Oral history of Matthew Brinkley
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Nolan Wilbur with Specialist Matthew Brinkley on March 31, 2023 in Clemson, SC. Born on December 1, 1988, Brinkley enlisted in the United States Army in 2009.
After training, Brinkley became an all-source intelligence analyst. In November 2010, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, as part of Operation New Dawn, serving with the 163rd Armored Regiment. He was tasked with conducting intelligence analysis, monitoring unmanned aerial vehicles, and providing briefings for patrols. He describes experiencing frequent indirect fire attacks, the dangers of counterinsurgency warfare, and the emotional toll of losing fellow soldiers. A particularly difficult moment came while at Victory Base Complex in Iraq, when a roadside bomb hidden in his base's perimeter wall killed two soldiers whom he had briefed before their mission. Brinkley was medically discharged in 2013 and worked in defense contracting and intelligence analysis for several years before deciding to complete his degree. Now a student at Clemson University, he is active in the Veteran Resource Center.
Oral history of Charlotte Becker
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Averi Brice with Sergeant Charlotte Becker on October 20, 2023, at Clemson University.
Becker first joined the United States Coast Guard in 2003 serving aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Aspen. However, after struggling with seasickness, she was medically discharged and reenlisted in the United States Army in 2004 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. In 2005, Becker deployed to Iraq, first serving as a driver for Civil Affairs, placed at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah, conducting Hearts and Minds operations. She transitioned to a vehicle recovery team and repaired and extracted damaged Humvees. She was later stationed in Hawaii and Fort Stewart, supporting Military Police, engineering, and chemical response units before leaving the Army in 2012, disillusioned with policy changes forcing soldiers out of service.
Oral history of Sam Conn
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an interview conducted by Daniel Redmond with Major Sam Conn on April 11, 2024. Born on June 19, 1940, Conn joined the United States Army through ROTC at Middlebury College. After completing Officer Candidate School he was assigned as a platoon leader in the 197th Infantry Brigade.
In 1963, Conn deployed to Vietnam as an advisor to a Vietnamese infantry battalion in the Mekong Delta. He recounts the brutal realities of early counterinsurgency warfare, describing encounters with Viet Cong tactics, village executions, and gruesome battlefield practices. His experiences hardened his tolerance for mistakes as he witnessed war crimes, including the desecration of enemy bodies for trophies. He returned to Vietnam for a second tour serving with a Ranger battalion, earning the nickname Mr. Napalm for his frequent use of airstrikes.
2024-04-11