Vietnam vet turned activist reflects on war experience as a poet, writer
Former Marine Sgt. W.D.Ehrhart, who now teaches humanities, is a poet, writer, and Vietnam War scholar. He was featured prominently in the PBS documentary 'The Vietnam War'.
Listen 0:00
W.D. Ehrhart teaches humanities at the Haverford School. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
The new 10-part Ken Burns/Lynn Novick documentary series “The Vietnam War” premiered a few weeks ago, and — if you followed along — you may recall the story of Marine Sgt. W.D. Ehrhart who grew up outside Philadelphia in Perkasie.
Peppered in with dozens of other testimonials, the veteran reflects on his youth, enlistment, service, and life afterward.
Ehrhart, who now teaches humanities at the Haverford School, is a poet, writer, and Vietnam War scholar. I recently spoke with him between classes about his involvement in the documentary. I asked him how his gift as a writer helped him process his war experience.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Part of the series
The Vietnam War
With the release of Ken Burns' documentary series "The Vietnam War," WHYY News is examining how the United States, four decades later, is still processing the war.
Political dysfunction since 1974
Marty talks with historians Julian Zelizer and Kevin Kruse, who believe the current polarization in America can be traced back to 1974.
Air Date: January 22, 2019 10:00 am
Listen 49:01
Camden 28 revisit court where they were tried for ’71 break-in to protest Vietnam War
As war casualties mounted, several draft board raids occurred throughout the country. But the Camden 28 case was the only one where all defendants were acquitted.
6 years ago
JFK files release leaves real-life whodunit unsettled
"The Kennedy records really are an emblem of the fight of secrecy against transparency."
7 years ago