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 "IN HELL WITH DRAGONS"by Richard Shaffer |
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PREFACEThe 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. |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWhen 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. |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONSMap of South Vietnam |
CREDITSMaps and Photo Credits Courtesy of:American Medals and Decorations by Evans Kerrigan Cover Illustrated by Author |
IN HELL WITH DRAGONS |
"Richard Shaffer's first novel is about his tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. He writes about the men he served with, and the misfortunes of a lost cause. He tells about the friends who were lost, and about those who have memories that will last a lifetime. Richard was born in Buffalo, New York, on August 27, 1945. His family soon left New York after WWII and returned to their farm in Pennsylvania. He was raised there until 1960 when the family sold their farm and moved to Evansville, Indiana. While growing up his hero and idle was Audie Murphy On his 17th birthday in 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1964, and became a Drill Instructor at the age of 19. He served two tours in South Korea, and a two-year tour later in West Germany. His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, along with 9 other awards and several letters of commendation. He served his country for 14 years, including 3 years with the New York Army National Guard. He left with many unforgotten memories." Dorothy Jane King "IN HELL WITH DRAGONS is a bloody and harrowing trek through the hell that was Vietnam. Mr. Shaffer puts us on point for a personal, first-hand glimpse of life under fire." Richard L. Douglas |
 "This photo was taken in January, 1967, before I left for my tour in Vietnam. My time on leave and my Mom's home cookin' is showing on my waistline." |
 "This is me in September, 1967, just after my return from R&R in Hawaii." |
GO TO FRONT COVER
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BACK TO CONTENTS
ClickMedal of Honor |
GO TO CHAPTER ONE
ClickDistinguished Service Cross |
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