Soldiers of the Army of Vietnam (ARVN) 1st Batallion, 6th Regiment, are airlifted to “Landing Zone Kala” northeast of Khâm Đức, Vietnam, by U.S. Army UH-1H Hueys during Operation Elk Canyon, 12 July 1970. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)
The documentary, “Truths and Myths of the Vietnam War,” produced by Veterans in Atlanta, presents an alternative narrative about the Vietnam War that challenges prevailing portrayals of the conflict.
Developed by the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association, AVVBA Foundation, the film responds to decades of “misinformation” and portrays the war through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand. It includes commentary from Veterans, historians, and those involved in humanitarian efforts to shed light on misunderstood aspects of the war, including the treatment of returning soldiers, media influence, the antiwar movement, and the humanitarian work carried out by U.S. troops.
Watch the documentary “Truths and Myths of the Vietnam War,” on pbs.org or Youtube.
The documentary was largely a labor of dedication rather than professional experience in filmmaking. According to Jim Dickson, AVVBA Foundation secretary, the Veterans who made the film had no formal training in scriptwriting or production but felt a strong need to set the record straight. They sought to counter inaccuracies in previous accounts of the war. The film’s introduction is narrated by actor Sam Elliott, who urges viewers to listen to Veterans’ accounts of the war.
Since its release, “Truths and Myths of the Vietnam War” has been shown on public television in Georgia and South Carolina, screened on National Vietnam War Veterans Day at the National Infantry Museum in Georgia, and reached an audience of nearly half a million viewers online. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker David Naglieri, the film has received positive feedback, particularly from the families of Vietnam Veterans who felt the documentary addressed a long-overdue narrative. According to Naglieri, the project became a “passion” as he worked to correct misconceptions and present the “historic truth” of the Veterans’ experiences.
Through archival footage and testimonies, the film highlights the lesser-known humanitarian missions carried out by American forces. Retired Army Maj. Gen. Patrick Brady, a Medal of Honor recipient, describes the humanitarian actions of troops who conducted extensive medical evacuations and built infrastructure, including schools and clinics, in Vietnamese communities.
The documentary also sheds light on the challenges Veterans faced after the war, including hostility many Veterans encountered upon returning home. Some Veterans recall being vilified, spat on, and avoided in public spaces. They argue that the negative treatment of Vietnam Veterans was fueled by media portrayals and antiwar rhetoric.
The film further explores the political and propaganda battles surrounding the war. The filmmakers argue that U.S. Communist Party and Soviet funding supported antiwar groups, which influenced both Congress and media narratives in ways that overlooked the efforts and sacrifices of the American forces. James Robbins, a historian, argues that most Vietnam Veterans were proud of their service, although they feel that the dominant narratives have been incomplete and sometimes misleading.
For some like Dickson, a member of American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta, Georgia, “Truths and Myths of the Vietnam War” is about conveying the purpose behind their service to reshape the historical narrative that has persisted over the last 50 years.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.