Ep 1. Saved in Vietnam

We'll Meet Again is a historical documentary series that explores some of history's most significant and life-altering moments through the eyes of individuals whose lives have been irrevocably changed by those events. The first episode of the second season is titled 'Saved in Vietnam' and tells the story of two Americans whose lives were saved by Vietnamese citizens during the Vietnam War.

The episode first introduces us to Tom and Bill, who were both serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. They both found themselves injured and stranded in the Vietnamese jungle after their convoy was ambushed by the Viet Cong. Tom was shot in the head and had to be carried by his comrades for miles, while Bill's unit was overrun by the enemy and he was left for dead.

However, both men were eventually found and rescued by the Vietnamese. Tom was taken in by a young woman named Hai Duc, who was a student at a nearby university. Despite not speaking each other's language, Hai Duc nursed Tom back to health and even helped him escape from the Viet Cong. Bill, on the other hand, was saved by a Vietnamese family who risked their own lives to ensure that he received proper medical attention.

Decades later, Tom and Bill return to Vietnam to try to find the people who saved their lives. They are joined by Ann Curry, the show's host, as they search for their rescuers and learn more about the country that was once their enemy.

Throughout the episode, we see heartwarming reunions between Tom and Hai Duc, as well as Bill and the family who saved his life. These emotional moments are juxtaposed with the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians alike.

As they explore Vietnam, Tom and Bill also encounter other Americans who are grappling with their own experiences during the war. One man, for example, talks about how he was a conscientious objector and refused to fight, while another reflects on his role in dropping bombs on the Vietnamese people.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode ends on a hopeful note as Tom, Bill, and their former rescuers come together to celebrate their reunion and reflect on the power of forgiveness and human connection.

In 'Saved in Vietnam,' We'll Meet Again offers a poignant and insightful look at a lesser-known aspect of the Vietnam War. Through the stories of Tom, Bill, and their rescuers, we are reminded of the humanity that can exist even in times of conflict and the importance of seeking out connections across cultures and languages.