Wyoming native James Mitchell Swan from Worland served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 as a reluctant soldier who was sympathetic towards draft resisters and eager to see his military service end. During his tour of duty, he described his experiences through letters to his mother and several short writings, reflecting on basic training, artillery school, and his work as a military clerk in Vietnam. His papers consist of these wartime letters and writings, which his mother compiled into the unpublished manuscript “I Don't Believe in War at All: Personal Letters of James Mitchell Swan” in 1982.
Additional content for this collection can be found in the "Inventory for collection."
Selective Service Order To Report For Induction, April 2, 1968
This was the official government form sent to James M. Swan, ordering him to report for induction into the U.S. Armed Forces so that he could be trained to fight in Vietnam.
Photograph of James (Jim) Swan, April 23, 1968
This photograph of Jim Swan was taken in Worland, Wyoming as he was departing home for induction into the Army.
Letters from James (Jim) Swan
These letters were written by Jim Swan to his mother, first while he was in basic training and artillery school, and then from Vietnam. Swan's mother saved and transcribed his letters.
Photograph of James (Jim) Swan, June 1968
This photograph of Jim Swan was taken at Fort Lewis, Washington where Swan was training for Vietnam.
Disposition Form, December 26, 1968
In this post-Christmas letter to his family, James M. Swan uses an Army Disposition Form to write a tongue-in-cheek accounting of his Christmas Day in Vietnam.
Lines Written in Wyoming After Vietnam
These lines were written by James (Jim) Swan after his return to Wyoming from Vietnam.
About James (Jim) Swan
This brief description of Swan's life after Vietnam was written by his mother.