A Minnesota PBS Initiative
William (Willy) Bitz; Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years
A Sneak Preview from Prairie Public's Prairie Memories The Vietnam War Years
A veteran of Army Combat Engineers, Willy Bitz talked about the frame of mind a soldier under fire has to develop in order to survive.
We weren't afraid because we didn't think we were gonna go home... we were prepared to die. We knew it was going to be, we just didn't know when.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Napoleon, ND
Primary Location During Vietnam: Ft. Lewis, United States 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1968 - 1969
Unit: E-4
Specialty: Infantry Division
Additional Locations During Vietnam: Ft. Leonardwood, Vietnam, Ft. Riley
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: Army E4, Combat Engineer, Fort Leonardwood, Fort Lewis, Fort Riley, Ft. Leonardwood, Ft. Lewis, Ft. Riley
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