"IN HELL WITH DRAGONS"

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.

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.

Map of South Vietnam
June-Dec 1967
Pre-Vietnam Photo of author
Sep-67 Photo of author
25th Inf Div Shoulder Patch
M113A1 Armored Personnel Carrier
2nd Bn 14th Inf Unit Crest
2nd Bn 27th Inf Unit Crest
M40A1 106mm Recoilless Rifle
(Jeep Mounted)
4th Inf Div Shoulder Patch
2nd Bn 22nd Inf Unit Crest
M29 81mm Mortar,br> M16/5.56mm Rifle
AR 15 Rifle
Caterpillar D7E Tractor (Dozer)
M60/7.62mm Machine Gun
M2 .50-Caliber Machine Gun (Jeep Mounted)
M151A1 1/4-Ton Utility Truck (Jeep)
M113A1 APC
M67 90mm Recoilless Rifle (Shoulder-Fired)
RPG 2 Rocket Launcher
M18A1 Anti-Personnel Mine (Claymore)
AN/PRC 25 Radio/Transmitter
M79/40mm Grenade Launcher
25th Aviation Bn Unit Crest
M114A1 155mm Howitzer (Artillery)
Unloading from a Chopper
Combat Infantryman Badge
Map of 9th Inf Operations Area
Silver Star, Bronze Star
Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal
North Vietnam Regular with
AK 47 Assault Rifle
CH-47A Chinook Cargo Helicopter
1st Inf Div Shoulder Patch
M151A1 1/4-Ton Jeep
(With Armor Shielding)
UH-1B Utility Helicopter
LCM Landing Craft
(Rag Boat Similarity)
UH-1D Huey Tactical
Transport Helicopter
Helicopter Landing Zone (LZ)
M19 60mm Mortar
M1911A1.45 Caliber Semi-Automatic
Pistol
Map of South Vietnam
Jun-Dec 1967

Maps and Photo Credits Courtesy of:
Vietnam Order of Battle by
Shelby L. Stanton

Medal Credits Courtesy of:
American Medals and Decorations by
Evans Kerrigan

Cover Illustrated by Author
Front Cover: 25th Infantry Division Shoulder Patch
2nd Bn 14th Infantry Unit Crest
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Infantryman Badge
Back Cover: Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Top)
Vietnam Service Medal with
Three Campaign Stars
25th Infantry Division Shoulder Patch
Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device