BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD: MEMORIES OF THE VIETNAM WAR

Insights into Vietnam Uncensored

The Army psychiatrist asked if I was functioning amidst the overwhelming anxiety of PTSD. He wanted to know if it were possible to set aside my instincts, give in to the feelings of self-preservation, and run.

I told him the truth and regretted it later. But sometimes my mind screamed to get out and save the team from certain death. Yet, I followed through with our orders to accomplish the mission.

I stared at the doctor when he asked the name of the medal awarded during one of the actions. Even he did not understand we did not move forward for the glory of medals. We could not proceed other than take it one day at a time.

We could not look back and grieve for those lost. The past had evaporated and unretrievable. The future was what we would make of it. We needed to live in the now because tomorrow or someday were fantasies, and the hereafter often appeared more tangible than home 8,000 miles below the horizon.

Our country ordered us into battle, and we needed to protect our brothers. There was not one of us who would not have died for the other. And that was part of Vietnam following me home.

The Vietnam Uncensored book launch will take place the second week of November. Be sure to get in on the…