Return to Vietnam Coverage

Former WRAL producer/director Clarence Williams is going back to Vietnam, where he served in the war 44 years ago. He'll blog about his experience during his 13-day trip and share stories and pictures along the way.

Forrner WRAL producer/director Clarence Williams goes back to Vietnam, where he fought in the war 44 years ago.

On the Record: Return to Vietnam

David Crabtree was gracious enough to allow us to share the story of our trip on "On the Record." We talked about our tours of duty and our return to Vietnam.

'Thrilling pilgrimage' comes to an end

Perhaps it's just me, but as fantastic an adventure as our trip back to Vietnam was, it 's always great to be back in the States!

Mekong Delta sets sustainable living example

One of my favorite places during our visit to Vietnam was the Mekong Delta. It is a region that has perhaps the richest soil for growing produce in the world without chemicals.

Trip is like 'a National Geographic-type adventure'

We left Hanoi for Ha Long Bay and along the way saw more beautiful farmland, growing a variety of crops like soy beans, onions, potatoes and of course, rice. Rice is one of the primary foods in Vietnam. The south, such as in the Mekong Delta can grow three harvestings of rice, but because of a colder climate, here from Hanoi northward can only grow two.

Vietnamese children fascinated by our skin color

We often noticed kids and some young adults staring at us, but not in a mean way. I would say it was out of fascination of our skin color.

Boating down the Mekong River brings up memories

We took a boat trip down the Mekong River, where our Navy conducted patrol to prevent the Vietcong from using this important transportation resource.

Taking time for prayer and reflection

We left Ho Chi Minh City at 7 a.m. and flew Vietnam Airlines northward. Two hours later, we touched down in Hanoi. I never thought that I would ever see the north, except if I was separated from my unit and captured.

Saigon tour includes return to tunnels

We had a early breakfast this Sunday morning and boarded a bus for a trip through Saigon to the Cu Chi Tunnels. We saw an important section of a tunnel network that stretches over 155 miles. It is a marvel of engineering and architecture.

'It was a strange feeling when we touched down'

After an overnight flight fom LAX to Taipei and finally to Ho Chi Ming City (formerly called Saigon), we indeed arrived in Vietnam. We all agreed that it was a strange feeling when we touched down, perhaps because of the history of this place.

Support for Vietnam trip comes from old friends and new

The last few days as we embark upon our return to Vietnam have been exciting, emotional and humbling. When word got out of our plans, we were overwhelmed with the positive, encouraging support - from the management and staff at WRAL, where we have worked for 40+ years, and from various friends in the community.

'I have to go back to say goodbye'

WRAL producer/director Clarence Williams, 63, is leaving Wednesday to spend 13 days in Vietnam, where he served as a paratrooper in the war 44 years ago. He is going with current coworker Leonard Peebles and former coworker Paul Pope, who also served in Vietnam. Williams will blog about his travels, sharing photos and stories along the way.

Return to Vietnam

WRAL producer/director Clarence Williams is going back to Vietnam, where he served in the war 44 years ago. He'll blog about his experience during his 13-day trip and share stories and pictures along the way.