Newtown Historical Society Program To Revisit The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a seminal but dark period of modern American history. The conflict left thousands of troops on both sides dead, maimed, and missing. It polarized the nation and transformed many into members of a society with lessened respect for authority, and one whose first reaction to anything was to protest.

On Monday, May 14, at 7:30 pm, in the community room of C.H. Booth Library, Newtown Historical Society will look at the war through the eyes of David Montgomery, who served as a Marine lieutenant stationed in Vietnam during the height of the conflict.

The alliance of World War II began to show cracks almost immediately following the war, and the long era known as the Cold War was in full swing by the late 1940s. American desire to contain the spread of Communism and to prevent the domino effect from striking one small country after another led the United States to follow the French into Vietnam virtually on their heels as they pulled out of the region.

US troops, still a drafted army rather than the current volunteer force, were built up over the ensuing years to match a full-scale war effort. Troops were faced with a land conflict in Asia, fighting an indigenous force fighting to defend and free their homeland.

While the United States forces had all the advantages of conventional war in armament, industrial production and air power, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong had the advantages of terrain, cause, and the weapons of guerilla war and terror. New weapons designed to combat the difficulties of fighting in a jungle terrain did little to stem the tide, and left lasting collateral damage to both the environment and the troops on both sides of the conflict. Physical illness and mental trauma were to haunt veterans for decades to come.

David Montgomery served in the artillery along the borders of North Vietnam and Laos. He will present an overview of Marine involvement in the war, offering a unique personal view of his service in the conflict, including the infamous Tet Offensives.

Mr Montgomery has spoken on military matters before several groups in the area.

The historical society will hold its annual meeting before the presentation in order to elect trustees and officers for the coming year.

The library is at 25 Main Street. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Call 203-426-5937 for further details.

Newtown Historical Society has another public event planned in less than a week: an open house at its headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House, on Sunday, May 20.

From noon until 4 pm, a 1926 Model T and a 1930 Model A will be on display for visitors to enjoy. Owners Paul Krueger and Chris Schmitt, both of Newtown, will be present to answer any questions and to compare the two cars.

The public is also invited to visit and tour the building at 44 Main Street. Docents will be available to answer questions about the house and its history, as well as provide guided tours by request.

Admission is free; however, donations are welcomed and appreciated.

For additional information visit NewtownHistory.org or call 203-426-5937