Four Monroe County Voices from Vietnam

This past week, Stroudsburg served as a place of profound reflection as "The Moving Wall"—the half-size traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial—was displayed at Stroudsburg High School. For many in our community, it was a poignant opportunity to honor those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.

The weight of this history is also captured in the ongoing Vietnam Legacy Project, an essential oral history initiative by the Monroe County Historical Association. By documenting the personal narratives of our local veterans, the project ensures that their experiences, from their initial perceptions of the conflict to the long-term impact of their service, are preserved for future generations.

The project features in-depth interviews with four local veterans, including:

John DeFazio: Recounts his service in the U.S. Navy starting in 1966, including his specialized work as an electronics technician in the Mekong Delta and his firsthand experiences during the intense combat of the Tet Offensive.

Gasper Florino: Offers a detailed perspective on the daily realities of military life during the era, capturing the individual challenges and changing perspectives that defined the experience for many young soldiers.

Glen Lippincott: Shares the story of being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, detailing his time patrolling with the 3/21 Infantry in the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and the often-difficult transition back to civilian life.

Patrick Conway: Provides an account of his service, including a notable chapter where he served under Colonel Charlie Beckwith, the legendary officer who later went on to found the U.S. Army’s Delta Force.

These interviews are extensive, running between one to two hours, and serve as an invaluable record of service, bravery, and resilience. Even if you don't have the time to watch the full collection, I encourage you to pick one interview and hear these stories firsthand. You can explore these accounts and learn more about the Vietnam Legacy Project by visiting the Monroe County Historical Association’s website.

Watch the interviews at monroehistorical.org, under Local History, Vietnam Legacy.