Text by John Biewen, photos by Steve Schapiro

THE NUMBER of Americans killed in Vietnam is cited frequently: 58,000. Less well-known is the number of American men and women who served in Vietnam: some three million. Vietnam veterans themselves are the most tangible and powerful reminder of the Vietnam War and its complicated legacy. Here is a brief portrait, in photos, text, and audio, of one Vietnam vet: Jim Northrup. View the slideshow

Excerpts from Northrup's story-poems:
Real Audio 3.0 | How to listen
Walking point in Vietnam: "This Mine of Mine" [2:00]
Coming Home: "Shrinking Away" [1:13]
Meeting the Enemy: "Kissinger at the Airport" [2:15]