Dearest Suzie

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.

Episode 008: 1964-10-23 | The V.C. In A Vise

October 23rd, 2024  |  7 mins 6 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 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 007: General Comments After One Month | Guns, Grunts, and Double Agents

October 21st, 2024  |  7 mins 48 secs

1960s war correspondence, 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 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 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 006: 1964-10-20 | Psyops and Target Practice

October 20th, 2024  |  6 mins 31 secs

1960s war correspondence, 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 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 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 005: 1964-10-12 | Jet Fuel and the Delta

October 12th, 2024  |  7 mins 35 secs

1960s war correspondence, 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 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 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.

Episode 004: 1964-10-10 | Screwdrivers to Saigon

October 10th, 2024  |  7 mins 1 sec

1960s war correspondence, arvn, asia, 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 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 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 003: 1964-10-08 | The First Wake-Up Call

October 8th, 2024  |  5 mins 30 secs

1960s war correspondence, arvn, asia, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, 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, 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.

We 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.

As we explore this entry, I reflect on the realities of combat, where danger lurked at every corner, often intensified by the cover of darkness.

Episode 002: 1964-10-07 | The Lost .50-Cal

October 7th, 2024  |  10 mins 28 secs

1960s war correspondence, arvn, asia, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, 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, 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.

I 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.

Episode 001: 1964-10-06 | Saved by a Flak Vest

October 6th, 2024  |  6 mins 44 secs

1960s war correspondence, arvn, asia, bangkok, civil war, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, 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 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. Thanks to his flak vest, Kelly walked away with only a bruise, a reminder of the constant danger these soldiers faced.

We 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.

Accompanied 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.

Episode 000: Introduction | The Projector and Its Family

October 1st, 2024  |  12 mins 10 secs

1960s war correspondence, family history podcast, grandfather’s vietnam war letters, helicopter pilot, helicopter pilot war stories, legacy of vietnam veterans, letters from vietnam, military history podcast, personal vietnam war archive, veteran stories, vietnam veteran memoirs, vietnam war, vietnam war diary, vietnam war letters, vietnam war oral history, vietnam war personal accounts, vietnam war photo archive, war correspondence

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.

With 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.

More 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.