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Ron Kovic discusses his autobiography "Born on the Fourth of July"

BROADCAST: Jul. 29, 1977 | DURATION: 00:41:24

Studs interviews Vietnam veteran and anti-war activist Ron Kovic upon the paperback release of his autobiography "Born on the Fourth of July." Kovic recounts his All-American upbringing and unblinking faith in the country and its ideals before volunteering for the Marines and Vietnam. He describes his Vietnam horrors, the pain and struggle of trying to write his story, his political and moral epiphanies, frequently reading scenes in the book and adding context along with recounting his protests, arrests, and media and political appearances in his attempts to bring his ant-war message to the masses. The original broadcast begins with an excerpt of "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and closes with it wrapped around Tom Paxton's recording "Jimmy Newman."

Broadcast Date
Jul. 29, 1977

Physical Format
1 sound tape reel (ca. 45.51 min.) : 10 1/2 in.

Duration
41 minutes, 24 seconds

Digital Format
WAV

Ownership
The Chicago History Museum

Language
English

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