Press/Journalists

Press Kit: Remembering Vietnam - Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War

Remembering Vietnam Exhibit

An exhibition at the National Archives in Washington, DC. In the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, November 10, 2017–January 6, 2019

This exhibition presents both iconic and recently discovered National Archives records related to 12 critical episodes in the Vietnam War. They trace the policies and decisions made by the architects of the conflict and help untangle why the United States became involved in Vietnam, why it went on so long, and why it was so divisive for American society.


Exhibit Press Releases

Exhibit Promotional Video

“Remembering Vietnam: Twelve Critical Episodes in the Vietnam War” promotional video

 

Slideshow
Accordion

 Vietnam artifacts

Tusk Lamp

Caption: Gift of State from Ngo Dinh Diem to President Eisenhower, November 14, 1954

National Archives, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum


Vietnam artifacts

Metz Medal of Liberation, August 24, 1945

During his official visit to Washington in 1945, French President Charles de Gaulle presented President Harry S. Truman with this medal to thank the United States for its help liberating France from German occupation. During the visit, Truman told de Gaulle that the U.S. would not oppose a return of French authority in Indochina.

National Archives, Harry S. Truman Presidential Library


Vietnam artifacts

​Hard hat presented to Nixon, May 8, 1970

“Hardhats” facing off against entitled “hippie” youth became a dominant image from the Vietnam era. The reality was more complex. While working class Americans were divided in their opinions of the war, they were less supportive of the war than their more privileged compatriots, skeptical of its aims and souring on its pursuit of them. Thousands of workers came to participate in antiwar activities through their unions. Many more thousands of workers came to oppose the war through their direct experience fighting in Southeast Asia.

National Archives, Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum


Vietnam artifacts

CIA model of “Hanoi Hilton,” undated

The CIA sometimes produced models for POW rescue missions. These miniatures helped operational planners to understand the target, in this case, the Hoa Lo prison camp. Built by the French in the 1880s to house political prisoners, the Americans held there—including Lieutenant Commander (later Senator) John McCain—called it the “Hanoi Hilton.” Despite attempts, no American POW successfully escaped or was rescued from a North Vietnam prison.

National Archives, Records of the Central Intelligence Agency

Interview with Ambassador Bui Diem, South Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S., 1965-1972

Interview with Ambassador Bui Diem, South Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S., 1965-1972

Interview with Jeff C. Anthony, U.S. Marine Corps, 1967-1976

Interview with Jeff C. Anthony, U.S. Marine Corps, 1967-1976

Interview with Duong Van Mai Elliot, author, The Sacred Willow

Interview with Duong Van Mai Elliot, author, The Sacred Willow

Interview with Rufus Philips, CIA Agent, 1954-1963

Interview with Rufus Philips, CIA Agent, 1954-1963

 

Remembering Vietnam is free and open to the public, and will be on display in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, through January 6, 2019. Presented in part by the Lawrence F. O’Brien Family, Pritzker Military Museum & Library, AARP, FedEx Corporation, and the National Archives Foundation. Additional support provided by the Maris S. Cuneo Foundation, The Eliasberg Family Foundation, Inc., and HISTORYⓇ

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