Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam Chapter Essay Example

come across while reading this chapter and how are these established?

The ideas that I came across was that letters home were describing a brutality that the young soldiers has never experienced before, they were thrown into life threatening tuitions that resulted in losing a friend's life or their own. In the first chapter you saw the young boys lose their childhood to the horrors of war through descriptions of their experiences and their loss of humanity and comforts. They also experience the shock of the different weather and environmental conditions that descriptors that a war is not Just one of combat. 4. What seems to be running themes throughout the anthology so far and how are the soldiers portrayed?

Offer evidence to support this. The themes that are beginning to form in the first chapter of this anthology include: laity of the war, mate-ship, grief of first losing a friend or known soldier, adjusting to new lifestyle, coming to terms with their year ahead and fresh to combat. These themes therefore give the soldiers a projection that they new to combat and war and have little experience or knowledge. Their letters describe that there only battles at this war in the book are with the environment and weather as for mostly the enemy is unseen.

An example of mate-ship includes: "men have gone on operations here with broken ankles in order not to let their buddies down. " And an example of first going a friend includes: "it really tears me to lose a man... But I must not show my emotion. " Chapter Two: Humping the Ebonies 1 . The chapter title 'humping

the ebonies" is an example of the colloquial language used by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. What did it mean? The slang phrase of "humping the ebonies", that was popularized in the Vietnam War had the meaning of to march with a heavy pack through the Jungle or countryside.

As the word hump can mean to exert one self. 2. How would you describe the image that introduces this chapter? Comment on the content of the photograph in relation to the chapter title. The photograph depicts that the soldiers are "humping the ebonies" in other words doing it rough in the Jungle, carrying big amounts and often everything they own, ammunition and weapons as well as little comforts including shaving cream and rations for food. 3. What evidence is there to suggest that the 'grunts' had a strong bond?

In the war, all the soldiers (grunts) looked out for each other, listened to one another and do the best for their platoon leader asked them for the benefit of their country and life. This includes when they were asked to change direction and throw grenades. When the men was wounded, and showed weakness the platoon leader gave comfort while getting him the help he needed. And when he wanted to hold another soldier's hand, no Judgment was given, Just a hand and consolation. A strong bond had to be there, in the Jungle among the grunts to save lives and stop one another from going crazy, as they only had each other. . What was the consolation of a 'million dollar wound' to a solider on duty? A million dollar wound was an injury

that was bad enough to take a solider home to his family yet not bad enough to get him killed or very badly hurt. The consolation of his was that the victim could go home to America and as told in the letter by Fred Downs, it was something that everyone wanted. 5. What evidence is there to suggest in this letter that the grunts relied for support in times of crisis? "At about the same time, I was comforting the man who had been hit... Hold my hand because it was hurting him so bad. On each other He wanted to The soldiers in the field had no mothers or sisters or girlfriends to look after then when in need, they only had the other men in the field who were Just as scared. The only place they could look for comfort was in the arms of other soldiers. The support included comfort in the eyes of death, simple conversation and/ or advice. 6. Downs seems to have a very decisive attitude towards killing the 'dinky'. What values do you think he holds in regards to killing the Viet Congo? How does he try to encourage his men to share his values in this regard?

The values that Downs have on killing the "dinky" would be based on the Vietnamese injuring his own mates and platoon. They would be full of hatred and aggressiveness to kill them, before they kill him or his mates. He encourages his men to share his values by the following phrase. L told my men that the first squad to kill a dine with a weapon, I would buy

them a bottle of whisky. " 7. How would you describe the Viet Gong's approach towards the battle in comparison to that of the Americans? Support your answer with evidence from the letter.

The style of the Vietnamese combat was mainly through booby traps making them known as the unseen enemy. By drawing the American soldiers to them, and their underground tunnels: where they would have the advantage, it caught many by surprise and these attacks made a big impact in the body count. Downs describes heir tactics in distaste: "they got in their tunnels and we could not get them. " They used both firearms and grenades, and the shrapnel injured or killed its victims. The style of the Vietnamese fighting was also known as Guerilla and as they had the advantage of being in their homeland.

