Episode 3242 – Vietnam Vet Steven Hyde and his book Blood, Sweat and Mothballs
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In episode 3242 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast, host Mac Payne honors Vietnam veteran Stephen Hyde, a Marshalltown, Iowa resident and author of the memoir 'Blood, Sweat and Mothballs.' The book chronicles Hyde's journey from enlistment in the mid-1960s through his service in Vietnam, including two wounds, three helicopter crashes, and a harrowing hospitalization due to septic shock from shrapnel. Payne highlights Hyde's resilience, pride in his service, and the emotional weight of returning home without the hostility many veterans faced. Hyde’s story also spans his later 33-year career in the Iowa Army National Guard, deployment to Afghanistan, and continued advocacy for veterans. Payne praises the book as a powerful, authentic account of the Vietnam generation and encourages listeners to read it, emphasizing its place on the podcast’s recommended reading list. The episode closes with a heartfelt salute to Hyde and a call to support veteran voices.
Vietnam veterans are encouraged to write their stories to preserve history and honor their service.
Stephen Hyde’s memoir 'Blood, Sweat and Mothballs' offers a raw, personal account of combat, injury, and resilience during Vietnam.
Hyde’s service extended beyond Vietnam—33 years in the Iowa National Guard and a deployment to Afghanistan.
The book’s title reflects the sensory memories of boot camp and homecoming, symbolizing both trauma and pride.
Hyde remains a vocal advocate for veterans and values the dignity of military service across generations.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Tribute to Stephen Hyde
“Steve, you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work. That is my opinion, and I am sticking to it.”
Hyde's Early Life and Enlistment
The episode details Hyde’s upbringing in Cedar Falls, Iowa, his high school years, and the decision to enlist after conversations with a WWII pilot and a coin flip between the Army and Marines.
Service in Vietnam and Multiple Crashes
“I actually was blessed because I had time to cool down and I did not get spit on. I didn't get called a baby killer. All that crap, he said.”
Post-Vietnam Life and Continued Service
After returning to Iowa, Hyde worked at Marshalltown Manufacturing and Lenox, met his wife Marion, and later re-enlisted in the Iowa National Guard, serving for 33 years and deploying to Afghanistan.
Legacy, Advocacy, and Final Thoughts
“The difference, of course, is night and day because Vietnam was such a divisive conflict. I was only 18 years old doing what I was told. I had no political views, really.”
“I actually was blessed because I had time to cool down and I did not get spit on. I didn't get called a baby killer. All that crap, he said.”
“You've done quite well and we appreciate it. You are a great one. That is my opinion and I am sticking to it.”
“Steve, you're doing a great job. Keep up the good work. That is my opinion, and I am sticking to it.”
Host
Guest
Stephen Hyde
person
Mac Payne
person
Blood, Sweat and Mothballs
book
Vietnam Veteran News Podcast
media
Marshalltown, Iowa
place
Iowa Army National Guard
organization
Cedar Falls, Iowa
place
Platoon
media
Fort Lindenwood, Missouri
place
Afghanistan
place
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