Interview with Thomas J. Kubeck, August 29, 2017

Interview Summary

[This is the second part of an interview which began in interview 2017oh547_honor007 which can be accessed at https://oralhistory.uky.edu/catalog/xt76ww76wr6b]

Kubeck talks about his superiors in the platoon, both positive and negative. He describes the types of tanks and other weapons he regularly worked with in Vietnam, describing how they work and their effectiveness. He talks about some of the problems he dealt with as a tank commander, including the deaths and injuries of his fellow soldiers. He talks about their mentality during combat, his attitude toward the enemy as he was fighting them in Vietnam, and incidents of civilian casualties during the war. Kubeck talks about race relations in his platoon and squadron in Vietnam. Kubeck talks about the incident that occurred which earned him a Silver Star and tells the story of how he sustained the injury which resulted in him being sent home. Kubeck talks about how his life was affected by his experiences in the war after returning home. He talks about joining the Vietnam Veterans Against the War organization; the effects of PTSD which he still suffers from today; and his work with other veterans.

Interview Keyword

Black market Civilians in war. Drug abuse Race relations. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--African Americans. Massacres. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Atrocities. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Destruction and pillage.

Interview LC Subject

Post-traumatic stress disorder. Firearms. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Equipment and supplies. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Chemical warfare. Health issues Medical care. Military life. War wounds. Wounds and injuries. Attitude (Psychology) Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Psychological aspects Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Veterans. Psychic trauma. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Protest movements Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion Politics and war. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Social aspects. Artillery War casualties Combat

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.