AN ARMORED CAVALRYMAN IN VIETNAM 1967-68
Still another book from my library and still about Vietnam....however only another couple to review before I change subject.
This book relates the experiences of a troubled young man who volunteered for service and became a tank crewman and, later in his tour, a tank commander. He served with the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment (Armored) also known as the 3/4 Cavalry, of 25th Infantry Division. Throughout his 16 month tour of duty, ( he reenlisted in country), the author was almost permanently in action culminating in the very bloody battle of Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon during the Tet Offensive.
The author had what can only be described as a harsh upbringing which together with a very tough deployment made for a man with a lot of baggage. However after his discharge he went to school and became a lawyer, much to the surprise I suspect of all who knew him including himself.
This book relates a tough life and a vicious and hard fought tour of duty and gives a deep view inside the author's mind as well as a hard look at what it could be like fighting in Vietnam. Yet again here is the evidence as to why so many soldiers suffered so much from their Vietnam experience, it really is a wonder that any of those who actually experienced combat, were able to return to a normal life.
An excellent book about Vietnam but also a tribute to an extraordinary tough man.
Thank God most of us never have to know what these guys endured during their service. At least now we know more about PTSD and how to treat it, but even so it is still tough on our ex-soldiers.
ReplyDeleteHi Steve....I think many people believe that PTSD is a recent problem but of course it has been with us forever. I have read many bio's and it is clear that anyone with a generous imagination or artistic tendencies will suffer PTSD post combat. Those that don't suffer tend to be very practical people. That said modern warfare seems to induce more cases of PTSD but I think that's because humans are just that much more clued up than previous generations. The idea of going over the top would be quite unacceptable nowadays yet only 100 years ago it was seen as one's duty. It's just a matter of mindset. Regards
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