Les Dykema, Veterans Oral History Project, Vietnam War
153,547
Published 2020-01-25
Special thanks to Mr. Les Dykema for sharing his personal history with us, and to Dr. James Smither for conducting this interview.
The GVSU Veterans History Project was established in 2006 to collect, record and archive oral history interviews and other materials relating to the experiences of military veterans of all eras, as well as of civilians and foreign nationals with stories relating to the American experience in wartime. We work in partnership with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, and are one of a small number of archiving partners across the country. As an archiving partner, we post our interview videos and other materials on a website that is part of the Special Collections of the GVSU Library.
In addition to conducting and archiving oral history interviews, the Project also produces documentary films and public access cable television programs, develops book projects and gives, live presentations around West Michigan and across the country. Dr. James Smither of the GVSU History Department serves as Project Director, and Prof. Frank Boring of the GVSU School of Communications is our resident filmmaker.
Content Information:
Title: Dykema, Leslie (Interview transcript and video), 2011
Creator: Dykema, Leslie
Date: 2011-02-03
Publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Special Collections & University Archives
Contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
Collection: Veterans History Project
Citation: Dykema, Leslie, “Dykema, Leslie (Interview transcript and video), 2011,” Digital Collections, accessed January 25, 2020, digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/document/28852.
Original Video and Complete Transcript: digitalcollections.library.gvsu.edu/document/28852
FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
All Comments (21)
-
This interview is number one of my list I am blind, totally blind, he was taking me to places in my mind. Incredible, the stories he was telling so descriptive, is like I was visualizing everything in my mind how he was saying about all the snakes, though things he was doing, he was totally explaining like if you were watching a movie love it this is my number one top, this gentleman was freaking awesome I laid in my bed and listen to the whole two hours and 36 minutes I think of this interview, but wow, impressive as a blind individual that I am, I could sit next to this man and hear his stories all day, and I wouldn’t get tired.
-
I'm here to tell you that Les is as genuine as they come. I'm also proud to say that he is my friend. Nothing but Respect for Les Dykema.
-
This is one of, if not the absolute best interview that I’ve ever watched. Listening to his story makes me feel like I was right there experiencing his story, just like reading a good book. I feel like I know every detail of his story.
-
I was in Nam in 67 with the 2/27th Recon Platoon. This was back in 67 in Cuchi, 25 miles NW of Saigon. Back in 67 we just did our job. The shit burners were normally guys who could not go into the field due to medical reasons. If you did some of the stuff that this guy did, you normally would be fragged. We drank beer in base camp and went on many search and destroy missions. The thing I remember most was we would clear and area and then leave the area. Go back 3-6 months later and clean the area out again. Took some pictures with my Nikon, which was later stolen. Then picked up a 8mm Movie camera. Took many movies. Go to my next duty station and back to Nam. This time Nam had changed. Kept quiet and just did my business and got out 1 year later. Exciting time with a lot of memories. Don't talk about them. That was another lifetime ago.
-
Listen, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!!!! I have watched Les’s story about 40 times, and one day it just disappeared from YouTube and nowhere on the internet...I looked for hours and I was so pissed! Les, your story is so amazing and you are the best at telling the real story, you pull no punches, no bullshit. Veterans Oral History Project, I’m subbed to the channel just because you brought this piece of amazing history back.
-
Thought it was only me. Lol. I was like I know I had it saved somewhere. Back for about the 10th listen Les. Thanks!!!
-
One of the best ones I have ever heard. The interviewer actually let him talk. The stories this man told. Thank you for your service. Salute.
-
I also watched the original recording of this video and had the privilege of getting a reply from Les himself, what a great storyteller, a humble and honest man. I'd love to buy him beers and listen to him talk all afternoon but the best I can do from my side of the Atlantic is buy his book, 'Waiting On The Wind'. This still ranks as the best Vietnam vet interview out there, full of humour, terror, tragedy and philosophy. I hope Les has a long and peaceful life from here on in.
-
I was born and raised across the street from him. I remember when a lot of those thing happened. He is a good story teller.
-
Nothing but respect for this man, just living his life and rolling with the punches. Would love to meet him
-
Like other have commented, I too have watch many other veterans interviews as well. The ability to take an audience and bring them on an emotional journey and paint a mental picture for over 2 hours is talent that only a few can do. Les combine first person account with dialogue from others that he was interacting with, and sometimes even go into character. Along with throwing F bombs and making sound effects, his emotions could not be suppressed at certain points during the interview. The art of “Story telling” that only the great ones can do. Most things can be taught...but God only gives theses gifts to certain individuals. Thank you Les for just being...YOU!
-
I listened to this while working on my house one time and knew I would have to listen again. Couldn’t find it for like a year until now. Thank god I love how he tells stories.
-
Best storyteller of all the vetern interviewees . What an amazing guy
-
Wow. I had the pleasure of partying with a couple Vietnam tail gunner vets in Flagstaff till 4am in 1975. Never heard any stories quite like Les Dykema's.
-
Bout my 6th or 7th time around listening to Les, never gets old. 👊
-
One of the greatest vietnam stories ever
-
Watched once a year ago. Had to come back and listen again. He's got some crazy shit that happened to him. Funny and kept my attention. Glad he made it back from vietnam.
-
This guy is an incredible story teller, with an amazing story!
-
You had me at “I’ve always had a problem with authority.”
-
This guy reminds me of my dad... He was in Nam. Same personality .... but never told stories. I miss him every day.
