Ep 22. Vietnam: Hidden In Plain Sight

Secrets of War is a documentary series that delves into the unknown stories and secrets of conflicts and wars. Season 1 episode 22, titled Vietnam: Hidden In Plain Sight, takes the viewers on a journey to the Vietnam War, one of the deadliest and most divisive conflicts in modern history. The episode explores the many secrets and mysteries that were hidden in plain sight during the conflict and the ways in which they affected the course of the war.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the Vietnam War, the political and social climate in the United States at the time, and the reasons why the US got involved in the conflict. It then dives into the various secrets and hidden agendas that were at play during the conflict, such as the secret bombing campaign in Cambodia, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and the covert CIA operations in Laos.

One of the highlights of the episode is the exploration of the use of Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used by the United States military to defoliate the jungles of Vietnam. The episode details the devastating impact of Agent Orange on the Vietnamese people, the American soldiers who were exposed to it, and their families. It also explores the cover-up of the effects of Agent Orange by the US government and the fight for justice by the victims of the herbicide.

Another key topic that the episode covers is the My Lai massacre, one of the most shocking and controversial incidents of the Vietnam War. The episode looks into the events that led up to the massacre, the cover-up by the US military, and the trial of Lieutenant William Calley, who was found guilty of murder in connection with the massacre.

The episode also sheds light on the role of the media during the Vietnam War. It explores the ways in which reporters and journalists brought the horrors of the conflict to the American people, the challenges they faced in reporting on the war, and the impact their reporting had on public opinion.

The episode features interviews with veterans who served in Vietnam, historians, journalists, and other experts. It also incorporates archival footage and photographs of the conflict, adding to the depth and historical accuracy of the episode.

Overall, Vietnam: Hidden In Plain Sight is a fascinating and informative episode that uncovers many of the secrets and mysteries of the Vietnam War. It provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the conflict and its legacy and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in times of war.