"Interview with a Vietnam Veteran"
The first installment in the "Interview with…" series is an interview with a Vietnam Veteran who served in the United States Navy from September 1965 to February 1966. That man's name is Karl Kristiansen. Mr. Kristiansen served aboard the USS Mansfield, DD-728. The crew's main mission was plane guard duty with the carrier USS Kittyhawk. They also alternated three day support fire excursions up the Saigon River with the other ships in our group.
I want to personally thank him for taking the time to agree to this interview. I have decided to ask him questions about things that I would like to know about. I have never served in any war, and have never even been in the military, so there is a lot I need to learn. That is one of the reasons I have decided to conduct these interviews. I hope you will find this interview and upcoming interviews in future issues, as informative and enlightening as I have.
NL:
My daughter's American History textbook, written in 1992, states that: America became involved in the Vietnam War "to show the world that America was a powerful nation and that it was serious about its anti-Communist policy." What did you know of America's involvement in the Vietnam War before you were sent to Vietnam?
My daughter's American History textbook, written in 1992, states that: America became involved in the Vietnam War "to show the world that America was a powerful nation and that it was serious about its anti-Communist policy." What did you know of America's involvement in the Vietnam War before you were sent to Vietnam?
Karl:
I more or less just knew what I read in the papers or saw on the news. It was 1965 and our involvement was not as deep as it would get in the next few years
I more or less just knew what I read in the papers or saw on the news. It was 1965 and our involvement was not as deep as it would get in the next few years
NL:
What were you told when they said they were sending you to Vietnam?
What were you told when they said they were sending you to Vietnam?
Karl:
I was actually sent to my ship in Subic Bay, PI. When I got on board I
was told we would be heading to WestPac. We were told we might see some
action, but that our main duty was plane guard duty for the USS
Kittyhawk, whose planes were flying missions in Vietnam.
NL:
Did you believe what they told you?
Did you believe what they told you?
Karl:
Sure, I had no reason not to.
NL:
Do you feel what the kids are learning about the Vietnam War in school is a factual report on the actual events that took place?
Do you feel what the kids are learning about the Vietnam War in school is a factual report on the actual events that took place?
Karl:
No. There are facts still coming out today about the Vietnam War. Robert McNamara's book is a prime example. Another reason may be the editors of these books are not allowed to portray things the way they were. After all, we did not win this war. I don't think we lost, I think we were not allowed to win by the politicians in Washington. This is probably not the impression schools want students to get when learning about this war.
No. There are facts still coming out today about the Vietnam War. Robert McNamara's book is a prime example. Another reason may be the editors of these books are not allowed to portray things the way they were. After all, we did not win this war. I don't think we lost, I think we were not allowed to win by the politicians in Washington. This is probably not the impression schools want students to get when learning about this war.
NL:
Coverage of the Vietnam War included nightly news reports to keep America informed of our involvement in the war. A reporter is one who reports; one who gathers information, according to the dictionary. Do you think that Americans received an accurate description of the war in Vietnam?
Coverage of the Vietnam War included nightly news reports to keep America informed of our involvement in the war. A reporter is one who reports; one who gathers information, according to the dictionary. Do you think that Americans received an accurate description of the war in Vietnam?
Karl:
No.
No.
NL:
In your opinion, what was missing from the reporters' coverage of the war?
In your opinion, what was missing from the reporters' coverage of the war?
Karl:
The facts. Let's face it, whether it's television or print, the reporters reflect the editorial policies of the people they work for. The reporters send in their reports, but their bosses are the ones who select what is to be seen or read. On top of that, the government itself was lying to the American people and distorting facts to fit a preconceived scenario they had come up with.
The facts. Let's face it, whether it's television or print, the reporters reflect the editorial policies of the people they work for. The reporters send in their reports, but their bosses are the ones who select what is to be seen or read. On top of that, the government itself was lying to the American people and distorting facts to fit a preconceived scenario they had come up with.
NL:
Did the journalists', whose job it is to inform the public, add reports that spruced up their report; over dramatizing to make a good story?
Did the journalists', whose job it is to inform the public, add reports that spruced up their report; over dramatizing to make a good story?
