Dearest Suzie

All Episodes, December 1964

January 1st, 2025  |  31 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 special episode of Dearest Suzie, we reflect on the December 1964 letters from Bill Lowie, offering a snapshot of the challenges and small comforts of a soldier's life during the Vietnam War. From navigating dangerous flights over the ocean to moments of nostalgia sparked by a French beachside hotel, this month reveals the duality of war—where peril and longing for home coexist.

Bill’s letters recount improving mail delivery that brought treasured connections, the harrowing realities of his missions, and his hope to hear his son’s voice on a tape recording. With reflections on paydays, camaraderie, and even a fleeting appearance at a Bob Hope show, December paints a vivid picture of life in wartime Vietnam as one year closes and another approaches.

Episode 028: 1964-12-30 | The Last Letter of 1964

December 30th, 2024  |  7 mins 25 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 Bill Lowie’s final letter of 1964, written just after Christmas. Bill reflects on the joy of receiving mail from loved ones and the emotional boost it provides, even in a war zone. He shares details of a brief stay in Na Trang, a picturesque French-influenced coastal town, and recounts a harrowing journey back, flying low over the ocean due to dangerous weather and mountainous terrain.

Accompanied by a photo of men preparing to jump into the ocean at a rocky beach, today’s episode offers a glimpse into moments of respite, the challenges of travel, and the vital connection soldiers maintained with home.

Episode 027: 1964-12-26 | Bob Hope and Mema’s Mom

December 26th, 2024  |  7 mins 50 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 step into the bittersweet Christmas of 1964, as Bill reflects on his holiday away from home. Though far from his family, Bill finds joy in the small comforts of a hearty dinner, a walk through town with a camera, and the long-awaited arrival of letters and packages from loved ones. Amid the chaos of war, these moments offered a rare sense of connection and normalcy.

Bill also writes about Bob Hope’s USO tour, which brought much-needed levity to the troops. While he missed the show in Vinh Long, Bill shares the amusing detail that Hope played with Charlie, a mischievous monkey beloved by the soldiers. Hope’s humor and humanity served as a lifeline for many during the war, and we’ll explore his enduring legacy in future episodes.

The letter also touches on Bill’s pragmatic approach to planning—a trip to Bangkok, saving money, and delaying purchases—all of which highlight how soldiers coped by focusing on the future. But even amidst practical details, the reality of war lurks: Bill’s gratitude for a day without flying is a stark reminder of the dangers he faced daily.

Today’s episode also delves into family dynamics. Bill’s heartfelt gratitude for a card from Suzie’s mother—who signed it “Mom”—reveals surprising tenderness in a relationship Suzie didn’t recall as close. Meanwhile, a letter from Minnie, Suzie’s older sister, brings a touch of humor and connection from home, with a school photo of her son Michael.

Episode 026: 1964-12-23 | Duck Eggs and Christmas Freedom

December 23rd, 2024  |  7 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 read Popi’s heartfelt letter to Mema, dated December 23, 1967—the last he wrote before Christmas that year. Reflecting on the struggles of distance, Popi shares news of life on base, a clipping from the Saigon paper, and his thoughts on holiday meals.

We also include President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Christmas message to Americans serving in Vietnam, written on the same day, as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those far from home.

Finally, I take a moment to reflect on what this project has meant to me and express my gratitude to the family and friends who have supported this journey.

Episode 025: 1964-12-21 | No Christmas in Vietnam

December 21st, 2024  |  7 mins 15 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 letter from December 21, 1964, where Bill reflects on the absence of Christmas spirit in Vietnam. He shares his longing for home, his thoughts on the Armed Forces Network’s lack of holiday music, and updates on life in the field, including quiet troop lifts and the intriguing presence of German Shepherds donated by Germany.

Episode 024: 1964-12-06 | Unka Bill’s Souvenirs

December 6th, 2024  |  7 mins 8 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 day of flying in Vietnam, where he transports a full colonel and gets a close-up view of the ongoing combat. Surprisingly unfazed after being shot at, he confronts the disquieting realization that fearlessness may bring its own dangers. Bill also shares a heartfelt account of sending gifts home—silver jewelry for family members—which reveals a softer, more personal side of his wartime experience.

Accompanied by a photo of local artisans working under a bamboo structure, today's episode examines the dual roles of soldiers as both combatants and collectors. It invites us to ponder the significance of wartime souvenirs: their purpose, their emotional weight, and the connections they forge between past and present.

All Episodes, November 1964

December 1st, 2024  |  1 hr 1 min

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 delve into the November 1964 entries from Bill Lowie’s Vietnam War diary. This pivotal month captures a blend of harrowing missions, fleeting moments of rest, and deeply personal reflections as Bill transitions from diary-keeping to his first letters home. From the challenges of troop transport and medevac missions to his thoughts on the complex political and cultural dynamics of the war, November offers a heartfelt look at the day-to-day realities of a U.S. Army pilot.

Through Bill’s words and photographs, experience the duality of combat and camaraderie, isolation and connection, as he navigates a world far from home yet brimming with shared humanity.

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.