|
 In Hell With Dragonsby Richard Shaffer |
|
PREFACE
The war in Vietnam has made a lasting impression
on many men who survived the fighting. They returned from the war feeling
confused, alienated, and afraid of what their lives would become. Some have
adjusted to the challenge but countless numbers had a hard time adjusting. To
take a person from a peaceful environment and place him in a situation where
he might be killed or have to kill is very depressing. Most men try to cope
with it emotionally but end up isolating their feelings. Then to be sent home
after being on a combat patrol the day before and try to adjust back to a
peaceful environment takes its toll.
Soldiers from
other wars returned home and also had a hard time adjusting the same as
Vietnam veterans, but there wasn't as much publicity. Trying to tell
this story of one's own account was not easy. The writing of this book
started in 1975 and was completed in December 1990. The reason for the long
interim was the emotional aspect of not knowing if it was a good idea.
However, I found it to be good therapy as well as resulting in a deeper
concern with the telling of a story that might have substance. I feel comfortable
that what I had to say was what I needed and wanted to say 20 years earlier.
I want to go on believing that the war in Vietnam was an experience that I
wish on no other soldier. As I write this, I know that situations in other
parts of the world may produce another situation such as I encountered in
Vietnam. I hope with God's help that another war can be prevented. I take pride in
knowing that America is in good hands. The Armed Forces of the United States
are very capable of fighting wars. What concerns me most is the aftermath.
What it might do to us emotionally. This story is one
soldier's account of what it was like and what each day brought to a handful
of men who fought practically an unseen enemy. The terminal weather
conditions, leaches, jungle rot, and some even malaria. This is their story
also, the ones who came home in coffins, the ones who are the real heroes of
the war in Vietnam. |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
When I first started this book it became a few
words here and there. Then came full sentences, then full page writings. I
came to the conclusion that I couldn't finish this project without help. On
the picnic grounds of a small town south of St. Louis, MO, I realized that
help was just as close as my older sister, Dorothy Jane King. She suggested
that I write my words down in longhand and send copies to her in Illinois.
She checked to see that the spelling and typing were correct. The rest of the
editing was done at a later time. I especially want to thank her for her help
and encouragement to finish writing the book. Also, I want to mention my
gratitude for typing assistance she received from Gretchen Adams in Auburn,
IL.
I also want to
mention one other person who helped me personally finish this book. Her name
is Victoria Lynn Everitts, from Martinsburg, WV. Without her constant
persistence and help, I doubt I could have done it. My heart goes out to her
for putting up with me, and the many hours it took from our schedules to get
it done. I also want to
thank Shelby Stanton from Bethesda, MD. It was mostly from his book on
Vietnam, Order of Battle, that my illustrations were chosen. I appreciate his
willingness to allow me to use them. There were
others who gave me help and advice: Richard Douglas, Harry Rogers, Page
Burdette, and Lisa Bethel, who helped with the editing. Special thanks and
mention go to Sandra Evy. It was her help and assistance in the book's final
phases that I most appreciate. I want to thank Shirley Perez at Hagerstown
Bookbinding and Printing for assisting in the production of the book cover. A
very special thanks to Jerry Nagley for his production assistance. |
LIST OF
ILLUSTRATIONS
Map of South Vietnam
|
CREDITS
Maps
and Photo Credits Courtesy of:
|
|
|
IN HELL
WITH DRAGONS
|
|
"Richard Shaffer's first novel is about his tour in Vietnam with
the U.S. Army. He writes about the men he served with, and the misfortunes of
a lost cause. He tells about the friends who were lost, and about those who
have memories that will last a lifetime. Richard was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 27, 1945. His family
soon left New York after WWII and returned to their farm in Pennsylvania. He
was raised there until 1960 when the family sold their farm and moved to
Evansville, Indiana. While growing up his hero and idol was Audie Murphy. On his 17th birthday in 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was
promoted to Sergeant in 1964, and became a Drill Sergeant at the age of 19.
He served two tours in South Korea, and a two-year tour later in West
Germany. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat
Infantryman's Badge, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, along with
9 other awards and several letters of commendation. He served his country for 14 years, including 3 years with the New York
Army National Guard. He left with many unforgotten memories." Dorothy Jane King "IN HELL WITH DRAGONS is a bloody and harrowing trek through the
hell that was Vietnam. Mr. Shaffer puts us on point for a personal,
first-hand glimpse of life under fire." Richard L. Douglas |
|
"This
photo was taken in January, 1967, before I left for my tour in Vietnam. My time
on leave and my Mom's home cookin' is showing on my waistline."
|
"This
is me in September, 1967, just after my return from R&R in Hawaii."
|
GO TO
FRONT COVER
|
BACK TO
CONTENTS
|
GO TO
CHAPTER ONE
|
|
|
IN HELL WITH DRAGONS |
|