Karl:
I'm sure in some cases they did, but in my opinion no more than the government did to make their stories fit their facts.
I'm sure in some cases they did, but in my opinion no more than the government did to make their stories fit their facts.
NL:
By the mid sixties, the 'anti-war movement' was in full swing in America. There were those who disagreed with America's involvement in Vietnam. How much of what was going on at home were you aware of while serving in Vietnam regarding the anti-war movement?
By the mid sixties, the 'anti-war movement' was in full swing in America. There were those who disagreed with America's involvement in Vietnam. How much of what was going on at home were you aware of while serving in Vietnam regarding the anti-war movement?
Karl:
There wasn't a whole lot of that going on when I was there.
There wasn't a whole lot of that going on when I was there.
NL:
In 1974, President Ford offered amnesty to those who fled to Canada to avoid the draft. He offered them a 'conditional pardon'. This meant they would have to 'repledge their allegiance to the United States.' His 'conditional pardon' also meant they would have to 'serve as hospital orderlies, conservation workers, etc., for two years.' These conditions were not accepted by most of them. President Carter, in 1977, then granted them a 'blanket pardon'. While you were serving in Vietnam, what did think of the men back home who were burning their draft card or emigrating to Canada because of their opposition to the war for various reasons?
In 1974, President Ford offered amnesty to those who fled to Canada to avoid the draft. He offered them a 'conditional pardon'. This meant they would have to 'repledge their allegiance to the United States.' His 'conditional pardon' also meant they would have to 'serve as hospital orderlies, conservation workers, etc., for two years.' These conditions were not accepted by most of them. President Carter, in 1977, then granted them a 'blanket pardon'. While you were serving in Vietnam, what did think of the men back home who were burning their draft card or emigrating to Canada because of their opposition to the war for various reasons?
Karl:
I did not agree with their opinions. I was disgusted when they burned our Flag. In my opinion they became traitors to our country when they ran off to Canada. If they didn't want to carry a weapon, they could have registered as conscientious objectors and served in rear areas.
I did not agree with their opinions. I was disgusted when they burned our Flag. In my opinion they became traitors to our country when they ran off to Canada. If they didn't want to carry a weapon, they could have registered as conscientious objectors and served in rear areas.
NL:
What did you think of President Carter's 'blanket pardon' in 1977?
What did you think of President Carter's 'blanket pardon' in 1977?
Karl:
It was wrong then, it is wrong now and will be wrong 1000 years from now.
It was wrong then, it is wrong now and will be wrong 1000 years from now.
NL:
What do you think about the 'draft dodgers' now?
What do you think about the 'draft dodgers' now?
Karl:
As far as I am concerned they are cowards and traitors. I keep thinking about the guy who got drafted or enlisted and had to go and serve in their place. How many of them were killed or maimed for life? Maybe some of them are the POW/MIA's we have on our webpages. Have you ever met one of these guys? I haven't. They had big mouths back then, but I have NEVER met one. How come they aren't bragging to everyone how they deserted our country and ran away. How could they ever look their child in the face and tell them what they did to help keep our country free. They disgust me just as much now as much as they did back then.
As far as I am concerned they are cowards and traitors. I keep thinking about the guy who got drafted or enlisted and had to go and serve in their place. How many of them were killed or maimed for life? Maybe some of them are the POW/MIA's we have on our webpages. Have you ever met one of these guys? I haven't. They had big mouths back then, but I have NEVER met one. How come they aren't bragging to everyone how they deserted our country and ran away. How could they ever look their child in the face and tell them what they did to help keep our country free. They disgust me just as much now as much as they did back then.
NL:
Memories of the Vietnam War for a Vietnam Veteran are something that will probably never fade away. Is there one memory that stands out among the rest of your time in Vietnam that you would like to share with others? Something that you want people like myself to know, that could never imagine without actually being there.
Memories of the Vietnam War for a Vietnam Veteran are something that will probably never fade away. Is there one memory that stands out among the rest of your time in Vietnam that you would like to share with others? Something that you want people like myself to know, that could never imagine without actually being there.
Karl:
Actually, one of the most emotional moments for me was after the war was over and our POW's stepped off that plane. I had such a feeling of pride for those heroes.