They knew the land in which the American soldiers did not and the harsh conditions and Jungle terrain killed many soldiers. For example, Downs describes in his letter that the "tracks got stuck in damn rice paddies. " Chapter Three: Beyond the Body Count 1 . Comment on the demeanor and expression of the soldier in the photograph that introduces this chapter. In the photograph that introduces this chapter, the man is looking down and holds the expression that his mind is in the past recalling the horrors of the war. He looks defeated and broken with his uniform and processions not so clean and fresh anymore.

His face is drowned of any energy and looks full of sorrow and hardships that he has suffered. The small tent that he is sitting in, the clothes on his

back and the smoke in his hand look like the only comforts he has and the environment looks dry and harsh. The solider looks like he has lost his humanity and perspective of life n its goodness by the slack demeanor and depressed yet distant facial expressions. 2. What does the phrase "body count" mean and what does the title "Beyond the Body Count" refers to? The body count is a tally of the soldiers and civilians that have died as a result of the war.

The phrase Beyond the Body count refers to looking beyond how many people have died and the losing humanity as to the soldiers and the people of Vietnam it is a normal occurrence. In this expression the soldiers are losing perspective of the value of human life 3. In his letter on page, 1 17, Marion Lee Keener, says "We must really be messing p these people's minds. " What does he mean by this? During the day the American Soldiers are forming a friendship with the Vietnamese, by teaching skills, proving health care and community development to villages.

Yet by night, the soldiers are killing the enemy which unintentionally also included the civilians they helped, as the night skies disguised the innocent from the guilty. The two different fronts at night and day is the confusion that Keener is referring to. 4. In his letter on page 137, Marion Lee Keener, uses the literacy device of metaphor to dram a connection between a beautiful wild flower on a hill and Vietnam. He also uses it to make a philosophical comment about life and death. In your own words,

describe the values he is trying to put forward.

Throughout the letter, it describes a philosophy that other soldiers could not describe in the same visual imagery as Marion Lee Keener did including the following: * Labeling by others do not give a character or thing their characteristics Ex. "Not merely because other people recognized it as such, but because it is. " * Keeping true to oneself and their humanity Ex. Muff are what you are. " * Representations of what Vietnam was through visual imagery. Ex. "It is a country of thorns and cuts, of guns and marauding...

Yet in the midst of it all a beautiful thought, gesture and even person can arise among it waving bravely at the death that pours down upon it. " Chapter Four: Base Camp: War at the Rear 1 . Edward Noon's letter to President Nixon on pages 144-145 puts forward an argument as to why combat infantrymen should be allowed to end their tour in rear areas as support personnel. Using evidence room the letter, outline the reasons Anon uses to support the complaint. Edward Anon argued that the men should finish the duration of their tour as purport personnel out of the lines of fire to President Nixon.

As in the last days of their tour soldiers became restless and they put other men's lives in risk. In the nearing days to return home, the men become "tenser, nervous and therefore cannot function properly in the field. He hesitates to act in situations where he once would have acted instinctively. He becomes so concerned about his own welfare that he neglects the well being

of others. " They also feel that "as infantrymen, they were destined to have it harder than most, but they have accepted their responsibilities and fulfilled their duties to the best of heir abilities. Other arguments included that they too, like other units working in Vietnam, should be given the opportunity to work in the rear for the remainder of their tour. They also believed that like officers and Medics they should only have to spend half their duty in the field. 2. Robert Saline's letter on page 147 refers too "... A war of inconsistencies in a land of contrasts... " Explain the difference in nature of his inconsistent experience compared to those grunts out humping. The inconsistencies that Robert Sealers is experiencing unlike the foot soldiers in the jungle include: "watching movies on the T.

