Vietnam Veterans Archive

The Vietnam Veterans Archive is a collection of oral histories, documents, photographs, memorabilia, and letters from veterans or family members. The project was initiated by David Taylor '66 and Beth Taylor, co-director of Brown’s Nonfiction Writing Program, to capture the stories of Brown University alumni who served in the military during the Vietnam War.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

Items in this collection

David Taylor getting wings pinned by Kathryn Fuller

David Taylor's description of this photograph: "'Very Young' of David Taylor having his Wings pinned on by Kathryn Fuller. [This] was the date that my wings were pinned on. The party doing the pinning is my wife, Kathryn Fuller 1968 Pembroke. The date would have been about end of Jan or so, 1968. She finished school 6 months early (we were married in Dec of 1967). As I mentioned this was after my motorcycle fiasco that result in a broken wrist, and gouged chin. We went to California after this, via Mazatlan, Mexico (driving) and ended up living in Laguna Beach prior to my departure for Vietnam in August of 1968. Kathryn is the mother of our daughter, Sarah, and currently affiliated with Brown as a Fellow of the University I believe. Katheryn's career was later as President of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and I believe Chair of the Board of Ford Foundation." David Taylor's description of this photograph: "'Very Young' of David Taylor having his Wings pinned on by Kathryn Fuller. [This] was the date that my wings were pinned on. The party doing the pinning is my wife, Kathryn Fuller 1968 Pembroke. The date would have been about end of Jan or so, 1968. She finished school 6 months early (we were married in Dec of 1967). As I mentioned this was after my motorcycle fiasco that result in a broken wrist, and gouged chin. We went to California after this, via Mazatlan, Mexico (driving) and ended up living in Laguna Beach prior to my departure for Vietnam in August of 1968. Kathryn is the mother of our daughter, Sarah, and currently affiliated with Brown as a Fellow of the University I believe. Katheryn's career was later as President of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and I believe Chair of the Board of Ford Foundation." Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

David Taylor - Memory email

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Correspondence: John A. Feagin to Augustus White

A letter from John Feagin in which he provides a brief essay he titled "Memories of Gus: Race, War and Combat Surgery." Feagin and White served together at the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. Feagin describes the work they did and how race was a factor for other members of the hospital staff in their interactions with Gus White. A letter from John Feagin in which he provides a brief essay he titled "Memories of Gus: Race, War and Combat Surgery." Feagin and White served together at the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Qui Nhon, Vietnam. Feagin describes the work they did and how race was a factor for other members of the hospital staff in their interactions with Gus White. Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Citation: Air Medal with Gold Stars (posthumously) for service April 11-July 22, 1967

This is a photocopy of the original of citation. It was awarded posthumously to Captain Kenneth Berube and reads in part: "For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a designated Naval Aviator in Marine Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN during combat missions in support of the Republic of Vietnam from 11 April to 22 July 1967. Completing numerous missions during this period while often exposed to hostile fire at close range, Captain Berube (then First Lieutenant) contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President, Paul R. Ignatius, Secretary of the Navy" This is a photocopy of the original of citation. It was awarded posthumously to Captain Kenneth Berube and reads in part: "For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as a designated Naval Aviator in Marine Squadron TWO HUNDRED ELEVEN during combat missions in support of the Republic of Vietnam from 11 April to 22 July 1967. Completing numerous missions during this period while often exposed to hostile fire at close range, Captain Berube (then First Lieutenant) contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. For the President, Paul R. Ignatius, Secretary of the Navy" Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts, Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Chu Lai dining hall [photo 2]

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Children, Sam Hi Village, Vietnam [photo 16]

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Camoflauge Utilities

Camoflauge Utilities

Brown University

"Upland green camoflauge utilities: issued in 1968 to replace same item in green. First issue to field troop. Pattern designed for maximum camoflauge in Vietnam. Worn mostly [as] a daytime garb when not flying or when traviling in country (RVN)." / David Taylor "Upland green camoflauge utilities: issued in 1968 to replace same item in green. First issue to field troop. Pattern designed for maximum camoflauge in Vietnam. Worn mostly [as] a daytime garb when not flying or when traviling in country (RVN)." / David Taylor Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Cactus (in Vietnam) [photo 3]

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Bronze Star Air Medal Citation for heroic achievement on 13 April 1969 with letter from General L.F. Chapman dated 19...

8x10 inches red leather award folder, awarded posthumously for earlier mission. 8x10 inches red leather award folder, awarded posthumously for earlier mission. Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Biographies of Robert A. Seiple

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Barbershop [in Sam Hi Village] [photo 19]

Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Background survey completed by Barry Kowalski

Brief email exchange between Prof. Beth Taylor and Barry Kowalski. Discussion of interview schedule; the book "Boys of '66," in which Kowalski is a character; David Taylor; Derek Chesebrough '65. Brief email exchange between Prof. Beth Taylor and Barry Kowalski. Discussion of interview schedule; the book "Boys of '66," in which Kowalski is a character; David Taylor; Derek Chesebrough '65. Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)

Aviator's Flight Log of Jerry A. Zimmer

"Every military pilot's Bible" -- includes qualification dates, time logs by year and item (for Zimmer: 1967, T-24, T2A, T2-B; 1968, TF-9, F-4, T-1A; 1969, F-4), hop records, including navigator names, safety records, etc. Log book is hardbound measuring approximately 19 cm x 8 cm. The book cover is dark green with gold writing on front cover. It is protected by a handmade cover of red naugahyde. "Every military pilot's Bible" -- includes qualification dates, time logs by year and item (for Zimmer: 1967, T-24, T2A, T2-B; 1968, TF-9, F-4, T-1A; 1969, F-4), hop records, including navigator names, safety records, etc. Log book is hardbound measuring approximately 19 cm x 8 cm. The book cover is dark green with gold writing on front cover. It is protected by a handmade cover of red naugahyde. Digital object made available by : Brown University Library, John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts , Box A, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, U.S.A., (http://library.brown.edu/)