Ten Vietnam Vets
Preserving the Voices of Those Who Served
1980s • Full-Length Documentary
About the Film
Ten Vietnam Vets is a powerful documentary that gives voice to ten Vietnam War veterans, allowing them to share their firsthand accounts of service, sacrifice, and survival. Shot, edited, produced, and directed by Clayton Rye during his time at Idaho Public Television, this film stands as an important historical document preserving the experiences of those who served.
The documentary captures intimate interviews with veterans who speak candidly about their experiences in Vietnam—the camaraderie, the fear, the moral complexities, and the lasting impact of war. Each veteran's story is unique, yet together they paint a comprehensive picture of the Vietnam War experience from those who lived it.
Created during the 1980s, when many Vietnam veterans were still processing their experiences and the nation was beginning to reckon with the war's legacy, this film provided an essential platform for veterans to tell their stories in their own words. Clayton Rye's approach was one of deep respect and careful listening, allowing the veterans' voices to take center stage.
Production Story
Ten Vietnam Vets was produced during Clayton Rye's eight-year tenure as a producer and director at Idaho Public Television in the 1980s. As a Vietnam veteran himself, Clayton brought a unique perspective and deep empathy to the project, understanding firsthand the experiences his subjects were sharing.
The film was created during a pivotal time in American history when the nation was still grappling with the Vietnam War's legacy. Many veterans had returned home to a divided country, and their stories had often gone untold or unheard. Clayton recognized the urgency of documenting these firsthand accounts before they were lost to time.
Working with colleagues Hank Nystrom and Paula Wissel at Idaho Public Television, Clayton crafted a documentary that would go on to win multiple prestigious awards and earn permanent preservation in university archives, ensuring these veterans' voices would be heard by future generations.
Awards & Recognition
Film Festival Awards
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1st Place
Northwest Film Studies Center Festival
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Special Jury Award
San Francisco International Film Festival
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Honorable Mention
American Film Festival (New York)
Broadcasting & Archive Recognition
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Honorable Mention
Corporation for Public Broadcasting Local Program Awards
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Best Public Affairs Program
Idaho State Broadcasters Association Award
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Permanent Archive Preservation
Texas Tech University Vietnam Archives
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Permanent Archive Preservation
LaSalle University Vietnam Archives
Permanent Archive Preservation
Ten Vietnam Vets has been selected for permanent preservation in two prestigious university Vietnam War archives, ensuring that these veterans' testimonies will be available for researchers, educators, and future generations.
Texas Tech University
Vietnam Archives
LaSalle University
Vietnam Archives
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