Scope and Contents

Photographs, audiotape, printed material, and drawings document Bryan Grigsby's service with DASPO in Vietnam. The collection includes the Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine of January 31, 1998, which featured a photo essay, '20 Years of Vietnam' by Grigsby, 'DASPO: The Inside View, 1968-1969,' cartoons drawn by Grigsby, and an audiotape of a firefight recorded by Grigsby, at the French National Cemetery outside Saigon, May 6, 1968. Also present in the collection is material arranged by Grigsby to cover three subjects: 1. Grigsby's first combat operation with the 25th Infantry Division: Operation Tran Hung Doa II in February, 1968. 2. Material gathered by Grigsby during the post - Tet offensive in May, 1968. 3. Text of DASPO power point presentation written by Grigsby and his wife, Susan Van Dongen. Also included are personal recollections of Grigsby's regarding Tran Hung Doa and the May (1968) offensive. The collection also includes a wide assortment of equipment used by Grigsby while in the field in Vietnam. Also added to the collection is a VHS copy of 'Vietnam Veterans Issues and Answers' episode # 96: 'Combat Photographer'.

Biographical / Historical

Bryan K. Grigsby, originally from Gainesville, Florida served in the U.S. Army from 1967 until 1970. Grigsby served with the Department of the Army Special Photographic Office (DASPO) and was based out of Ft. Schafter, Hawaii. As a DASPO Still Photographer and Sound Specialist, he went TDY to Asia on five occasions: once to Thailand (1968), twice to South Korea (1967 and 1968), and twice to South Vietnam (February-May 1968 and June-August 1969). In May 1968, in South Vietnam, Grigsby was awarded the Silver Star for his actions while shooting combat during post-Tet Offensive action.