Through the Eyes of a Combat Medic

About the Book

After graduating high school I left the family farm in Iowa. I volunteered in the United States Army. Eight months later I was on my way to boot camp and then medical training. After graduating medical training I went back to Iowa for a two week leave. Then on to Southeast Asia -- Vietnam. Arriving in Vietnam in August of 1967 was my real awakening. The United States Army dropped me in the middle of a combat zone. That's when my life changed . . . forever. Hooking up with the 3rd of the 8th, Fourth Infantry Division. I was their Medic in the jungle or boonies, which ever you want to call it. I went to Pleiku and then to Dakto. The things I witnessed were overwhelming. The blood and guts, sweat and tears, that each and every soldier had to give for their country. The gun fights, sniper fire, the battles were too many to count. The unique bond of valor and brotherhood among the soldiers was something you almost had to see to believe. The daily hardships, the heat, the mosquito's, the humidity, the never ending rain. Along with the miles of walking through the jungle, day after day. Ending the day the same way, every day . . . body count, friend and foe. It seemed to never end. My hell on earth was over in August of 1968. When I was out of Vietnam and discharged, I went directly back to the farm. I could not then and still to this day thank God enough for bringing me back to my family! I made it, I made it alive and not in a pine box. Thank God and Amen!

About the Author