Having experienced war first-hand as a medic in Vietnam, Dr. Larry Schwab knows the importance of sharing the impact of those wartime experiences with future generations.
Schwab, a Morgantown ophthalmologist and West Virginia University alumnus, was drafted during his medical internship and served two assignments in Vietnam as a captain in the Medical Corps. Forced to serve in a war that countered his own philosophical values, Schwab’s resolve to serve his country was tested during a 1968 assault on his base that resulted in numerous casualties and years of nightmares and vivid memories.
His story, captured and recorded by students and faculty at the West Virginia University P.I. Reed School of Journalism, is now one of 20 featured on the Library of Congress’ “Experiencing War” website, honoring the 10-year anniversary of the Veterans History Project.
“The American/Vietnam War was a defining event in my life,” said Schwab. “My family and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to tell my story in a format that is domiciled in perpetuity in the public domain.”
The Veterans History Project, created in October 2000 by U.S. Congress legislation, preserves the real-life experiences of American veterans and civilians who were involved in World War I, World War II; the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars; and the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.
In fall of 2003, the School of Journalism launched West Virginia’s Veterans History Project as part of the national effort to capture the stories of the state’s veterans for submission to the national archive. Under the direction of Associate Professor Joel Beeson, the School has submitted nearly 200 stories. Schwab’s was one of the first.
Marking the tenth anniversary of the national project, VHP staff selected 20 veterans’ submissions to highlight on their website, “Experiencing War – VHP: The First Ten Years.”
The site provides Schwab’s video interview and full transcript, as well as his wartime photos and official documents.
VHP Collections Specialist Megan Harris said Schwab’s story was selected for a number of reasons.
“His interview provides the listener with a vivid account of his experiences in Vietnam, including a particularly brutal attack on his base that he called ‘the worst four hours of his life.’ The real strength of the collection, though, and the reason it was chosen, is Larry’s thoughtful articulation of the effects of the war on his life after returning from Vietnam.”
More information about the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project is available online, including a searchable database as well as instructions on how to participate.
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CONTACT: Kimberly Brown, School of Journalism
304-293-3505, ext. 5403