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Catalog number: VIS 201.0685
In this interview, Cliff Stern recalls his service as a flight platoon leader in the 174th Assault Helicopter Company in the Vietnam War. He explains his reasons for joining the military and specifically Army aviation. He recalls his first impressions of Vietnam and describes his duties with the 174th. He describes their food, housing, living conditions and explains the process of planning missions and assigning crews. He recalls the horrific difficulties and losses they experienced participating in the 1971 invasion of Laos. He remembers the camaraderie in his unit and reflects on the four men they lost during that time. He recalls his return home from Vietnam. He comments on the war in popular memory and how his service has informed the rest of his life, including his work with the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.