each pointing a different direction—a reference point for soldiers far from home.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into a significant attack on Bien Hoa Air Base as documented by Bill Lowie in his diary entry from November 2, 1964. Located just outside of Saigon, Bien Hoa was one of the largest U.S. air bases in Vietnam, housing a substantial concentration of aircraft and personnel and serving as a critical hub for launching tactical missions. Its scale and proximity to strategic locations made it a prime target for the Viet Cong, who launched a devastating mortar assault on the base. The nighttime attack claimed six American lives, injured nineteen others, and damaged seventeen Air Force planes and three Army helicopters, underscoring the ongoing vulnerabilities of American forces in the region.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: Today’s image captures the aftermath of the airfield attack. Bomber planes smolder after the assault, and military personnel can be seen standing beside a firetruck assessing the scene, embodying the tense atmosphere following the assault.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we’re bringing together all of Bill Lowie’s October 1964 diary entries, creating a powerful, unified narrative of life at the heart of the Vietnam War. From the intense helicopter missions and dangerous outpost attacks to moments of reflection on the emotional toll of combat, this supercut highlights the highs and lows of an unforgettable month. Through Bill’s words and photographs, we gain a unique perspective on the war’s reality, revealing the courage, struggles, and lasting bonds that shaped his time overseas.
\n\nTune in to experience October through Bill's eyes—one day, one mission, and one story at a time.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie’s diary describes the attack on the remote outpost of Io Chou, where both U.S. and ARVN forces suffered heavy losses with minimal known casualties on the Viet Cong side. Today’s entry offers a haunting glimpse into the isolated and vulnerable nature of these outposts, where soldiers faced surprise ambushes with limited reinforcement options.
\n\nInspired by scenes from "Apocalypse Now" and "Dispatches" by Michael Herr, we explore the psychological impact of serving in these remote locations and how the Viet Cong’s mastery of the terrain left troops in constant suspense, never knowing if an attack was imminent.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: ARVN forces transporting a wounded soldier in a makeshift stretcher, heading toward Popi’s helicopter for medevac.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we delve into Bill Lowie’s October 27 diary entry, recounting a high-stakes troop lift deep in the Mekong Delta. During the operation, two gunships were brought down by enemy fire, triggering a complex and dangerous recovery mission. This episode explores the precarious work of H-37 recovery helicopters, facing battlefield ambush risks and the weight of protecting valuable assets. We also discuss the technical struggles that Hueys faced in Vietnam’s harsh environment, including rotor degradation and engine malfunctions, and the rapid adaptations that improved their resilience.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A downed Huey, lying in shallow water with a hazy rainbow glare—capturing a moment that reflects both the Huey’s battlefield presence and its fragility.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore Bill Lowie's diary entry from October 26, 1964, where an eerily quiet day in Vietnam reveals the ever-present danger beneath the surface. While there were no direct confrontations with the Viet Cong, their silence could mean something far more sinister. We dive into the tactics of guerrilla warfare, the meaning behind "Charlie in the trees," and the psychological toll of navigating a landscape riddled with booby traps like Punji sticks, Bouncing Betties, and tripwire explosives. Even on calm days, the jungle was never safe. These traps, often invisible to the naked eye, turned even routine missions into dangerous endeavors.
\n\nThe Bouncing Betty mine, originally developed by Germany during World War I and later adopted by the Viet Cong, was designed to inflict maximum damage. Along with Punji sticks and tripwires, these traps contributed to the psychological toll of soldiers who felt the jungle itself was their enemy. This type of warfare has persisted into modern American engagements, seen in the widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the U.S.’s war on terror.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: Soldiers walk along a watery bank, their path potentially filled with hidden traps, reflecting the constant anxiety of navigating Vietnam's dangerous terrain.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we read Bill Lowie’s diary entry from October 25, 1964, where he recounts another mission chasing Viet Cong forces with ARVN troops. Beyond the battlefield, this episode takes a deeper dive into Popi's life, tracing his journey from his birth in Georgia to his experiences across the globe. From peeling potatoes for Hungarian refugees following the 1956 Hungarian Revolution to “capturing” Elvis Presley in Germany, Popi's story is one of service, adventure, and devotion to family. Alongside stories of war, we explore Popi's post-military life, flying for Starkist Tuna, his near-death experience at sea, and his fight with alcoholism. His life was complex, filled with trials and quirks, but ultimately a reflection of a man who never stopped moving.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: Popi at 27, standing on the airfield in Vinh Long.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a tense encounter near the Cambodian border on October 24, 1964. Bill Lowie’s diary recounts the assault on the Dan Phouc outpost, where Viet Cong forces approached through flooded rice fields and captured an American captain. Popi’s vivid entry captures the strategic vulnerability of these border areas and the dangers American forces faced, even from across the Cambodian line.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: A sampan with two Vietnamese passengers, sparking questions about how often Popi encountered the Viet Cong in disguise.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we dive into an intense entry from my grandfather’s diary, where he details his first assault mission in Vietnam. In this mission, Popi describes transporting ARVN troops into a Viet Cong stronghold, facing enemy fire, and narrowly escaping danger thanks to gunship support.
