Interview with Joe Gray, Jr., July 1, 1985

Interview Summary

Joe Gray, Jr. describes his childhood in Warren County, Kentucky. He talks about being drafted in 1968 and how his status as a conscientious objector led him to become a medic. He talks about his training in Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He describes his first impressions of Vietnam, and his duty at Camp Eagle (northern South Vietnam) with the 101st Airborne Division. He talks about the conflict between rear-echelon personnel and combat infantry, the abilities of his commanders, and his experiences as a medic in the field. He gives his political and moral assessment of the war. He talks about his impressions of the Vietnamese people, racial consciousness, use of chemicals by the military on the countryside, and military propaganda. He discusses returning to Vietnam as a freelance photographer, and traveling with the Fifth Armored Cavalry Division into Cambodia. He talks about the treatment of Vietnam vets by the public, and the false image of war as portrayed by Hollywood and media.

Interview Keyword

Health issues News media Politics and war. Post-traumatic stress disorder. Religion Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Mass media and the war Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Medical care. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Motion pictures and the war Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Press coverage. Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Social aspects. War casualties.

Interview LC Subject

Military life. Soldiers Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Veterans. Draft

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 be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.