Dearest Suzie

Episode 023: 1964-11-30 | The First Letter

November 30th, 2024  |  7 mins 49 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 022: 1964-11-25 | The Final Diary Entry

November 25th, 2024  |  7 mins 11 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

As 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.

Episode 021: 1964-11-18 | Casualties in the Cafeteria

November 18th, 2024  |  7 mins 33 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

From 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.

Episode 020: 1964-11-17 | The Forgotten Folder

November 17th, 2024  |  5 mins 42 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 019: 1964-11-16 | A Storm of Insomnia

November 16th, 2024  |  6 mins 14 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 018: 1964-11-14 | From Resupply to Medevac

November 14th, 2024  |  7 mins

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Episode 017: 1964-11-09 | The Flare and the Nerves

November 9th, 2024  |  7 mins 40 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 016: 1964-11-08 | The Lost Bird Dog

November 8th, 2024  |  7 mins 13 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 015: 1964-11-04 | Election Year In A Time Of War

November 4th, 2024  |  9 mins 42 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Episode 014: 1964-11-02 | The Mortar Strike on Bien Hoa

November 2nd, 2024  |  7 mins 13 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

All Episodes, October 1964

November 1st, 2024  |  1 hr 28 mins

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Tune in to experience October through Bill's eyes—one day, one mission, and one story at a time.

Episode 013: 1964-10-28 | Outpost in the Mist

October 28th, 2024  |  5 mins 57 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Inspired 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.

Episode 012: 1964-10-27 | Downed Hueys in the Delta

October 27th, 2024  |  6 mins 57 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Episode 011: 1964-10-26 | Quiet but Not Safe

October 26th, 2024  |  6 mins

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

The 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.

Episode 010: 1964-10-25 | A Life In Motion

October 25th, 2024  |  9 mins 3 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.

Episode 009: 1964-10-24 | Borderline Chaos

October 24th, 2024  |  5 mins 28 secs

1960s war correspondence, army, army history, arvn, asia, aviation, aviation history, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, huey, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military, military history, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, pleiku, saigon, vc, veteran stories, viet cong, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, vinh long, war, war correspondence

In 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.