JANUARY 17, 2024 – For many people, war-related experiences are nearly impossible to describe. That’s only natural since war is one of the most horrifying things that exist. However, the correspondents who went to Vietnam were fearless in documenting soldiers’ experiences, and their voices really made a difference.
In 20 years of fierce battles, 63 journalists have sacrificed their lives to make sure that everyone knew the truth about the Vietnam War. When writing about their experiences, it’s important to do them justice for their heroic actions. So, without further ado, let’s look at the individual stories of some Vietnam War correspondents, the ways you can write about their work, and the controversies surrounding this topic.
3 stories of Vietnam War correspondents
Many heroic journalists have shown their courage and determination during the Vietnam War. All of their stories are worth telling, so you can google the full list of their names and find out more. Here are 3 tales that show the sacrifices those professionals have made for the truth.
- Ed Bradley (Edward Rudolph Bradley Jr.) was one of the last American reporters to be evacuated from Saigon in 1975. He was covering both the Vietnam War and the War in Cambodia. Later on, this courageous man said in one of his interviews that “he knew the United States didn’t have 20 years of patience for what was going on in Vietnam.” His opinion that the US couldn’t win that war has proven to be correct, and the journalist has survived, returning home as a hero.
- Georgette Louise Meyer, known as Dickey Chapelle, was a female Vietnam War correspondent who worked for National Geographic. She covered the battle of Okinawa during World War 2, and some American Marines in Vietnam recognized her as someone who interviewed their fathers. This woman received the George Polk Memorial Award for her courage in taking pictures together with the soldiers in the center of the fighting. Some readers claimed that Dickey was “doing propaganda” instead of informing them. However, the people who have gone through the war have said that her accounts were among the most realistic ones.
- Walter Cronkite is another brave man who wasn’t afraid to face the reality of the Vietnam War and change his stance. When covering the consequences of the Tet Offensive, this ardent supporter of the war effort saw that not everything he knew about the US Mission was actually true. Shocked, he voiced his personal opinion on live television for the first time. Cronkite told the public that the best way to stop the war was to negotiate since there was no way to defeat the opponent. His words had a profound impact on many Americans’ opinions about the conflict.
Ideas for writing about war correspondents in Vietnam with respect
There are many ways to write about the war correspondents in Vietnam, whether it be a more personal or broader perspective. Below, you’ll find a few recommendations on what you can start with.
Study one or more war correspondents and write about their lives. All of these personal stories are unique and captivating, so all you need to do is find credible sources to use in your essay. Look for the interviews with your selected correspondent or for the accounts of those who saw them perform their work.
Describe how photojournalism affected public opinion about the Vietnam War. It’s one thing to hear about the horrors of war and another to see them. The American society was shaken by many photos that reached it from the front lines in Vietnam. Find a powerful example and write about this visual and its history.
Reflect on how the Vietnam War correspondents’ practices impacted journalistic ethics. Such events never go unnoticed, and the revolutionary approaches many war correspondents used in Vietnam have gone down in history. Research this topic carefully, and you’ll find that there’s a lot to write about in this regard.
If you need more ideas for a Vietnam war essay, you can always look for inspiration through personal accounts and veterans’ interviews. Just remember to always check your sources for credibility.
Controversies surrounding the Vietnam War
Historians still argue about the most important questions that were asked during the Vietnam War and after it had ended. Here are some of the most heated controversies to give you more context and food for thought:
- Was the Vietnam War a political mistake? This question is infinitely important for many different Americans. The veterans want to understand what they fought for and why many of their friends have sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. Politicians need to understand their legacy and avoid destructive decisions. As for ordinary people, they just want to know the truth.
- Did the Vietnam War have clear objectives? This is another vital question. Was this conflict about the USA gaining more power? Could winning it give Americans a better quality of life? Was this war about bringing justice to the people who deserved it? There are many opinions, and you should learn more about the Vietnam War to form your own.
- Was it possible to win the Vietnam War? Since there are so many opinions about this conflict’s ultimate goal, many people now ask if Americans could really defeat their enemies. After all, South Vietnam, which was the side supported by the USA, surrendered in 1975. Was there a way to end the conflict via negotiations? Did the USA lack resources, or was something else wrong? There’s still a lot to discuss.
Make sure to write cautiously, and you’ll do great!
All topics connected to war are tough to write about. It would help if you were cautious when creating essays about journalists’ experiences, maintaining a respectful tone. Before you start writing, try to reflect on the challenges and emotional struggles each war correspondent had to face. Try to strike a balance between being compassionate and rational.
As long as you stay respectful and your narrative remains balanced, you’ll be on the right track. Remember that you can always ask your professors for advice if you’re not sure about something. May you have inspiration and strength as you create you discover more facts while writing your essay.