\n\nAccompanied by a personal story of my own encounter with a Vietnam War exhibit at the National Infantry Museum, this episode highlights the tension, fear, and chaotic reality that soldiers like my grandfather experienced.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n📷 Featured Photo: Troops jumping from a helicopter into a rice paddy, reminiscent of Popi’s description of his mission.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, we dive into Bill Lowie’s reflections after his first month in Vietnam. Popi dispels the myth that American advisors were equipped with outdated, World War II-era surplus and shares his experiences with the latest military equipment and aviation. We also explore the frustrations felt by U.S. advisors over the lack of cooperation with ARVN leaders and the inherent dangers of troop lift missions. Lastly, Popi introduces us to Chou, an infamous figure who blurred the lines between friend and foe in the chaos of war.
\n\nAccompanied by a photo depicting women at the edge of the tarmac, possibly linked to Chou’s operations, today’s episode offers a glimpse into the ambiguous and complex relationships that emerged in Vietnam’s war zones.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-Modern military equipment in early U.S. involvement
\n-Tensions between ARVN leaders and U.S. advisors
\n-Dangers of troop lift missions
\n-The story of Chou: brothel owner, communist, and opportunist
\n-Reflections on espionage and local involvement in military operations
📷 Featured Photo: A group of women stand at the edge of a tarmac, possibly linked to Chou’s operations. A man, potentially Chou himself, stands to the right.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
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\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie recounts a unique mission flying a helicopter outfitted for psychological operations, broadcasting messages to the Viet Cong as part of a psychological warfare effort. Despite initial skepticism from his fellow soldiers, Popi reflects on the potential effectiveness of these missions in reaching illiterate populations with crucial information.
\n\nAccompanied by a powerful image of flyers being prepared for airdrop, today’s episode delves into the use of psychological tactics during the Vietnam War and Popi’s first encounter with a young Viet Cong prisoner, a stark reminder of the complexities and personal conflicts soldiers faced.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-Helicopter psychological warfare missions
\n-Reflections on the effectiveness of speaker ships
\n-Popi’s first encounter with a Viet Cong prisoner, only 15 years old
\n-The emotional toll of combat and memories that linger long after the war
📷 Featured Photo: A soldier in a helicopter cutting open bundles of psyops flyers, preparing to drop them over enemy territories.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
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📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!
\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie recounts his first flight over the lower Mekong Delta, where he experiences the unsettling reality of conducting military operations in a region largely controlled by the Viet Cong. During a three-hour flight, Popi's helicopter stops at a dirt strip to refuel, only to be tasked with transporting a new advisor to a remote outpost surrounded by dense trees. With the constant fear of enemy attack, he reflects on the paradox of relying on fuel transported by civilians who pay "road taxes" to the Viet Cong. This uneasy cooperation, in which the Viet Cong could halt military movements by stopping fuel deliveries, exemplifies the complexities and contradictions U.S. forces faced in Vietnam.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n• First flight over the Mekong Delta.
\n• Transporting an advisor to a small outpost.
\n• Complex relationship between the Viet Cong and Vietnamese civilians.
\n• The delicate logistics of fuel transportation in VC-controlled areas.
📷Featured Photo: A formation of Huey helicopters flying over the dense terrain of the Mekong Delta, showing the roads likely regulated by the Viet Cong.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
\n\nYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
\nX: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!
\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi recounts a challenging day filled with the recovery of a downed Huey helicopter, the long wait under the scorching sun during a formal medal ceremony, and a disturbing injury that reflects the psychological toll of war. I also provide some background on another helicopter.
\n\nAccompanied by a photograph of soldiers standing at attention among U.S. state flags, today’s episode offers a glimpse into the daily challenges of military life during the Vietnam War.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-The rescue of a UH-1B troop ship and the role of the H-37 Mojave helicopter.
\n-A formal ceremony where Silver and Bronze Stars were awarded to members of the 114th.
\n-A supply sergeant’s self-inflicted injury, shedding light on the mental health strain faced by soldiers.
📷 Featured Photo: Soldiers standing at attention during a ceremony, possibly hosting a VIP, among the many state flags of the U.S.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
\n\nYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
\nX: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!
\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, I share an entry dated October 8, 1964. During a harrowing night, Bill and his comrades were fired upon by the Viet Cong (V.C.), awakening nearly everyone on the compound. While no hits were reported, this close encounter underscores the ever-present danger faced by U.S. forces in Vietnam.
