Gordon C. Helsel

In 1968, Army Sgt. Gordon Helsel was bleeding to death in Vietnam when God saved his life in a most surprising way. Now Helsel has written his witness to American history "exactly as it happened."

For valor and wounds sustained, Helsel was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. But he didn't write his book to boast about medals. "The Day God Showed Up" is a love story and Helsel's tribute to his wife, God, his fallen and wounded friends, and all Americans who put their lives on the line by serving our country.

"It's been 45 years since I left the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam. I know that many of my comrades don't speak much about their experiences in a combat zone, but I made God a promise many years ago that I would always speak out when given an opportunity," says Helsel. "I guess you could say I struck a deal with God: 'Get me out of this place, and I will tell my story.' Well here it is: 'The Day God Showed Up.'"

"It took Vietnam to make me see I had a duty to those who are less fortunate than me," explains Helsel. "I went to Vietnam a 19-year-old kid and returned a man with a purpose."

Gordon Helsel lives in the small city of Poquoson, Virginia. He's lived there most of his life and served his neighbors as fire chief, councilman, then mayor for 15 years, until he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2011.

Helsel is the happy husband of his high-school sweetheart Joy, a father and grandfather. He's also a former business owner whose legacy now thrives under his sons, Scott and Brian. Gordon and Joy are proud of their sons, their daughter by marriage, Brian's wife Christy, and their beautiful grandchildren, Wyatt Keith and Avery Elizabeth.

"The Day God Showed Up" is American history. It's the perfect read for Memorial Day, Father's Day, Independence Day, Veteran's Day - or any day.