"I have a hole in my heart, the Vietnam War left me with a sense of loss and uncertainty that has been hard to overcome. My book is centered around the 212 letters I wrote to my wife in 1966 and 1967. Come along with me and see this war through my eyes as a grunt serving in the First Cavalry Division. My platoon was nearly wiped out in the battle of Bong Son in May 1966, where we went from 36 to 6 troopers in a matter of a few hours. I was one of the lucky ones still standing that day and I continue to wonder why? Many soldiers who were there in the early years of the war will probably recognize many of the places and things I have described. I am hoping the memories I have stirred in my book; both the good and the bad, will help other combat veterans finally escape the shadow of that terrible war. I am certain some form of my story has been lived by other combat soldiers in every war and it is my hope that none of us will ever be forgotten!]" Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

Fort Gordon, Georgia-Then Off to War -- My First Air Assault-Back to LZ X- -- Ray -- Back to Base Camp -- Bong Son Battle-All Hell Breaks Loose -- Not So Happy, Happy Valley -- Bailing Out the 101st Airborne -- Malaria or Not Malaria -- Saving "A" Company in the Ia Drang Valley -- Fiftieth Air Assault -- Seventh Cavalry's 100th Birthday -- Off to Rest and Relaxation in Hong Kong -- Hurrah! I'm Out of the Field.