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The Fog of War and Humanity
Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Keith Bittner

What does service look like when the war is just miles away?

In the powerful conclusion of this three-part series, Richard Acritelli and Navy veteran Keith Bittner bring listeners closer to the realities of the Vietnam War. From operating off the coast of Da Nang and the Mekong Delta to navigating high-alert conditions aboard the USS Duluth, Bittner shares what it meant to serve in a combat zone where tension was constant and the unknown was always present.

This episode highlights the heightened awareness, discipline, and unpredictability of life near the front lines, while also capturing the human side of service, the friendships formed, the humor that carried sailors through difficult moments, and the leadership that guided them.

Bittner also reflects on returning home, personal loss, and building a life after service, offering a deeply personal perspective on resilience, responsibility, and legacy.

A meaningful and heartfelt conclusion, this episode reminds us that beyond the fog of war, it is humanity, connection, and character that endure.

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