Writer Siobhan Fallon has put together a very interesting YouTube Channel focusing on lesser-known aspects of the Great Sioux War and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
This channel focuses on Custer’s Last Stand & the Seventh Cavalry — officers and soldiers, military spouses and families, enemies and allies, newspapers and books, artists and writers and lifestyle, events leading up to the 1876 Little Bighorn fight, as well as those that ripple out from it (the Reno Court of Inquiry in 1879 to the Custer Equestrian Statue in 1910, etc). I’m a published author working on my third book, and, you guessed it, it’s about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, George and Elizabeth Custer, the Seventh Cavalry, and the US military on the frontier. Though I have been called a “war writer,” I am more interested in the people than the fight, and this channel illuminates the elements that best capture the wild spirit of the time.
Her most recent post is right in the Frontier Partisans wheelhouse:
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Jack Carr’s forthcoming thriller Cry Havoc! is set at the height of the Vietnam War in 1968. His Danger Close Podcast has had a Vietnam War focus lately, including this interesting take on the conflict.
In this episode, Dr. [Mark] Moyar and Jack explore the Vietnam War through the lens of revisionist history, challenging the conventional wisdom that has shaped public perception for decades. From the early influence of French colonialism and the flawed assumptions that guided U.S. foreign policy, to the critical decisions of Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, Moyar offers a clear-eyed reassessment of America’s involvement.
They examine the Domino Theory, the role of media figures like David Halberstam and Neil Sheehan, and the controversial legacy of the Phoenix Program—often mischaracterized in pop culture and politics alike. The conversation also delves into the 1963 Buddhist protests, the assassination of President Diem, and the missed strategic opportunities that could have changed the trajectory of the war.
Dr. Moyar draws compelling parallels between the U.S. exit from Vietnam and more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, connecting lessons from history to modern military and diplomatic challenges. He also speaks to the cultural forces—films like JFK and distorted media narratives—that continue to shape the American understanding of Vietnam to this day.
This is a powerful discussion about the weight of history, the cost of misinformation, and the importance of revisiting the past with intellectual honesty.
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Matthew says
Interesting podcast. The part where he mentioned that we did not really understand the culture of ‘Nam or later Afghanistan and Iraq is major. People have the weird idea that everyone thinks the same. I remember reading an article by CIA operator who says he was really glad he read a lot of science fiction as kid because it helped him understand the Afghans because there way of thinking while certainly not truly alien was different.
deuce says
“Inside every gook is an American trying to get out!” — Full Metal Jacket
deuce says
I heard Westmoreland speak and shook his hand back when I thought the VN War was fully justified and winnable.
Chas S Clifton says
Do you know if Fallon deals with Custer’s summoning to Washington in spring of 1876 to testify against the Grant Administration and how it delayed the campaign’s start by 2-3 months? Or is she mainly concerned with only that June day?
JimC says
I’m not seeing anything specific to that, but she does cover a lot of elements before and after June 25, 1876.
Siobhan Fallon says
You are right, Jim, I sure do!!
😉
Siobhan Fallon says
Hey there, Chas.
I don’t have a video that examines Custer’s testimony but I do touch upon this and other elements that may have forced his hand on that summer campaign (for example, Custer’s testifying caused Grant to remove him from commanding his column, instead giving General Terry command over Custer and the 7th, thus Custer did not have the free rein to act or make decisions). Let me see if I can find a few videos that cover this to some degree…
Siobhan Fallon says
Wow! I really appreciate you showcasing my YouTube video! What an incredible surprise.
Thanks so much.
And I am looking forward to reading your blog.
Highest Regards,
Siobhan Fallon
JimC says
Think very highly of your work.
Siobhan Fallon says
thank you! same!!
Siobhan Fallon says
Hello again, Jim C!
I have been listening to your podcasts! I especially enjoyed the Warren Angus Ferris one– so many incredible details there.
Just yesterday I put up an new video about Fred Gerard, who survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was a trader, scout, interpreter, rancher, even a salesman for Pillsbury, and he named Mandan, North Dakota. He was a friend to the Arikara and an enemy of the Sioux, had both Indian and white families. He was a very busy guy 😉
Anyway, you so kindly mentioned the earlier video about the scouts so I thought you might like this one too.
https://youtu.be/XFPdaQD1zuM?si=foWUdTp2dHzE6YV5
Hope you are doing well!
Highest regards,
Siobhan
JimC says
I saw that. I’ll give it a listen this afternoon.
Thank you — and I continue to enjoy your work.