Vietnam/Cold War Interview

Background of distinguished guests – Mr. Harris – naval officer during Cold War/ on call during Cuban Missile Crisis. Mr. Murphy – came of age during Vietnam – Mr. Franklin – out in CA – Two different worlds.

1. So remind us of when you served in the Navy? Why did you join the navy?

2. The Soviets, today, didn’t seem that bad in retrospect. Declawed felines. . . maybe. . . What did you think about the Soviets back then? What evidence did you have of their ferocity?

3. What was it like being on call in the Cuban Missle Crisis? Did you really feel that this was it? Looking back, do you think Kruschev or Kennedy had the upperhand? Was Kruschev the devil he was portrayed to be?

4. As a naval officer you went to Vietnam before 1964. . .What was your purpose there? What were you hoping to find?

5. Did you support Americans in Vietnam early on? W hat did you think of Diem? Do you think the American government had a better choice?

6. How did the news of the Buddhist monks impact you? What other news did you get in your living room of the war before 1965?

7. Maddox incident – What is your take on it – from a naval perspective?

8. At what point did you think we made a mistake in Vietnam? What policy might have prevented such mistakes.

Now to our other guests –

1. How did you learn about the war – How did school, news, parents influence your decisions to be involved or not? 2. How much do you think your views of the war changed by the mere fact that you might have to serve in the war? 3. Did you ever think of escaping like Tim did? 4. Can you describe the draft for us. . It changed in 1969 from a regular draft – called by age to a lottery system. . What was that like? 5. Were you called?