This site provides information about the U.S. military's response to the Jonestown tragedy of the Peoples Temple agricultural mission in Guyana in November 1978. Unique to this site are the interviews with military personnel involved in the response, as well as statements and original photographs which they have provided. We also include government documents which have been released under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as articles and studies collected from military, government and academic resources.

Anyone involved in any capacity with the military/government response to the Jonestown tragedy is invited to share his or her memories and other information. Discussions may be recorded remotely using Zoom or in person at John Brown University in Arkansas. Email Preston Jones at [email protected] or call at (479) 524-7488.
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As these interviews involve difficult, stressful and confusing events that happened more than forty years ago, memories will sometimes contain errors. This site provides information—e.g. government documents and relevant written works—that helps to contextualize and sometimes correct mistaken memories. A comprehensive understanding of any historical phenomenon like the U.S. military’s response to Jonestown, and of Peoples Temple generally, requires the bringing together of individual memories and verifiable documentary evidence. 

​Like all people, military veterans and former affiliates, survivors and family members of Peoples Temple/Jonestown have different memories and points of view. The public sharing of these views reflects a commitment to the principle of free expression.