No. 13 David “Larry” Steed, 2014

File — Box: 1, Folder: 13

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Over two interviews, Larry Steed describes his perspective of the Vietnam War as three different wars. Steed describes the risks to fighter pilots in different geographical regions of the war. He then talks about his childhood, his interest in World War II, and his early fascination with aviation. In college, Steed joined the military and was sent to a training camp in the Bay Area of California and then to pilot training in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. After Lackland, he went to primary pilot training in Malden, Missouri. Steed then got an assignment in Rapid City, South Dakota and then another assignment in Goose Bay, Labrador. In 1964 and 1965 Steed understood he would most likely be getting involved in the Vietnam conflict. He talks about training for his missions in Vietnam and the people with whom he trained. Steed details his experiences in survival training school. After completing survival training he was sent to the Philippines for more survival training. Steed then began flying combat missions. He describes some of the 126 missions he flew and the dangers he faced. He also talks about the political influences that affected his missions in Vietnam. Finally, Steed describes returning home after the war.

Interviewer: Vicky Newman

Dates

2014

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.