Vaughn Hood was a 118-pound barber when he was drafted into the Vietnam War, and in Vaughn’s war, most men didn’t survive their first three-month tour. In honor of Veteran’s Day, here is the story of an extraordinary American life.

This story is co-produced by Larry Massett and Erica Heilman. It first ran in 2015. To read the comments on this story from over the years, click here.

An interview with Erica about the show, by the excellent people at The Third Coast

50 Best Podcasts of 2015, The Atlantic Monthly…#16

Music in this show:

Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten–Arvo Part

Tabula Rasa for 2 violins, strings and prepared piano–Arvo Part

Speigel im Speigel–Arvo Part

Under the Weather Mix–Steve Reich

Clapping Music–Steve Reich