Interview with Claude Shaw, August 14, 1985

Interview Summary

Claude Shaw talks about his childhood in the Reelfoot Lake area of Tennessee and his educational background. He talks about being drafted in 1957 and his assignments in Germany and Fort Riley, Kansas before his assignment to Vietnam with the First Infantry Division. He talks about completing flight school in 1966 and his reassignment to First Cavalry Division at An Khe. He talks about what it was like being a "newbie," his daily activities, the ability of his commanders. He talks about flying a UH-1 "Huey" helicopter and his first combat mission, and talks about the role of helicopters in the war. He gives his impressions of the ARVN troops;, and the ability of the Viet Cong and NVA. He talks about returning to the United States and his assignment in Texas as a tactical training officer. He talks about his second tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969, stationed in the Mekong Delta. He talks about the changes since his first tour, including the morale of his unit, and drug and alcohol abuse by American troops. He talks about being wounded in August 1969. He discusses his second homecoming, the psychological trauma of Vietnam, his frustration towards World War Two veterans, dealing with a disability, and the honors he received.

Interview Keyword

Attitude (Psychology) Combat. Drug abuse Helicopter pilots Military education. Military helicopters Morale. Politics and war. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Aerial operations, American. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Psychological aspects Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Social aspects. Wounds and injuries.

Interview LC Subject

Military life. Soldiers Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Veterans.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.