Touched By the Dragon

Grzyb, Frank L.

ISBN 10: 1557531331 / ISBN 13: 9781557531339

Published by Purdue University Press, West Lafayette IN, 1998

About this Item

Experiences of Vietnam Veterans from Newport County RI. With an introduction by Senator John F. Kerry. Signed "With best wishes" by the author on the half title page, and dated 5/17/99. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 009247

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Touched By the Dragon
• Publisher: Purdue University Press, West Lafayette IN
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1557531331
• ISBN 13: 9781557531339
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Matthew Garthee
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Book Type: Book
• Seller catalogs:
  • Vietnam
  • Signed First Editions

About this title

Synopsis

Touched by the Dragon details wartime accounts of average servicemen and women-some heroic, some frightening, some amusing, some nearly unbelievable-extracted from interviews with Vietnam War veterans residing in Newport County, Rhode Island. The work is a historical compendium of fascinating and compelling stories woven together in a theme format. What makes this book truly unique, however, is its absence of literary pretentiousness. Relating oral accounts, the veterans speak in a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact way. As seen through the eyes of the veterans, the stories include first-person experiences of infantry soldiers, a flight officer, a medic, a nurse, a combat engineer, an intelligence soldier, and various support personnel. Personalities emerge gradually as the veterans discuss their pre war days, their training and preparation for Vietnam, and their actual in-country experiences. The stories speak of fear and survival: the paranoia of not knowing who or where the enemy was; the bullets, rockets, and mortars that could mangle a body or snuff out a life in a instant; and going home with a CMH--not the Congressional Medal of Honor, but a Casket with Metal Handles. The veterans also speak friendships and simple acts of kindness. But more importantly, they speak of healing-both physical and mental.

From the Author

Touched by the Dragon is a collection of war narratives.
Although the Vietnam War has long since passsed, the experience was of such intensity that it still lingers within many of our souls. Those who served and witnessed some of the horrors and sorrows of that War and perhaps lost family members, friends, neighbors, and brothers-in-arms have found the experience virtually impossible to eradicate from their minds.

With the above thought in mind, I set out on a journey that would last over two years to interview local veterans from my hometown area, and families who lost sons in that War. It was an effort to let the veterans and families open their minds as well as their hearts and souls. Touched by the Dragon" will serve as a lasting tribute to all who served in Vietnam and to the families whose sons and daughters paid so dearly.

Net proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to finance a college scholarship fund. END