Dearest Suzie
The Story of An American Inheritance
Displaying Episode 131 - 132 of 132 in total of Dearest Suzie with the tag “vietnam war”.
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Episode 001: 1964-10-06 | Saved by a Flak Vest
October 6th, 2024 | 6 mins 44 secs
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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.
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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.