"Killing may be acceptable when you’re defending your house or your family, but it’s certainly not acceptable for some politician’s reasons." (Audio interview, 15:38)

Barry L. Romo

War: Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Army Unit: A Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Light Infantry Brigade Service Location: United States; Vietnam Rank: First Lieutenant Place of Birth: CA

Enlisting in the Army fresh out of high school, First Lieutenant Barry Romo felt a strong sense of purpose when he headed to Vietnam to serve with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. His experiences in combat quickly eroded this idealism. After a few weeks in the field, his focus had narrowed to getting his men home safely, rather than a commitment to any particular political agenda. Bearing witness to the atrocities of war led him to become a strident pacifist; upon returning from Vietnam, he participated in demonstrations against the war.