Cronauer & Noel.

This is coolbert:

During the era of the Vietnam War, several persons became outstandingly well known radio personalities.

One of these was Adrian Cronauer.

Adrian's Vietnam exploits were caught on film in the movie "Good Morning Vietnam" Starring Robin Williams. This movie was nominated for five Oscars??!! WAS a much fictionalized account of the Vietnam duty of Cronauer, NOT bearing a whole lot of resemblance to the true situation.

I can personally remember listening to Airman Adrian Cronauer on the Armed Forces Radio Network [AFRN] during that era. Cronauer, to my recollection, was a professional radio host [disc jockey [??]] prior to his enlistment in the Air Force. Cronauer did sound VERY professional. He was a good listen.

The second person who became a radio personality during the Vietnam War was Chris Noel.

An aspiring starlet who had an acting career that did not seem to go anywhere.

It was suggested to her that she could perhaps enhance her career by going into radio.

A suggestion that DID appeal to Chris Noel.

At the time, however, it was more or less impossible to find a radio station ANYWHERE that would hire a woman disc jockey. It was further suggested to Chris that she apply to the AFRN, Far East branch, as they were looking for announcers. Chris applied, and was immediately hired and sent to Vietnam as a radio announcer. Albeit without any experience or training in the field.

[I can assume that her having an acting career would have been an indication that she knew to speak either on the air or camera in a professional manner. More about that later.]

Chris was later to admit she did not know where Vietnam was or that there was a war going on at the time. To her, this was all a big surprise. She described herself as being, "a dumb bunny!!'

Chris DID broadcast from Vietnam and surprisingly developed a large following. It was reputed that being the only woman announcer on AFRN Far East network, she would receive DAILY a truck load of letters from listeners that were admirers. Also a lot of proposals for marriage.

Again, I recall listening to Chris many times on AFRN. She was a marked contrast to Cronauer. She WAS NOT a professional radio announcer and it was apparent. NONETHELESS, she was entertaining and had a good show, a mix of reading letters and playing music!!

In the many years since the end of the war, an aged Chris Noel is still a popular guest speaker at Vietnam memorials and reunions. Chris's career, as with many others, took an unexpected turn with Vietnam!!

Read more about Chris Noel by clicking here.

coolbert.