Today I'm joined by Leon Schwartz to talk broadly about the Vietnam War and more specifically the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Leon helps provide some insight into the history of Vietnam that is hard to find when just studying it from military history perspective here in the US. We talk about the Soldiers interactions with locals, some terms they may have picked up along the way, how the war is viewed in Vietnam today and a quite a bit more.
- Brief background on Vietnam pre-1969
- NVA vs. VC
- Body count strategy
- Devastation on both sides on Hill 937 (Hamburger Hill)
- Walking away, giving the hill back after that victory
- Public perception changing in the US
Leon was a History and English teacher for 10 years in Asia and the United States. He lived and taught in South Korea and Vietnam from 2011-2016. After teaching, Leon has worked in the maritime industry as a stevedore. Although he no longer works as a teacher, he maintains a strong interest and passion in all things history. He is from Baltimore County, MD but currently resides in Smithfield, VA.
