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When I Turned Nineteen: A Vietnam War Memoir chronicles my long journey as a nineteen-year-old that was sent by his country to an unpopular war. I am not claiming my year in Vietnam was any more difficult or dangerous than any other soldier that served; I’m sure there were other soldiers and platoons that had it much harder than we did. I know it was a challenge for all of us.
Writing this book was the first time that I examined in detail my experiences with First Platoon in Vietnam. Over the past 47 years, I had never discussed it with my First Platoon brothers or even my best friend Mike Dankert, who was with me during it all. I don’t know which is more difficult, reliving the events of 1969 while writing the book or sharing my story.
In 1969, I served in the U.S. Army with the First Platoon Company A 3rd Battalion/1st Infantry 11th Brigade Americal (23rd Infantry) Division. We were average American sons, fathers, husbands, and brothers who enlisted or were drafted from all over the United States and came from various backgrounds. We came together and formed a brotherhood that will last forever.
I share my experiences about weeks of boredom and minutes to hours of terror, surviving the heat, carrying a 60-pound rucksack, monsoons, a forest fire, a typhoon, building a firebase, fear, death, and fighting the enemy—all while experiencing mental, physical and moral exhaustion.
I didn’t write much about the politics of war, but I did write about how war affects the humanity of soldiers ordered to war and what they have to live with when they come home; the lucky ones get to come home.
"Be it a just war or an unpopular war, the effects are the same for the soldier fighting the war." Glyn Haynie
Personal and moving - A young soldier's view of the war. While the narrative is engaging, the photos are terrific. The author is not judgmental, and I was moved by how eloquently he was able to recall events nearly 50 years ago. His description of a young man at war is timeless. I gather his R&R in Bangkok worked out OK, somewhat akin to turkey with all the trimmings.
Charles Krohn
Author, The Lost Battalion of Tet
Plot: The author has built a coherent and detailed narrative of the Vietnam War that is easy to follow even for readers unfamiliar with military history. The story has a definite arc and skillfully conveys the author's experience.
Prose: The author's writing style is workmanlike but clear. Although some of the stories are less interesting than others, the short sections provide an appropriately episodic feel. The inclusion of letters effectively varies the narrative voice.
Originality: This book is typical of war stories of the era. And while the author's tales are unique to his experience, readers of Vietnam memoirs will find much of the book familiar.
Character Development: The author does a good job bringing the soldiers and civilians he encounters to life. He also skillfully illustrates the ways he changes as a result of his experiences. Letters, obituaries, and a selection of photos help bring the cast of characters to life.
BookLife Prize - 2017
When I Turned Nineteen: A Vietnam War Memoir was submitted to The Book Designer for the e-Book Cover Design Awards, June 2017 for the category Nonfiction and announced the winner for the month of June 2017. The cover was Designed by 1106 Design.
Judge: “One of the most successful covers I’ve seen based on an old personal photo. The font choice and layout, as well as the softened photo, make a great impression.”
Judge: “One of the most successful covers I’ve seen based on an old personal photo. The font choice and layout, as well as the softened photo, make a great impression.”
A preview from the Audio Book
