When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Original Vietnam War Handwritten Journal of Lt. Col. James H. CowlesOffered is an exceptional original Vietnam War archive centered around the handwritten field diary of Lieutenant Colonel James H. Cowles, a U.S. Army officer serving in Vietnam during 1965–1966.This is not a reproduction. The diary is handwritten throughout and records day-to-day military operations, observations, leadership decisions, and personal reflections during combat operations.Highlights include:* Original handwritten Vietnam War diary
* Daily operational entries
* Descriptions of ambushes and patrols
* References to Viet Cong (VC) and friendly forces
* Commentary on command decisions
* Mentions of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination
* Honest reflections on morale, leadership, and military operations
* Original field notebook in very good conditionThe diary provides an unusually candid perspective from a senior officer during the conflict.⸻Included with the diary* Framed handwritten presentation inscription reading:“Dear Jimmy Frank,
May this little book help you to know about your pioneer ancestry.
With my love, Aunt Golda Hageman.”(This was found with the archive and will be included.)* Original 1976 newspaper page discussing Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan.⸻ProvenanceResearch identifies the diary’s author as Lieutenant Colonel James H. Cowles, a career U.S. Army officer who served in Vietnam.His name appears throughout the archive, and the operational details correspond to his military service.This provenance greatly enhances the historical significance of the diary.⸻Historical ValueUnlike many wartime diaries that record only daily activities, this journal discusses:* Military planning
* Tactical operations
* Combat patrols
* Relationships with Vietnamese forces
* Officer leadership
* Frustration with operational decisions
* Personal observations from inside the warThe entries were written contemporaneously rather than as later recollections.⸻Condition* Original period notebook
* Handwritten throughout
* Complete
* Normal wear consistent with age and military field use
* Please review all photographs carefully as they are part of the description.⸻A Rare Research OpportunityOriginal Vietnam War officer diaries seldom appear on the market, particularly those with identifiable provenance. This archive would make an outstanding addition to a collection focused on:* Vietnam War history
* Military manuscripts
* Officer archives
* U.S. Army history
* Military leadership
* Historical research
* Museums and institutional collections
