Episode #281: Vietnam Reflections: The Untold Story of The Holley Boys with Host Sandra Beck

Military Mom Talk Radio

Sandra Beck and Robin Boyd of Military Mom Talk Radio visit with author Michael T. Keene. Michael T. Keene served two tours in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. He is the author of six books about New York history and producer of the award-winning historical documentary Visions, True Stories of Spiritualism, Secret Societies & Murder. Vietnam Reflections explores the lives of eight boys from Holley, New York who paid the ultimate price while fighting in Vietnam. All went to the same high school where the average graduating class number just 30 students. The casualty rate was one of the highest per capita of any town or school in America. Collectively, the 'Holley boys' were awarded 40 medals for combat and valor, including seven Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star, Silver Star and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry. But they were more than soldiers and heroes. They played Little League, were Boy Scouts, went to sock-hops, and performed in the high school marching band. They also drove hot-rods, drank beer, smoked, and brawled. They weren't angels. They were boys - once." Now, nearly 50 years later, the Holley boys' stories are told. Keene uncovers inspiring insights about the lives of these boys and the remarkable small town they grew up in. Also on Itunes.