|
Into the Belly of the Beast by James D Russell Memoir Vietnam War Soft Cover
Into the Belly of the Beast by James D Russell
One man's year in the Vietnam War A Memoir
Soft Cover
133 pages
Copyright 2019
CONTENTS
Forward7
Chapter 1November 19679
Chapter 2December 196715
Chapter 3January 196833
Chapter 4February 196851
Chapter 5April 196877
Chapter 6May 196883
Chapter 7June 196887
Chapter 8July 196893
Chapter 9August 196897
Chapter 10September 1968101
Chapter 11October 1968107
Chapter 12November 1968115
Afterward121
Photos127
FOREWORD
A couple of years ago, my daughter, Sarah, asked me to write about my experiences in Vietnam for her boys to read. She wanted them to understand me better. But more than anything else, she wanted them to realize how horrible war is, that the reality of it is not like some video game they play. You don't get to click a button and get a do-over.
War is disturbing, damaging, and more importantly, it's for keeps. Memories of it can linger on for many years to come. It can be a truly significant, emotional event in one's life. It had been for me.
I chose to tell this in first person, as I experienced it. That's the only way I thought the reader could see the progression of my experience and how it affected me as the months passed by.
Interestingly, I did forget some things, though. I began to read the letters I had written to my wife, Bev. As I read, the forgotten memories and the emotions I had felt at that time came flooding back with a vengeance. At first, this undertaking was rather therapeutic as I wrote. Near the end, however, the whole ordeal had become a burden and all I wanted to do was finish it.
Please remember that the events I share are how I perceived them, from my prospective. Others who experienced these same events with me would have their own perceptions of these events and how they had affected them. After all, we're not all wired the same. Everyone processes things differently.
I witnessed some heroic individuals in this war. Tam not one of them. I do not care to be called a hero just because I participated. I feel it lessens those brave men and women who have earned that honor. They are the true heroes. I am proud to say that most of the men and women I encountered who went and served their country did so with honor and can hold their heads high.
Someday, some of you may be required to fight for your country. It may not be in an armed conflict, but most assuredly, all humans eventually will find themselves in some form of a war: a battle for an idea of theirs, a marriage, a sickness, a faith, or even a fight for your own life.
But before going to war ask yourself this: "What is my reason for taking this action? Do I see a clear path? What is my exit plan?"
But the most important question one should ask is, "Is this an honorable thing that I am about to do?"
Why do I say this? Because the first battle one must always fight is the battle to not go to war. And that's because if you choose war, then you must own it and all of its repercussions. That's good advice for any battle you may face in life. Before rushing headlong up any hill, always ask yourself, "Am I willing to die for this hill, for this cause? Is this really that important?"
My advice to you... choose well.
All pictures are of the actual item. There may be reflection from the lights in some photos. We try to take photos of any damage. If this is a railroad item, this material is obsolete and no longer in use by the railroad. Please email with questions. Publishers of Train Shed Cyclopedias and Stephans Railroad Directories. Large inventory of railroad books and magazines. Thank you for buying from us.
Shipping charges
US Shipments: When you add multiple items to your cart, the reduced shipping charges will automatically be calculated. For direct postage rates to other countries, send me an email. Shipping varies by weight.
Terms and conditions
All sales are final. Returns accepted if item is not as described. Contact us before making a return. No warranty is stated or implied. Please e-mail us with any questions before bidding or buying.
Thanks for looking at our items.
|