\n\nWe delve into the history and tactics of the Viet Cong, a communist-led guerrilla force that emerged in the late 1950s in response to discontent with the U.S.-backed South Vietnamese government. Utilizing guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and psychological tactics, the V.C. relied on their intimate knowledge of the terrain and the element of surprise to challenge American troops.
\n\nAs we explore this entry, I reflect on the realities of combat, where danger lurked at every corner, often intensified by the cover of darkness.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-Bill Lowie's entry detailing a close call with the Viet Cong
\n-The history and significance of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War
\n-The tactics employed by the V.C. and their impact on U.S. forces
📷 Featured Photo: A night scene depicting a mess hall or officer club at the airbase, illustrating the soldiers’ downtime amidst the chaos of war.
\n\n🔔If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
\n\nYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
\nX: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!
\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, I explore an entry from my grandfather Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated October 7, 1964. In this account, Popi recounts the tense recovery of military equipment after a U.S. Mohawk reconnaissance aircraft is shot down near his base. After the pilot jettisoned his .50-caliber guns to lighten the aircraft, Popi's unit was dispatched to retrieve them. One of the UH-1B helicopters took six hits from enemy fire, underscoring the perilous nature of these missions.
\n\nI also dive into the history of the OV-1 Mohawk and the UH-1 "Huey," discussing the critical role these aircraft played in Vietnam. This episode sheds light on the U.S. military's partnership with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and reflects on the broader implications of military advisory roles in foreign conflicts.
\n\nAccompanied by a photo of a meeting between U.S. and ARVN officers, today's episode captures the risks and complexities of military operations in Vietnam.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n-A recovery mission after a Mohawk aircraft is shot down.
\n-The strategic importance of the Huey during the Vietnam War.
\n-The significance of U.S. military advisors working with ARVN forces.
\n-Reflections on the evolving role of military advisors and their impact in global conflicts.
📷 Featured Photo: A still photo of an OV-1 Mohawk airplane and H-34 helicopter sitting on a tarmac.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
\n\nYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
\nX: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!
\n\nIn this episode of Dearest Suzie, I dive into the very first entry from my grandfather Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated October 6, 1964. Serving as a helicopter pilot in the 114th Assault Helicopter Company, Bill recounts a close call involving Specialist Kelley, a crew-chief and gunman who narrowly avoided serious injury when a .30-caliber bullet pierced through his helicopter.
\n\nI also explore the history and significance of the 114th "Knights of the Air" and their critical role in transporting troops during high-risk assault missions. Additionally, I reflect on the normalization of life-threatening situations for these men and the technological advancements that kept them alive.
\n\nAccompanied by a rare photo of Kelley, today’s episode offers a glimpse into the realities of war, where even a minor injury tells a larger story of survival.
\n\nWhat’s Covered:
\n\n-The first entry of Bill Lowie's war diary from Vietnam
\n-Specialist Kelley's near miss with a .30-caliber bullet
\n-The role of helicopters in the Vietnam War and the 114th Assault Helicopter Company
\n-Reflections on the dangers of military life and the normalization of war
\n-Historical context about flak vests and ballistic armor used in combat
📷 Featured Photo: A picture of Specialist Kelley loading a Huey gunship, captured by Bill during his service.
\n\n🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago as written by my grandfather.
\n\nFollow Dearest Suzie on social media:
\n\nYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
\nX: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com
\nI’d love to hear from you.
Welcome to Dearest Suzie, a podcast and photo series that brings to life the personal letters, diary entries, and photographs of U.S. Army helicopter pilot William “Bill” Lowie during his service in the Vietnam War. In this introductory episode, host Alexander Lowie—Bill’s grandson and an anthropologist—sets the stage for a journey through family history and wartime memories.
\n\nWith the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaching, Alexander will share Bill’s experiences in a unique “on this day in history” format, pairing each diary entry or letter with a corresponding photograph. These materials offer a deeply personal glimpse into the war, with over 100 letters to his wife, Susan (“Suzie”), and more than 500 photos captured during his deployment.
\n\nMore than just a historical archive, Dearest Suzie is about discovery, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re interested in military history, personal stories, or exploring your own family’s past, this podcast encourages you to listen, learn, and share your own stories. Join us as we uncover Bill’s memories, one letter at a time.
\n\nTune in to hear how a seemingly simple slideshow unlocked layers of family history and what it means to inherit not just the memories we cherish, but the ones we hide away. This episode blends reflection, storytelling, and a deeper dive into how family narratives shape who we are.
\n\nHighlights:
\n\n-Memories from a special family trip to "Lowie Mountain"
\n-Popi’s slideshow presentation and its lasting impact
\n-Reflections on the untold struggles and challenges passed down through generations
\n-The inheritance of family stories—both the cherished and the hidden
Follow the show here:
\n\nYoutube
\nhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
Instagram
\nhttps://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
X
\nhttps://x.com/DearestSuziePod
Email Alex here:
\ndearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com