V, getting the same 'rock and roll' music on American's radio however instead of public service announcements you get reminded to drive carefully or keep your weapon clean. " This advice is unlike the advertisement at home; however having a television is inconsistent with the nature of war. The inconsistencies that the soldiers in the field would be experiencing include having no showers, rationalized food, one set of clothes and carrying a firearm and ammunition all the time. 3. Thomas Platoon's letter on pages 149-150 hints at the impact of political and social pressure at his command complex in Saigon.

Using evidence from the letter identify what these are. Platoon's command complex in Saigon was described as almost luxurious, where the MAC had a golf course and swimming pool. This wasn't the case in all environments in Saigon.

During their stay the American Soldiers provided an income for many Vietnamese by purchasing their products and providing them food and drinks. Which therefore earned them a comfortable lifestyle however when there was word of all this going away, the Vietnamese tried to make "every last cent from the Americans. " Making a very frantic and democratic social environment for the soldiers.

In the political aspect in Saigon, many officials in high ranking wouldn't let a bad situation exist for the sake of their own careers and the plan of Onion's Optimizations therefore many reports had to be re-written because of how cynical they were, however true. Therefore sending home reports of a false reality Just to keep the politics happy while the soldiers still suffer and get no Justification. 4. How would you describe the tone of Richard Loafer's letters on pages 156-158 in relation to the role of support personal in the war? Use evidence from the letters to support your answer.

The tone of Richard Loafer in some sections is optimistic, however others parts of the letter describe the hardship of his life and the tone is depressive. He is very descriptive in his terms and explains in his letter that his Job as a draftsman is repetitive and routine. He also shows distaste in the fact that he has to work over time to fix "foul mistakes. " Although unlike the foot soldiers that lack supplies, Loafer writes that he is in plentiful of "boots, cooling fans and typewriters trickle into supply... Also napkins, silverware and grass seeds. These are luxuries for the men, breathless Loafer almost sounds sarcastic, as these

items are not necessities, in a war. In his next letter, his tone sounds excited as he shook hands with Carlton Weston then returns to neural and almost tired as he describes the new library. It is clear that his Job is a 'boring office Job that does not depict grief (expect from being away from home) like the soldiers in combat. Chapter Five: World of Hurt 1 . Jeanne Bikini Christie letter on pages 188-189 describes her encounters as an American Red Cross worker with some of the brutally wounded soldiers.

Using evidence from the text, explain what the primary motivation of her Job is. Throughout the first lines of her letter, she describes how happy she is with her position and Job in Vietnam. Through descriptive and emotive language of her encounters with wounded men shows how worthwhile she thinks herself and her actions are. She believes that the "biggest lift we can give them is a human, female hand and some cheerful words. By the reactions from the wounded soldiers, readers can see how little yet humble things can lighten a man's day up. Something that Christie took as gratitude and used as motivation in her work to help other men.

Christie letter also says how it is a "disheartening and yet how moral boosting Jobs. Which can be interrupted as although in the middle of a war she is obtaining personal gain from the situation. She goes into detail, at the near of the letter about an encounter with a man who was covered in bandages, as speaking beatifically and "making it all worthwhile. " This encounter is a clear indication

that the main motivation is her appreciation of the men who are barely alive yet lighten up in her presence and like that man still have very much of their humanity and bravery in the worst of situations. . How does Lynda Van Advantage's sentiments (page 190) towards her role, differ room Christie letter above? Why do you think this might be the case? Lynda Van Advantage's letter straight away starts with sadness. She describes her Job as busy and how much she hates seeing kids dying. Her past experiences fill her with hatred of the war and "how much of a mistake it is. " Advancer writes that she cries all the time, opposed to Christie cheerful demeanor she brings to work. This is a result of the different type of work, each girl is doing.

