Blog Archives
Eagle Scout to Killer: A Novel Based on True Events
Eagle Scout to Killer by K.S. Alan and Lorna Dare is a harrowing and unflinching account of one man’s transformation from idealistic youth to haunted veteran. Told through the voice of Kurt S. Alan, a soldier whose service in Vietnam blurs the line between heroism and survival, the book chronicles the moral and psychological toll of war. From its opening pages, where Alan recounts his covert involvement in the events surrounding the Gulf of Tonkin, the narrative establishes itself as both historical confession and personal reckoning. This is not a traditional war story; it is an exploration of how combat reshapes identity, erodes morality, and leaves wounds that no medal can redeem.
The authors write with a restrained intensity that makes the book deeply affecting. Alan’s first-person account of meeting CIA operative Coleman and orchestrating a staged naval attack feels chilling in its calm precision. When he admits, “I grew up being taught to never lie, but here I was perpetrating a lie on the U.S. Congress,” the line reverberates beyond his personal guilt; it becomes an indictment of the political machinery that demanded such deception. The prose is unsentimental yet charged with quiet anguish, capturing the conflict between duty and conscience with unsettling clarity.
What gives the book its emotional weight is not only its exposure of covert operations but its portrait of trauma. In the preface and the reflections from Alan’s VA therapist, the story is framed as part of a long process of healing. The therapist describes it as “Kurt’s effort to reclaim his soul,” and the book indeed feels like an act of reclamation. When Alan later visits the Vietnam Memorial and leaves his Special Operations coin at the wall, the gesture becomes a moment of fragile grace amid decades of inner torment. That scene encapsulates the cost of survival and the longing for absolution that haunts so many who return from war.
The combat scenes themselves are vivid, brutal, and often difficult to read. Chapters such as “The Punji Pit” and “Operation Cherry” depict the chaos of Vietnam with visceral precision. Yet the violence never feels gratuitous; it underscores the moral corrosion that the preface warns against. The narrative’s strength lies in its refusal to glorify combat or simplify the psychology of those who endured it. Alan’s voice remains grounded, disciplined, and painfully self-aware. The result is a story that feels at once deeply personal and universally human, a meditation on guilt, loyalty, and the enduring search for meaning after unimaginable loss.
Eagle Scout to Killer is not an easy book to read, but it is an essential one. It speaks to veterans who have carried their battles home with them, and to civilians who have never confronted what war truly demands of those who fight it. For readers interested in military history, moral philosophy, or psychological resilience, this book offers a rare and unsettling clarity. It is both a confession and a cautionary tale, a powerful reminder that while war may end, its echoes never do.
Pages: 264 | ISBN : 9781965390139
The Tilted Palace: Weeds of Misfortune
The Tilted Palace: Weeds of Misfortune is a haunting and human story about broken souls trying to stitch themselves back together. It opens with Jimmy Ray Crandall, a retired Green Beret haunted by Vietnam and marooned in the quiet of small-town Massachusetts. His loneliness seeps through every line until a wounded stray dog, and later a disheveled pastor named Trinity Hathaway, stumble into his life. What follows is a gritty, sometimes funny, often painful dance between despair and redemption. Through late-night bourbon, raw honesty, and shared pain, two strangers become mirrors of each other’s brokenness. It’s not a simple war story or a tale of faith. It’s about survival when everything that gave life meaning has already burned to ash.
The writing pulls no punches. It’s blunt, messy, and real. The author writes like someone who’s seen too much and refuses to pretty it up. The dialogue, sharp and layered, swings between biting sarcasm and quiet revelation. There’s a strange rhythm to it, like life itself, uneven but true. Some scenes hit me hard, especially when the pastor and the soldier lay their wounds bare. Both want to die, yet somehow keep each other alive. The dog, Jezz, might be the most human of them all. She’s the glue, the silent witness to two lost people trying not to drown.
This is an emotional book. It made me angry at how war chews up men like Jimmy Ray and spits them out forgotten. It made me ache for people like Trinity, trying to preach hope while secretly running on fumes. There’s no sermon here, just raw humanity. The story doesn’t tie things up neatly, which I liked. Life rarely does. The prose has its rough edges, sure, but they fit the characters. They live in those jagged lines. At times, the story drifts into monologues that feel like confessionals, and that works because I feel like the whole book is one long confession.
I’d recommend The Invisibles to readers who crave something honest and bruised. I think it’s for those who understand that redemption doesn’t always look holy and that healing can start with a bottle, a stranger, or a dog scratching at the door. For me, this book wasn’t just a story; it was an experience.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0FF4B3CF5
Confront The Truth
The Saigon Guns shares facts about the final year of US combat operations in South Vietnam from the perspective of someone who was actually there. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This is a history that has not been told. Most people think the US Army involvement in South Vietnam ended in mid-June of 1972. Actually, some of the most intense combat that year for the US Army forces was after June. The US Army Greenbook, which is the official history of the US Army even perpetuates this myth today. A consequence of the lies about 1972 US Army operations was that the military records for those of us there at that time went missing. This plagued me for the rest of my career, as it did for many others, and almost denied me VA benefits. Only recently has the National Archives allowed access to some of these records.
