Battle of Vietnam

Annotation

An early patriotic song in the country music genre called the "Battle of Vietnam" (Blue Masque Records # 730). Set in 1963, the narrator, speaking in the first person, told the story of a soldier in the infantry called up to fight in an unfamiliar place called Vietnam to stop the communists and "keep it free". Composed by Joseph Van Winkle and Fred Darlan. Released in Hollywood, California. Distributed by Crusader Records. Publisher: Breezy Willow Music. Performing Rights: ASCAP.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Lyrics

English: In nineteen hundred and sixty three, I was a soldier in the infantry / I went to a place to keep it free, they called it Vietnam / Get up there soldier and help them out / The enemies coming, you can hear them shout / Bayonets I heard them say, the Commi charge was on its way / I heard a bugle somewhere swell as all around me soldiers fell / And the sky was filled with motor shell / This was a battle of Vietnam / Now the helicopters rise / And I know the enemy is surprised / But look there what's falling down / You will crash and burn on that battle ground

Notes

Blue Masque Records 730, Hollywood, Calif., "Dist. Nationally by Crusader Rec. Inc."; "Battle of Vietnam" (Joseph Van Winkle - Fred Darian), Breezy Willow Music (ASCAP), time 2:12. [From the record sleeve and labels]

Themes

Patriotic

In collections

US 'Patriotic' / Pro-Government / Anti-Protest Songs [War Years]