One being in post-ops and the other visiting recovering wounded soldiers. The extent of the wounds in recovery are andantes and bedridden compared to blood, infections, amputees and death. Advancer ends her letter in a completely different tone with the following: "I'm sick of facing, every day, a new bunch of children ripped to pieces. " Her sentiments are a result of such hardship in what she has seen and done in the Vietnam War. 3. Marion Lee Keener's letter on page 183 gives a sarcastic and in some ways humorous account of the disappointment and abandon felt by many of the wounded soldiers.

Identify the two types of 'hurts' he has endured in this letter and their sources. What evidence is there to suggest that one is more significant than the there? Marion Lee Keener describes in

the first part of the letter that he got shrapnel in the bottom, which resulted in him being lifted off the site too hospital. This being a physical pain is insignificant to the hurt he felt as being abandoned by America, which triggered a letter in response to lack of supplies. The wound in his bottom also affects his pride but not as much as the lack of supplies and support from America affects his opinion and perspective.

This emotional and huge abandonment gives Keener more pain, as it is the cause of his and many other's wounds and deaths. It s widely scaled than a pain that is fixed with medication and time, and is even more so rubbed in his face when he earns a purple heart for his injuries. The evidence that makes this more significant is the fact that Keener uses sarcasm and humor when describing his wound. Nevertheless Keener changes his tone when talking about the authorities support as well as shows his disappointment and disgust in receiving the Purple Heart furthermore enforces this.

Chapter Six: What am I doing here? 1 . Comment on the image preceding this chapter paying attention to the contradictions present in the photograph. How does this image add to your interpretation of the text. The contradictions that the man wears in the photograph includes: the peace sign on his helmet that contrasts with the bullet around his neck and the gun that he is holding. They cause conflict as the peace sign represents unity and calmness in a war where soldiers, such as in the photo are fighting in madness.

Non-superficial things that contradict

with the peace sign as well includes the sadness, loneliness and regret on his face and the mirrored look in the man behind him. The physical scars and injuries as well as the overall rugged and unclean appearance is a clear example of the far from perfect and happy situation. The scars and expression go side in side with the title of What am I doing here' that foreshadows the letters and the emotion portrayed within the letters in chapter 6. This image adds to my interpretation of the text, that although the intentions of the war was peace for Vietnam.

The process to achieve unity through conflict and political strategies was done wrongly by many men and woman that affected them both mentally and physically. The next chapter describes the men that were placed wrongly through political game play that broke their childhood and made them long for home. 2. Just as the war had its phases-limited presence, build up, retrenchment, phased withdrawal-so, to a great extent, did the opinions of those who fought in it" page 203. Explain the significance of this statement. What does this suggest about the opinions of the soldiers? How did their opinions change? Why?

The government learnt to regret their decisions, and began to realize that they made a mistake, yet being a country of power: mistakes were unacceptable and pulling out of the war, was equal to defeat from the Russians. The soldiers began to understand that the country wasn't supporting them or welcoming them home and as a result society perspective as a whole was very negative. Therefore the new soldiers entering the war for their

tour had a very negative and bad attitude in fighting. Whereas at the start of the war, attitudes were high and positive as the soldiers believed they were doing 'good' for Vietnam, by helping them restore peace.

Their opinions changed based on the morels and personal opinions of others that changed in the war, how America saw the war and the people that opposed it that represented controversial ideas. Horrific scenes and emotional situations that saw the loss of innocence lives also played a part in changing the opinion of soldiers. . Refer to Jack S. Sender's letter on page 205. Using quotes to illustrate, describe Jacks views in regards to the Vietnam War. Do you think his views were reflected by many of the other soldiers? Why or Why not?

In the opening paragraph, Jack notes that he: "would rather fight communism in South Vietnam than in other places such as Candid, Humboldt, Blue Mound, or Kansas City. " With this comparative language we can see that in his perspective, the war could be worse if it wasn't in Vietnam. Even though he can recognizes that the Vietnam War will still be going when he is: "old and gray and my children would be fighting he war. " However he does not despite this as the following quotes describes: "The price for victory is high when life cannot be replaced, but I think it is far better to fight and die for freedom than to live under oppression and fear. Sender strongly believes as evident that although the war is tragic, it is for the best. Sender sounds as though an educated man himself,

explains in the letter than victory of the war belongs to teachers as: "communism cannot thrive in a society of people who know the whole true. " The views that Sender are not alike the ones of the other soldiers s they hold experience and wisdom and are very contradictory to the government. 4. Refer to Captain Rodney Chitchat's letters on pages 209-211. How do these letters reflect the themes that are present in this anthology?