Actually, one of the most emotional moments for me was after the war was over and our POW's stepped off that plane. I had such a feeling of pride for those heroes.
NL:
This next question may sound stupid, but did anything good come from your time in Vietnam? I ask this question, because I have noticed that there is a special camaraderie among Vietnam Veterans, a brotherhood that will never be dissolved regardless of how many years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War. It is a 'kinship' that I think few people experience in their lifetime.
This next question may sound stupid, but did anything good come from your time in Vietnam? I ask this question, because I have noticed that there is a special camaraderie among Vietnam Veterans, a brotherhood that will never be dissolved regardless of how many years have passed since the end of the Vietnam War. It is a 'kinship' that I think few people experience in their lifetime.
Karl:
You have answered you own question. It is that camaraderie, the trust you build with you fellow mates. Knowing you can depend on the guy next to you when the going gets tough. When push comes to shove, they are the ones you want on your team.
You have answered you own question. It is that camaraderie, the trust you build with you fellow mates. Knowing you can depend on the guy next to you when the going gets tough. When push comes to shove, they are the ones you want on your team.
NL:
I remember hearing stories years ago and from what I have been reading lately, Vietnam Veterans were treated differently when they returned home from the way veterans in previous wars were treated. What do you remember of the way you were treated when you returned home from Vietnam? (by your fellow veterans, the American public, the media)
I remember hearing stories years ago and from what I have been reading lately, Vietnam Veterans were treated differently when they returned home from the way veterans in previous wars were treated. What do you remember of the way you were treated when you returned home from Vietnam? (by your fellow veterans, the American public, the media)
Karl:
When I came home on leave in 1966 I was treated fine. There were no protests in the street. I remember going back to my high school and seeing people I had been paling around with just the year before. I think they could see I had grown up a lot. My teachers and the students treated me with respect and I will never forget them for that.
When I came home on leave in 1966 I was treated fine. There were no protests in the street. I remember going back to my high school and seeing people I had been paling around with just the year before. I think they could see I had grown up a lot. My teachers and the students treated me with respect and I will never forget them for that.
NL:
Did you have trouble adjusting to family life upon your return. Did your family have trouble adjusting to you?
Did you have trouble adjusting to family life upon your return. Did your family have trouble adjusting to you?
Karl:
No. I have always been grateful for that.
No. I have always been grateful for that.
NL:
In your opinion, why were Americans so hostile toward Vietnam Veterans upon their return home from the war? What can you say that would help to ensure that veterans are never treated that way again?
In your opinion, why were Americans so hostile toward Vietnam Veterans upon their return home from the war? What can you say that would help to ensure that veterans are never treated that way again?
Karl:
I think by the wars end, it had gone on too long, it was unpopular. Unfortunately, the people were blaming the messenger. The soldiers were just doing their job. To avoid the situation in the future, we have to be absolutely sure of our mission before sending Americans into harms way. If we fight again, we must make sure we fight to win. Let the military fight the war. Keep the politicians out of it.
I think by the wars end, it had gone on too long, it was unpopular. Unfortunately, the people were blaming the messenger. The soldiers were just doing their job. To avoid the situation in the future, we have to be absolutely sure of our mission before sending Americans into harms way. If we fight again, we must make sure we fight to win. Let the military fight the war. Keep the politicians out of it.
NL:
I have read a lot about the long-term effects on the Vietnam war among Vietnam veterans; physical, mental, and emotional. What do you believe are the most common long-term effects of the Vietnam war on Vietnam Veterans? What do you think is the best way to help those who suffer from these effects? What can the ordinary lay-person do to help?
I have read a lot about the long-term effects on the Vietnam war among Vietnam veterans; physical, mental, and emotional. What do you believe are the most common long-term effects of the Vietnam war on Vietnam Veterans? What do you think is the best way to help those who suffer from these effects? What can the ordinary lay-person do to help?
Karl:
I think many guys who went to Vietnam came home physically, but their souls are still in 'nam. Some made and then lost the best friends they ever had. Others got screwed up on drugs. Some got poisoned by Agent Orange. We should make sure our government doesn't shirk it's responsibilities to our veterans. They sent us over there and they should take care of the ones who come back and have something wrong with them.
