During the United States involvement in the Vietnam conflict, several civilian led organizations formed to slow, impede, and end American efforts to fight in Vietnam. Early civilian supporters helped to create antiwar newspapers and newsletters such as
Vietnam GI out of Chicago, Illinois. In short order, many soldiers and sailors began their own newspapers and newsletters, which were written, published, and disseminated by GI’s. These soldiers and sailors, housed on forts, bases, and ships worldwide created a GI press network that not only grew yearly but would have a substantial effect on the conduct and morale of those who were doing the fighting. However, to be produced, these newspapers would need help getting off the ground, and continuous funding thereafter. This paper will ask the following questions: What was involved in the process of funding, creating, and disseminating these newspapers? And, once these papers and newsletters reached the public, did they obtain a level of efficacy that forced the armed forces to decisions of acceptance or disciplinary action?
This paper will explore and address the GI Press and its funding by civilian organizations during the Vietnam War, focusing specifically on the funding GI newspapers received from the United States Serviceman’s Fund (USSF). This work will utilize primary and secondary source material surrounding the efforts of USSF and their relationship to clandestine publications. These sources, including recollections by key USSF members, contributors, and funders, will show how GI press materials were constructed and distributed, and demonstrate their effectiveness in helping to end the war. This work will also examine how USSF was able to help fund these papers in solidarity with GIs, and yet remain largely apolitical in their efforts. Additional attention will be given to USSF’s own newsletter, About Face, which was published between 1971 and 1973.
