The Strength Not to Fight: An Oral History of Conscientious Objectors of the Vietnam War Book

"History has not been kind to the CO's." Tollefson p 240

Tollefson collected stories of men who identified themselves as Conscientious Objectors during the Vietnam War. A few came from the traditional Peace Churches, Brethren, Mennonites, or Quakers. Some were from religious backgrounds, but their church's official stance was support for the war. Some had no religious background but opposed the war and refused to participate. Some were soldiers who became disillusioned or were horrified by what they saw or participated in while in Vietnam and applied for C.O. status while in uniform.

The men's responses to the draft or military service were as varied as their reasons for claiming C.O. status. Some agreed to serve as medics, though they refused to carry a weapon. Some volunteered for military duty or joined the National Guard since they could "choose" their assignments and avoid Vietnam. Some did alternative service, some fled to Canada, while some served time in prison, all because they felt the war in Vietnam was wrong. Some of the most poignant stories were shared by men serving in Vietnam who determined they could no longer participate in the war.

Through the men's stories one gets a sense of the social, cultural and political tensions and messiness of the 1960's and 70's, which affected families, friendships, as well as the country. As I read this again, it was easy to remember the stories coming from the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan and to think about the impact of violence upon them, let alone the civilian populations. As Vietnam vets age, nearing or in their retirement years, it seems there is a growing sense of nostalgia surrounding Vietnam. This book is an excellent reminder that there were many who took a principled stand against violence and warfare. As the title says, "They had the strength not to fight."