Interview with Bert R. Francis and Arlayne Francis, March 21, 2018

Interview Summary

Bert Francis talks about the typical patrol activities of the American infantry, and also the tactical situation and movements of the opposing military forces in Vietnam and Laos in late 1966 and early 1967. He talks about being relocated to the Da Nang area and moving his artillery unit to the military base PK-17. Francis talks about his experiences while serving at Phu Bai, which was not a safe area, and his interactions with superiors over the rules of engagement. He talks about his attitude in the final days of his first tour. Francis talks about heading back to the U.S. from Vietnam at the end of his first tour and how attitudes toward the war had changed by the time he returned. He outlines his assignments and where he was stationed for the Marine Corps during the time between his first tour and second tour in Vietnam. Bert Francis' wife Arlayne talks about her life and experiences living in Whitesburg, Kentucky, while her husband was serving in Vietnam during his first tour. She talks about the period of adjustment that occurred when her husband returned him from his first tour in Vietnam. Arlayne talks about how serving in Vietnam affected her husband's personality from her perspective. She discusses her bitterness with the way that the war and veterans were being portrayed.

Interview Keyword

Attitude (Psychology) Post-traumatic stress disorder. Military wives Combat. Leadership Strategy Tactics Correspondence. Family life. Marriage

Interview LC Subject

United States. Marine Corps--Military life United States. Marine Corps--Officers. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Campaigns. ?? N?ng (Vietnam) Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Equipment and supplies. War casualties. Vietnam War, 1961-1975. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Protest movements--United States United States. Marine Corps Marine Corps spouses Military spouses Officers' spouses

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Interview Usage

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