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Download a photo ofGene and Lyle
GRANITE FALLS, Minn. — On Thursday, March 24 Pioneer PBS will release a new Postcards story about Vietnam veterans Gene Murphy and Lyle Bowes of Sioux Falls. The story will be available for online viewing starting at noon through the station’s website: www.pioneer.org/postcards and YouTube Channel. The program will be aired over the Pioneer PBS broadcast network on March 24 at 7 p.m.
Gene Murphy was wounded in action while in Vietnam. The experience changed his life and after recovering he devoted his life to helping other wounded veterans. Murphy joined DAV (Disabled American Veterans) in 1970 and became increasingly active in the organization. He served as national commander of DAV from 1987 to 1988, advocating for veterans of all wars all the way to the highest levels of government. In 1998, Murphy was elected treasurer of the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, and continues to serve as secretary/treasurer.
Lyle Bowes, a fellow South Dakota resident, dropped out of college and signed up for the war. Upon meeting Murphy, the two became fast friends and were able to stick together from induction through their tour in Vietnam until Murphy was wounded just 30 days before he was scheduled to return to the United States. On patrol in the jungles of Vietnam in 1969, their unit came under fire from NVA forces, wounding Murphy and five others. Lyle, moving in to help the wounded, found Murphy and stayed with him overnight until the wounded could be extracted by helicopter 14 hours later. Despite months of hospitalization and incurable paralysis of his legs, Murphy went on to build a family and hold prominent leadership positions serving the needs of veterans and their families in the region and at the national level.
Today, Lyle and Gene remain lifelong friends, bonded by the experiences they shared and the tragedy of war.
About Postcards The award-winning Postcards program is produced by Dana Conroy with videography and editing by Kristofor Gieske and Ben Dempcy. The program is made possible by contributions from the voters of Minnesota through a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Production sponsors for the program include Shalom Hill Farm, Explore Alexandria Tourism, the Lake Region Arts Council and KRAM 96.7.
About Pioneer PBS
Established in 1966, Pioneer PBS is an award-winning, viewer-supported television station dedicated to sharing local stories of the region with the world. For more information visit: www.pioneer.org.
