This is the story of my short military service including my perspective of the Vietnam War from the start, and it follows America's descent into chaos until the final days in 1975. I was drafted several times and eventually was inducted into the Army on April 20, 1967, and then was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Basic Training. Afterwards, I was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Combat Engineering Training where I headed a squad of 16 people. In October, I was sent to Vietnam as a Combat Engineer; but, through fortuitous circumstances, I became a Finance Specialist with the 1st Infantry Division, better known as the Big Red One.
I witnessed the treacherous deceit of the 1968 Tet Offensive and the escalation of hostilities that followed from a bunker on our basecamp's perimeter. I honestly do know how it feels to be shot at and missed; but, in fact, I only felt the real impact of the war whenever I had to close a file for someone killed in action.
When I was in Vietnam, the world was a completely different place. We still have many of the same social challenges, but the economic, technical, scientific, and medical advances have all been amazing. Unfortunately, in too many ways, nothing has changed. Our planet is still at war, inhumanity is all too frequently the headline, and religious exploitation and racial strife shackle any hope for world peace. Perhaps this book, in some small way, will help us avoid the mistakes of the past.
My term of duty ended on November 21, 1968 and I returned physically unscathed but somewhat morally affected. I am very proud of my service and the fact that I chose to serve my country during perilous times. I have offered my insights with high hopes for our country and to honor all those who have served in the military and given so much of themselves to help preserve our nation's freedoms and defend the rights we hold so dear.
It took almost five decades, half a century, for me to reflect and then write this book, but I seriously doubt I could have completed it any sooner.
God bless America.
Neal Morgan
About the Author: I grew up in Oak Park, Illinois and had a great childhood. Although we were never privileged, my father was a great provider and, through his dedicated and tireless efforts, my family enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle. My mother made sure we stayed on the right path and my three siblings and I were raised in a loving home.
I've got about a thousand excuses, but in truth I was never a great student and predictably never excelled in any scholarly pursuits. Every educational opportunity available was there for the taking - just not by me. I graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in 1963 and actually got a great education; unfortunately, my grade point average never reflected that. In short, if you're looking for a classically educated author, I'm probably not your guy.
When I was drafted into the Army in 1967 my real "hand's on, down to earth" education finally began. After navigating the trials of Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, I was sent to Vietnam in October of 1967 as a Combat Engineer but ended up becoming a Finance Specialist. Both 1967 and 1968 were incredibly hazardous times in Vietnam that resulted in almost half of the total American deaths for the entire war. I learned a lot about life and death but much more about myself.
I returned home late in 1968 uninjured, maybe a little confused, but with a better sense of who I was and what I could do. Although I had always been an introvert, within a couple years I accepted a job in store fixture sales, and soon found that I loved it. Shortly after that I married for the first time and three years later my daughter was born. That marriage lasted exactly seven years to the day. I soon found and fell in love with my current wife and we will celebrate our 37th anniversary this year.
About five years ago I decided to write my book. It has taken so much longer than I had planned to complete this project, but I am pleased with the results. Whether or not my story is a boring diatribe, an interesting tale of terrible times, or a historic review of what I consider to be America's saddest war, you will have to be the judge.
Please remember to thank a veteran whenever possible; this country owes everything to them. Your gratitude means so much and it will be appreciated.
Neal E. Morgan
