Episode 013: 1964-10-28 | Outpost in the Mist

Dearest Suzie

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie’s diary describes the attack on the remote outpost of Io Chou, where both U.S. and ARVN forces suffered heavy losses with minimal known casualties on the Viet Cong side. Today’s entry offers a haunting glimpse into the isolated and vulnerable nature of these outposts, where soldiers faced surprise ambushes with limited reinforcement options.

Inspired by scenes from "Apocalypse Now" and "Dispatches" by Michael Herr, we explore the psychological impact of serving in these remote locations and how the Viet Cong’s mastery of the terrain left troops in constant suspense, never knowing if an attack was imminent.

What’s Covered:

• Background on remote U.S. and ARVN outposts and their vulnerabilities
• Viet Cong tactics and their swift, unpredictable offensives in the jungle
• Reflections on "Apocalypse Now" and "Dispatches," drawing parallels between Popi’s experience and depictions of the war in popular media
• Unique insights into Popi’s photographs of ARVN medical rescues and the complex relationships and choices behind capturing these moments

📷 Featured Photo: ARVN forces transporting a wounded soldier in a makeshift stretcher, heading toward Popi’s helicopter for medevac.

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