New Exhibit Focuses On Intrepid's Role During Vietnam War

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A new exhibit at The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum marks the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

The ship docked on Manhattan's West Side played a crucial role launching aircraft for missions during the war.

The Intrepid's role in World War II is more well known, but the ship served three tours in Vietnam, said President Susan Marenoff-Zausner.

"The Intrepid was in the Gulf of Tonkin it was technically quote, 'On the Line,' which is the title of the exhibit and it was part of Rolling Thunder," Marenoff-Zausner said.

Richard Cortez of Queens was involved in Operation Rolling Thunder as a quartermaster on the ship and now volunteers at the museum.

"I do tell people remember this is the real deal, it's not Disney World. This was a real man of war," said Cortez.

The exhibit traces the Intrepid's role in the war to the men who lived it, from the hero prisoner of war shot down over Vietnam, to the "Intrepid four" who deserted the ship in protest, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.

The exhibit illustrates life on the Intrepid during the Vietnam War. Artifacts are as large as a fighter jet and as small as a sailor's letter home to his sweetheart.

"I think people really know the story on the ground the Marines in Vietnam and this is a very different aspect of the war," Marenoff-Zausner said.

The exhibit opens Friday.