Kansas Vietnam Veteran Reflects on Going to War

by Rachel Thomas

Dr. H.C. Palmer, Vietnam veteran and author, was one of thousands of doctors drafted during the Vietnam War. As a battalion surgeon he worked to heal fellow soldiers and Vietnam civilians. Now retired, he helps veterans heal themselves through writing.

Palmer’s story of service is part of the community responses to the PBS documentary “Going to War,” which was produced with renowned authors Karl Marlantes and Sebastian Junger and examines the conflicting feelings many veterans have about their experiences during war.