Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, Vietnam

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2017-08-09

Duration: 00:19:00

Subjects: Vietnam War, 1961-1975 | United States. Navy | Military | Veterans

Contributors:

• Franklin, Ben Interviewee

An oral history interview conducted on August 9, 2017, with Ben Franklin of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Franklin served as a helicopter pilot in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He discusses: his decision to join the Navy; the formation of his unit HAL-3, or Helicopter Attack Squadron Light 3; their role in providing air support for the PBRs (Patrol Boat, River) in the Mekong Delta; the similarities between the Mekong River Delta and the Mississippi River Delta; a typical night mission; the negative treatment he received when he returned home; the politics of the war; and his advice for young people who are interested in joining the military.