Ep 2. Boots on the Ground

In the second episode of Vietnam - 50 Years Remembered, titled "Boots on the Ground," viewers are taken back in time to the early stages of the war in Vietnam. Through powerful archival footage and interviews with veterans who were on the front lines, the episode paints a vivid picture of what it was like to serve in Vietnam as a soldier.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the soldiers themselves, many of whom were drafted and sent to Vietnam against their will. They describe the fear and uncertainty they felt as they arrived in a foreign land, not knowing what to expect or how long they would be there. They also talk about the camaraderie that developed between soldiers, as they relied on each other to survive in a hostile environment.

As the episode progresses, it delves deeper into the challenges that soldiers faced on a daily basis. It explores the harsh living conditions, lack of basic necessities like clean water and food, and the constant threat of enemy attacks. Soldiers talk about being ambushed by the Viet Cong, and trying to navigate through dense jungle terrain under the cover of darkness.

One of the most poignant moments of the episode comes when soldiers describe the toll that the war took on their mental health. Many of them talk about experiencing PTSD, and struggling with feelings of guilt and survivor's guilt. They describe the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life once they returned home, and the lack of support they received from the government and society as a whole.

Through all of this, however, there are moments of hope and humanity. Soldiers talk about the acts of kindness and compassion that they experienced from Vietnamese civilians, and the bonds that they formed with the local people. They also mention the celebrations that would happen on the front lines, when soldiers would come together to sing and laugh and forget about the war for a little while.

Overall, "Boots on the Ground" is a powerful and emotional look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of the soldiers who fought in it. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that these men and women made, and the lasting impact that the war had on their lives.