The themes present in this anthology include: bravery, death, passion, love, patriotism, war, heroism, youth, social principles, scales of conflict and sacrifice. An example of patriotism is when Chat replies that he is" proud to be an American, proud to be a marine... " Where he puts his country's needs before his own. Another example of sacrifice is the following quote: "... Country made secure by thousands upon thousands of men who have died for that country... " This is a prime example that many men and women have sacrificed their lives and their time for the war to keep others safe.

Although Chasten is 25 years old when he died in the war, many others were killed at the age of 18 or 19: representing youth. The scales of conflict present in the war include: different styles of combat such as fighting the enemy, conflict within the American front and battles with the weather and environment. Bravery was a huge part of the war and in this letter: the writer describes, "that most en here believe we will not win the war. And yet they stick their necks out every day and carry on with their assigned task...

The response and participation of the soldiers would not have been there if it wasn't for their bravery and their belief that their actions would do good for Vietnam. Chapter Seven: We goat get out of this place 1. Explain the significance of the title of this chapter. In your answer comment on the social and cultural context that existed at the time. Colloquial language is used in the title, and explains the desperateness of the soldiers to get home and far away from Vietnam. It was the thought and opinion that was running through most soldiers' minds.

The war was not a place for happiness or a place to call home, and consequentially no one wanted to be there. The social and cultural context that existed at this time: included the Anti-war movement and demonstrations against conscription and the nuclear industry. During this time, Women also demented equal rights and others called for racial equality and a new consideration for the environment and therefore sustainability. In the 1967 referendum, Australia as a country voted to recognizes Indigenous people as citizens and to counted as 'Australians.

America also saw a shift in presidents from Johnson to Nixon. During the sass's it was an era where many people adopted an alternative 'hippie' lifestyle, due to society becoming dissatisfied by perceived shallowness and materialism of contemporary society. As a result, this movement included : changed style of hair and dress, a new time for music, respect for nature, interest in spiritual philosophy and experimentation with new drugs. 2. What response is the photograph on page 234 intended to evoke? Explain your answer. Choose one letter that reflects

your ideas and reinforces the message of the mage.

The image of the broken down man whose demeanor looks tired, saddened and full of grief, leaves readers feeling sorrow for those suffering in the war. It also brings to mind, that for a man to be so broken, the sights and duties over in Vietnam would have to be so tragic and full of the darkness. That the only cure would be returning home to those loved ones in the letters, Just as the man is clinging onto the letter in the photograph. Just following the photograph, is the letter from Robert Murray, who uses desperation in his letter home: "At times like this... I would do anything if I could just be back again with you. Or Edmund Fanning who describes that of all the soldiers: "there isn't one of them who wouldn't be back in the World if they had a chance. " At this stage in the book, all the men are clinging onto their memories of home and happiness amidst the horrors that drowns them everyday. Their only connection to America is through the letters sent from home, which is also symbolic in the photograph. Therefore with Just an observation of the photo, readers can already begin to make connections: with the soldier's desperation to get home and hat they only sanity is held in their letters written from loved ones.

One letter in particular is a prime example. The following quote comes from Janet Scarlatti: inform letters are sanity in an insane world. How much Vie relied on getting a note of concern, a phrase that conveys a thought of

interest, a word that asks of wellbeing. Loneliness at one time seemed so much a part of me. " As well as, giving the readers and example of how valued a letter from home is, it is one of few letters from a female, that introduces how equally brutal, the nurse's Jobs were too and that all soldiers had the same goal in mind.