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Michael k. Heaney and Binh Dinh’s veterans. Photo N.S |
After the Vietnam war, many American veterans who participated in the war have returned to Vietnam. History professor Michael K. Heaney is one of them. He was an American soldier of the US first air Cavalry Division joining the battlefield in Binh Dinh 40 years ago. He is now going to write a memoir about his days in Vietnam.
“I was here more than 40 years ago. I’m now older, but more lucid,” Michael began his story like that in a meeting with some Vietnamese veterans in Binh Dinh a couple of days ago. Among them, there were veterans who were soldiers of division No 3 which fought against the US first air Cavalry Division.
Michael has gone to Binh Dinh to meet Vietnamese veterans, aiming to write an anti-war memoir about his experience in Binh Dinh.
In early 1966, the sublieutenant Michael K. Heaney was appointed to go to Vietnam, taking the role as the head of the platoon No 3 of the US first air Cavalry Division. One day in mid-May, his platoon was deployed in Vinh Thanh. They were then ambushed. Michael was seriously injured and hospitalized.
“That was my worse time,” he recalled. “Vietnamese soldiers bravely fought against us and I fortunately survived. I had lived in Vietnam for five months and feared nothing before the fight happened. 80% of American soldiers were injured at that time.”
In the meeting, Binh Dinh’s veterans shared their thoughts, experiences, and stories about the fight. Their stories would be a part in his memoir, Michael said.
- We were always surprised with the location and time you attacked.
- The secret and suddenness decided the victory. We knew when American soldiers lacked vigilance to attack.
- The US first air Cavalry Division was the most powerful unit in the south at that time. What did you think about it?
- We knew that but didn’t fear. Your fighters only flied on the sky, but we controlled on the ground.
Following is his talk with Binh Dinh Newspaper’s reporter:
* When did you intend to write a book about his experiences in Vietnam? What urged you?
- About 30 years ago. I intended to write a memoir about my days in Vietnam with the anti-war aim and I started to write five years ago. I have three sons. I don’t want my sons as well as the others’ to go to war. That was partly the reason why I decided to write the book.
Also, I want to talk about Vietnam’s beauty, even in the wartime – a beauty which is very different from my country’s beauty. Vietnamese people are industrious and friendly. I want to visit them in their daily life in the coming time. I think Vietnam is a beautiful country and Americans will love coming here as tourists and businessmen. As an American veteran, it’s my responsibility to give voice to the issue.
* Do you have to suffer the Vietnam syndrome as other American veterans participating in the Vietnam war have suffered?
I worked as a volunteer at an organisation aiding American veterans who suffer Vietnam syndrome for 15 years. Some faced psychological problems, such as nightmares, alcohol addiction, and aggression. I had nightmares, isolated myself, and met no one but veterans in the past.
* Have you talked to your students about Vietnam war?
I often teach them about wars. I also told them about my experiences in Vietnam war and the anti-war spirit.
* You once wrote a letter to the US Government. What did you write in the letter?
I told my feeling and thoughts about the war in Vietnam. I said that was wrong. I wanted the US Government to change their attitudes towards the war.
* What are you doing during the time in Binh Dinh?
I hope to meet Vietnamese veterans who participated in the fight in which I was injured and visit the place where I was injured.
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