S2 E5: The Vietnam War, with Cerys Matthews
The Vietnam War is one of the twentieth century’s most well-known conflicts. It has become a buzzword for military failure, synonymous with the most horrific aspects of irregular warfare between states and guerilla forces, and has had a profound impact on politics and popular culture in the United States and around the world.
But why did America get involved in the first place? Who were the Viet Cong and the Viet Minh? Why were there mass peace protests back in the US? And what lessons, if any, can be learned from the conflict?
In this episode we were joined by Cerys Matthews - singer, songwriter, author, and BBC Radio 6 broadcaster, alongside IWM Curator, conflict eyewitness Phan Thi Kim Phuc, and renowned photographer Don McCullin.
CELEBRITY GUEST
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CERYS MATTHEWS
This episode stars singer, songwriter and BBC Radio 6 DJ Cerys Matthews.
OBJECTS
See some of the objects featured in this episode.
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Flying overalls
These flying overalls were worn by Lieutenant Colonel John C Dalton of the United States Air Force who flew 361 combat missions during six tours of duty in Vietnam.
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Viet Cong improvised grenade
Viet Cong improvised stick grenade, captured by a member of the the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War (1962-1975).
Conflict of Interest- Series Two
See more from Series Two of Conflict of Interest, a podcast which invites celebrities to ask the simple questions about the world's most complex conflicts, with guests including comedian & activist Eddie Izzard, actor Katherine Parkinson and radio host Cerys Matthews, alongside curators, experts and eyewitnesses.
