A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Jim Nelson; Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years
A Sneak Preview from Prairie Public's Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years
Navy Petty Officer Jim Nelson returned from his tour in Vietnam to find himself the target of an unexpected kind of assault as he stepped off the airplane.
This long-haired hippie-type walked past and called us both baby killers and spit on us. I thought serving was an honor.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Bismark, ND
Primary Location During Vietnam: Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Navy
Dates of Service: 1967 - 1971
Unit: USS JAMES E KYES DD787 - Desrow 23
About Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years
The Vietnam War defined a generation. It changed the lives of people who fought in it and who fought against it, leaving an indelible mark on millions of people.
To document how this turbulent time shaped life in the prairie region, Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years will inspire Minnesotans and North Dakotans to remember and share stories, recognize bravery, honor those lost, express reasons for dissent, and foster understanding of the lasting impact of war.
Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years will shine a light on the experiences of the many North Dakotans and Minnesotans whose lives were changed:
• The men and women who served in Southeast Asia
• The families who were left behind, caught in social conflict
• The people who protested and, in some cases, resisted the war
• The refugees who fled their war torn country to make a new home on the prairie
Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years premieres November 2017 on Prairie Public
and on demand on the Prairie Public YouTube channel.
Story Themes: Coming Home, First Impressions, Prairie Memories, Terrain, The Vietnam War Years, USS James E. Kyes
Show Comments