Brian Nickerson and Jeb Backe
Recorded
June 1, 2023
Archived
June 1, 2023
44:03 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddb002640
Description
Brian Nickerson (80) talks to StoryCorps facilitator Jeb Backe (26) about his service in the Navy and the 1969 EC-121 Shootdown incident over the Sea of Japan.Subject Log / Time Code
Brian Nickerson talks about being drafted into the military during the Vietnam War, going to Officer Candidate School, and seeing his newborn daughter for the first time.
Brian talks about being commissioned into the Navy and going to Vietnam. He reflects on the activities his squadron carried out and his work as an intelligence officer.
Brian talks about his family's life in Japan and reflects on the challenges faced by young Navy families.
Brian talks about what entering a war zone was like.
Brian remembers April 15, 1969, the day of the EC-121 Shootdown incident.
Brian talks about President Richard Nixon's approach to policy in the wake of the incident.
Brian talks about the birth of his youngest daughter in Japan and reflects on moving to Yokohama.
Brian reflects on the loss of 31 people in the Shootdown.
Brian reflects on serving as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer. He talks about the experience of having to notify a fallen serviceman's family of his death.
Brian talks about the experience of being separated from his family during his military service. He reflects on how his wife's career was put on hold and on how the Navy shaped him.
Brian talks about leaving the Navy.
Brian talks about his memories of some of the men who died in the April 1969 Shootdown.
Brian talks about what the Navy did in the wake of the incident.
Brian reflects on choosing to become an officer and supporting his family.
Brian talks about pursuing a master's degree.
Participants
- Brian Nickerson
- Jeb Backe