I think many guys who went to Vietnam came home physically, but their souls are still in 'nam. Some made and then lost the best friends they ever had. Others got screwed up on drugs. Some got poisoned by Agent Orange. We should make sure our government doesn't shirk it's responsibilities to our veterans. They sent us over there and they should take care of the ones who come back and have something wrong with them.
NL:
Why do Vietnam Veterans suffer from long-term effects that differ from effects on veterans of previous wars?
Why do Vietnam Veterans suffer from long-term effects that differ from effects on veterans of previous wars?
Karl:
As I said before, it wasn't a popular war. It did not have public support. From what I have read and heard, many veterans from all wars have problems.
As I said before, it wasn't a popular war. It did not have public support. From what I have read and heard, many veterans from all wars have problems.
NL:
Since joining OJC, I have learned a lot about American POW's and MIA's. I know that you are a member of OJC and that you believe people were left behind at the end of the war. In the same history book I mentioned earlier, the only mention of POW's is President Nixon promise to 'withdraw American troops from Vietnam in exchange for the return of American POW's'. It does not mention the over two-thousand that were left behind. Have you believed since Operation Homecoming that we left people behind in Vietnam?
Since joining OJC, I have learned a lot about American POW's and MIA's. I know that you are a member of OJC and that you believe people were left behind at the end of the war. In the same history book I mentioned earlier, the only mention of POW's is President Nixon promise to 'withdraw American troops from Vietnam in exchange for the return of American POW's'. It does not mention the over two-thousand that were left behind. Have you believed since Operation Homecoming that we left people behind in Vietnam?
Karl:
Yes. People are left behind in every war.
Yes. People are left behind in every war.
NL:
If you have believed it since then, in your opinion, why did our government and the American public accept this as the truth?
If you have believed it since then, in your opinion, why did our government and the American public accept this as the truth?
Karl:
It was the truth our government wanted us to believe and I think we as a people just wanted it to be over with. They spent a long time negotiating a peace plan they could live with. If it meant leaving some behind, so be it.
It was the truth our government wanted us to believe and I think we as a people just wanted it to be over with. They spent a long time negotiating a peace plan they could live with. If it meant leaving some behind, so be it.
NL:
What would you like to tell this generation about the Vietnam War and about your time there, that you feel they will never find out from parents, teachers, and history books.
What would you like to tell this generation about the Vietnam War and about your time there, that you feel they will never find out from parents, teachers, and history books.
Karl:
The price of freedom is not cheap. You are a very different generation than the one I grew up in. I was a baby boomer, born in 1947, just after WW II. My early childhood consisted of Korea and my high school days of Vietnam. It was the days of the cold war, the Cuban missile crisis, presidential assassinations, political assassinations. It was not the best of times.
The price of freedom is not cheap. You are a very different generation than the one I grew up in. I was a baby boomer, born in 1947, just after WW II. My early childhood consisted of Korea and my high school days of Vietnam. It was the days of the cold war, the Cuban missile crisis, presidential assassinations, political assassinations. It was not the best of times.
Your generation has had the Gulf War. Although short in length, many of these vets have their own version of Agent Orange in the Gulf War Syndrome. And they are getting stiffed by the government just like the AO vets. The more things change the more they stay the same.
Finally, you must realize the United States has to have a well trained, well armed and well maintained armed forces. Without it your children will not live in the peace that you have enjoyed. The earth is populated by all kinds of people. Many are not peace lovers. Many have their own agendas. We love our country, but many in this world hate us and will do all they can to harm us. The only way to deter these people is to be strong.
Many thanks to Karl Kristiansen for taking the time to do this interview with me for the OJC Newsletter.
Please take the time to visit Karl's Korner
Please take the time to visit Karl's Korner
A Few Words From the Editor:
Click on POW/MIA graphic to return to October issue
For me, Karl's answers to my questions have put a whole new perspective on things for me, regarding the Vietnam War and our Vietnam Veterans. I read with particular interest the feelings he expressed for the Vietnam Veterans "who came home physically, but their souls are still in 'nam." To me, that says more than anything I could have ever read in any book or newspaper article.
Thanks, Karl!
Barbara Fitzgerald-Malone