VIETNAM WAR FICTION: A SHAKESPEARIAN COMEDY VS. HISTORICAL REALITY

If only the Vietnam War were a Shakespearian comedy written by a practiced and experienced hand instead of the arrogant and incompetent politicians running our country during successive presidential administrations ending with Nixon and his morally wrong advisor, Kissinger.

 Instead of every event in the script leading to brilliant success, the leading protagonists in our drama made incredible errors. Some instructions from superiors brought injury and death without any sense of victory. 

 The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong were everywhere except in the North. U.S. military leaders did not understand why the enemy did not get the message to say put in their neck of the country.

 The communists orchestrated surprise attacks leading to ambushes of our units and remained hidden until the action turned to their advantage.  As for the U.S. ground forces and intelligence, the enemy placement maps became outdated within the day of preparation.

 Our leaders ignored the significance of the communist’s troop movements, and our artillery would find our observers instead of the North Vietnamese. It proved the only accuracy of bombers and jet fighters was their ordinances hit the ground everywhere except the given coordinates.

 I believed my number was up several times from either a nasty confrontation with the enemy or a military prison from disobeying so many official directives.

 One commanding officer said it best after pinning a unit citation on my chest, “Ranger, you are a perfect example of total incompetence rising to the top!” 

 Yup! That happened. I did not respond, but I had to think, “But, Sir, I accomplished every mission without anyone dying.” 

 It was beside the point. And that’s the truth of it all.

 The Vietnam Uncensored book launch is just weeks away. In its pages, you will discover the sorrowful history of the conflict and what our unit did to survive.

 I invite you to read the first chapter and listen to the radio broadcast of Corporal Cummings’ ghost story at the Vietnam Jerry site. You will also become eligible for launch discounts, giveaways, and prizes. Net proceeds will be donated to the Kaufman Fund to help veterans and their families in need. So, join us today! I promise you’ll be glad you did.