Life After Vietnam

First broadcast October 2007

Since Lance Corporal Michael Baronowski was killed in action with the US Marines in Vietnam in November 1966, his sister Lorraine, his brother Alexander and his comrades Tim and Ray have carried their own memories of him and their own grief at his death.

But an extraordinary collection of humorous tapes made by Lance Corporal Baronowski - recordings made in the field and sent home for family and friends - has been discovered, and it paints a vivid picture of the last months of this young soldier's life.

It is a picture that's come to speak for soldiers in all conflicts.

The world of hurt

For those who survived Lance Corporal Baronowski, there have been over 40 years of what veterans call 'the world of hurt'.

But with the passage of time and with the opportunity presented by the BBC's interest in these recordings, one soldier's family and comrades have come together to find comfort in their shared loss.

In this special programme introduced from the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial in Washington , the BBC World Service tells the stories of those who have fought for their country.

 Listen to the programme

---

Terms of Use
The BBC Podcasts are for your personal non-commercial use only.

All title, ownership rights and intellectual property rights in and to the BBC Podcasts shall remain the property of the BBC or third parties.

You may not edit, alter, adapt or add to the BBC Podcast in any way. The BBC Podcasts are made available by the BBC on an "as is" and "as available" basis and the BBC gives no warranty of any kind in relation to the BBC Podcast.

To the maximum extent permitted by law the BBC will not be liable for any loss or damage which you may suffer as a result of or connected to the download or use of the BBC Podcasts

See the full BBC Podcast: Standard Licence Terms here.