Shot down and laying in a muddy killing field, surrounded by a barrage of enemy machine gun fire, Don Tate, a man who’s sacrifice goes far beyond that of human expectation, had the thoughts and memories of a horrifying nine month tour of Vietnam flash before his eyes. 

Deploying in 1968, Don served as a rifleman during the Vietnam war. His story is truly remarkable, and is one we’re incredibly grateful to have heard and had the chance to craft into something withstanding of Don and his experiences.

It’s important to note that this week’s episode includes mature themes and has sounds and moments that may be considered confronting. We’re cognisant of this, but we have made it our focus to oblige by Don’s wishes and ensure that his story is told with the accuracy and the respect that it deserves.

Don’s fight continued further into his teaching career and thereafter his retirement. Details of his struggle can be found at the links below: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-07-09/ghost-platoon-laid-to-rest/2498688

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/778340

Don’s autobiography “The War Within”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7161686-the-war-within

Follow Dr Chris Maguire: 

https://linktr.ee/chris_r_maguire

The Risk Equation Podcast is produced and edited by Edward Gooden. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-gooden-141b71116/?originalSubdomain=au

Music: 

Hinterheim - Ende

Hinterheim - Sednoseterces

Kai Engel - Plague

Kai Engel - Cold War Echo

Kai Engel - Smiles Throughout the Sky

Kai Engel - After Midnight

Sergey Cheremisinov - Sleepwalker

Dr Turtle - Clusticus the Mistaken

Additional sound effects by ZapSplat 

News reports courtesy of CBS, ABC and BBC.