CONFRONTING THE PAST: THE REALITIES OF VIETNAM WAR EXPERIENCES

Insights into Vietnam Uncensored

In combat, some moments felt hopeless. Mostly, anxiety gripped us amid our grim reality. We found rest only when fatigue dragged us into unconsciousness, brief moments where we could relax, but they offered little refreshment.

As we waited for the rain to stop or a chopper to come, thoughts of wanting it all to end slithered in. I wondered if the battles mattered and if our actions made any difference. The thought crossed my mind that Vietnam wasn’t worth a drop of American blood, and those giving us orders would just die. Then, someone would pass a bottle of cheap whisky or a joint, and the feeling would evaporate.

I realized we couldn’t change anything. Our only goal was to make it home in one piece. But I doubted it would happen. More than 58,000 of my brothers wouldn’t make it back from that blood-soaked land. I promised myself I wouldn’t forget those moments on the battlefield. I didn’t know PTSD would lock them in my memory for life. It’s just another piece of Nam I brought home.

You can read the first chapter of the whole story in Vietnam Uncensored and listen to Corporal Cummings’ fantastic ghost tale on NPR at https://vietnamjerry.com. The book launches in early November, and I’ll discount the price by 50% on launch day.

All net proceeds will help veterans in need through the Kaufman Fund. So stand with me to make a difference. You’ll get a great read and become part of supporting our vets. It’s a worthwhile deal. Thanks.