Willis Newton Moore's interview for the Veterans History Project at Atlanta History Center

Catalog number: VIS 201.0751
In this interview, Newton Moore recalls his experiences serving in the United States Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. He recalls his growing up years in Georgia and North Carolina, the son of a minister. He explains his reasons for joining the Marines and describes his early training. He describes in detail several engagements in which his unit took part, including Con Thien, the "Trace," and Bridge 28. He recalls in detail the combat death of his good friend, Lt. Jim Parsons, and describes meeting Parsons' family years later. He remembers incidents both harrowing and humorous, including losing a pallet of beer in a minefield, killing a giant lizard that found its way into their foxhole, being wounded just three weeks before he was due to return home, and the actions a fellow Marine took to successfully retrieve the bodies of Marines killed in a firefight. He comments on morale in the Corps and the need to understand and respect the history and culture of Vietnam. He remembers how he was treated when he returned to the United States. He describes in detail an event at which actress and activist Jane Fonda spoke and his interaction with the speakers who accompanied her. He recalls his post-military education, career, and family and reflects on those who were his mentors over the years.