Episode 105: 1965-06-16 | Flying Sick in Da Nang

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang after completing his move north, catching Suzie up on mail, family updates, and a growing sense of fatigue, both physical and emotional. He’s sick with his first cold since arriving in Vietnam but continues flying missions daily due to a shortage of pilots. The letter is full of little domestic concerns, sending a hunting uniform to Al, asking for Bea’s ring size, and teasing Suzie about not sending slides from the camera he mailed her. But behind these day-to-day details is a clear sense of strain. He shares the news that another pilot from Vinh Long has been killed and admits he probably shouldn't have been flying while sick. Set against the backdrop of Da Nang’s rapid militarization in mid-1965, this letter offers a glimpse into what it was like to be stationed there at a pivotal moment in the war. Just three months earlier, Da Nang became home to the first major deployment of U.S. ground combat troops. The city was transforming quickly: more helicopters, more personnel, more infrastructure, and more danger. Popi’s writing reflects that tension. His tone shifts between playful and heavy, the normal and the extraordinary sitting side by side. What’s Covered: Popi’s arrival and illness in Da Nang The daily stress of mission flights amid a pilot shortage Family updates and care packages A fellow pilot’s death in Vinh Long Da Nang’s importance in U.S. military strategy during the war 📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter hovers just above the ground, framed by South Vietnamese flags and a local municipal sign. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #HelicopterPilot #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories #FamilyHistory #OralHistory #MemoryAndMyth