"I think there's a time and a place for military intervention. It's not nation building. It's a defense of freedom, the defense of democracy that already … exists. You can't create a democracy in a place that's never had it, and it doesn't want it."
Description of Interview:
Karl Ege tells stories that include friendly fire casualties, the horrors of white phosphorus, and helicopter crashes. He discusses the futility of the war, some misguided leadership, his disgust with the focus on casualty numbers, but also the pleasure of having a beer with John Wayne and seeing Martha Raye. His insights are both fascinating and penetrating.
Key Words: Forward observer, Chu Lai, Quang Ngai, DMZ, Operation HASTINGS, Operation PRAIRIE, Matterhorn, Hill 441, Khe Sanh, Rip Van Winkle, PeaceTrees Vietnam, Quang Tri Province, PTSD
Key Names: Karl Marlantes. The Duke, John Wayne, Martha Raye, General Jimmy Collins, Major Daniel Keating, Dave Hackett, Steve Kelsey, Ed Hall
Unit:
Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines
Service Location:
I Corps, II Corps, Chu Lai, Quang Ngai
Read the Complete Transcript of this Interview.