Interview with Bert R. Francis and Arlayne Francis, February 6, 2018

Interview Summary

Bert and Arlayne Francis describe the letters they wrote to one another during the war and Bert discusses his access to information while in Vietnam. Bert Francis describes aspects of his assignment near the DMZ. He talks about the bases and other locations at which he served, their weapons and equipment, some of their missions, and the infantry battalions they were supporting. He describes some of the commanding officers he encountered during the war and their various leadership styles. He discusses his role during Operation Hastings. He talks about the coordination of the various parts of the Marine Corps (artillery, air support, and infantry), as well as the problems that often arose between the various units, including friendly fire. Francis discusses his views on body counts and kill ratios and talks about the types of things he was concerned about during the war. Francis talks about two Marines who claim he saved their lives and tells the story of the event, which occurred during a raid.

Interview Keyword

Operation Hastings Civilians in war. Wounds and injuries. Attitude (Psychology)

Interview LC Subject

Correspondence Letters United States. Marine Corps--Military life United States. Marine Corps--Officers Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Campaigns Strategy Tactics Weapons Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Equipment and supplies Leadership Artillery War casualties Combat

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Interview Usage

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