Following the costly standoff in Korea, the Vietnam War marked the end of an era of American military glory in two World Wars, and the beginning of an era of sometimes questionable military ventures. It was a distinct marker at the beginning of a long period of change in American attitudes, morals, and political discourse that continues to this day.

Mr. Schaefer was a decorated Army pilot who flew slow, low-flying L-19 airplanes into the jungles of South and North Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos during the conflict. He worked closely with U.S. Army, Marines, and Special Forces units including the secretive “Studies and Observations Group.” From these contacts he acquired a unique perspective on the war in Vietnam - on the war itself and on the events that occurred subsequently back in the U.S. In this class he will share those perspectives, to include personal stories and photographs from his own experiences during the war and from a recent visit to modern Vietnam.

This course will cover the circumstances that initiated America’s involvement, what it was like to be a soldier in combat in Vietnam, the events going on back home, and how the conflict ended. In each class participants will examine a unique aspect of Vietnamese history, the war, the conflict’s role in American politics and subsequent developments in Vietnam. Questions and discussion are encouraged during class.

Six-Week Course Schedule | Thursdays
Nov 02 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 09 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 16 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nov 23 - No Class
Nov 30 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dec 07 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Dec 14 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class will be held in-person at WIH and simulcast via Zoom