When I attended the US Army War College in 1994, I heard seminar instructors explain that no US Army forces conducted combat operations, only local unit defense, after June of 1972. I pointed out that this was not true. I was asked on what basis I could say that. I explained I was there and that the US Army units still in-country were seriously taking the fight to the North Vietnamese and the Soviets well into December of 1972. The seminar leader was incredulous. He suggested I write a paper, which I did. Never saw that paper again, and it was not to be published.
President Nixon stated that he had pulled out all combat troops of Vietnam in June of 1972 as a re-election ploy, despite the fact that he did not. But no one wanted to confront the truth. After we were actually out of Vietnam as the result of the peace treaty, President Nixon and Congress had no appetite to re-engage even in the face of the massive North Vietnamese violation of that very treaty in 1975.
The Vietnam War is one of those moments in history that is glossed over in textbooks or outright ignored. Your book sheds light on the facts and uncovers the uncomfortable truth of the situation. I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story and those who were stationed in Vietnam. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I suspect that most combat veterans have the hardest time dealing with “survivor guilt.” As a consequence, it was most difficult for me to write about the loss of friends in combat. For the rest of your life, you wonder, “Why them and not me?” But I also found that writing about specific combat actions or engagements sometimes became a bit too intense for me, and I would simply stop and take a break. Then I found that on many occasions it was hard to pick the narrative back up and continue. It might take hours, a week, or even a month to do that sometimes. Of course, then there was research I needed to try and make the narrative as accurate as I could. This took time. My wife and I even traveled to the National Archives in Maryland to research records. Though what we found was scant few records of use for this period of the war. I also reached out to fellow unit members that I served with in Vietnam to pick at their memories and personnel records to fill out details. That is why it took me several years to write this book.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the Vietnam War and the military forces that were sent there?
The main misconception, now fostered in many high-school textbooks, is that the Vietnam War was an illegal war. This is, of course, the same line that anti-war groups, often assisted by the Soviet-operated World Peace Counsel, publicized to support their anti-war efforts. The truth is that the war was started by the North Vietnamese for two purposes. One was certainly to unify the country under Communist control. The other, less clear reason, was that the Soviets wanted a “warm water’ port on the South China Sea. The Soviets wanted this port because it provided them an all-weather power projection base against the American Pacific Fleet and against the Chinese, with whom they were in direct conflict in the 1960s and 1970s. The US turned down a request by Ho Chi Minh to assist them in unifying the country by force in the early 1960’s. The US refused to assist him with a takeover by force of arms. Additionally, the US had an air base in South Vietnam in Da Hang that was strategic to our defenses against the rising power of the Soviets. So, when the effort to overthrow the government in South Vietnam was begun by the North Vietnamese, supported by the Russians, we sided with the South Vietnamese on the basis that it was illegal for one country to take over another peaceful country by force of arms. It is also interesting to note that most Americans, again as the result of Soviet propaganda and, to a certain degree, the interests of opposing political parties in the United States, were told that we were only fighting poor Vietnamese peasants and the North Vietnamese were simply assisting them. The truth was that the North Vietnamese were who we were primarily fighting and who made up the bulk of what we refer to as the VC or Viet Cong irregular forces. By 1972, with the major North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam with conventional armored forces, entire Soviet military units were committed to the way and were engaged against US forces. Today there is a Russian Vietnam Veterans organization!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The truth about the war and what those of us who served there tried to do for America and for the poor South Vietnamese is what I hope readers take away from my book. Remember that millions of people died in Southeast Asia upon our pullout of forces and our refusal, after the Spring of 1973, to provide support to the South Vietnamese.
There is an old joke among my contemporaries about that war. We were winning when we left. This was quite true. In the space of 8 months in 1972, four US Army Cavalry troops, the US Air Force, and the US Navy, with an assortment of American military advisors with various South Vietnamese Army and Marine units, wiped out five divisions of North Vietnamese and Soviet armor. This was not old, obsolete Russian Armor from World War II but then state-of-the-art Soviet military hardware. Yet the North Vietnamese offensive combat power was destroyed to the point that the North lacked the capability to continue the war when the Peace Treaty in Paris was signed.
It took the North Vietnamese, and their Soviet supporters two and a half years to rebuild the North Vietnamese offensive combat power and then conquer South Vietnam. With our complete pullout and refusal to provide help to the region, panic set in across all the nearby countries, and dictators and thugs, backed by the Soviets and the North Vietnamese, seized power in Cambodia and Laos. Estimates for the loss of life over the four years following our complete withdrawal and the fall of South Vietnam in these three countries alone run as high as 10 million people! And, to this day, the propaganda of the Soviets and of the anti-war movement here still denies these facts and the reality of that war. We see the same approach to war in Ukraine today, along with the same use of propaganda and ruthless war on a civilian population. The “just war” concept has no place in the Russian way of war. It was so in Vietnam, and it is so in Ukraine. So yes, there are lessons, and they start with recognizing and accepting the truth of what is actually happening.
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The remaining US aviation forces, along with the US Air Force and US Navy and Marine aviation assets, would not be easily removed from the battle. For the US forces still in-country, this is an untold story of heroism, dedication, and refusal to yield the battlefield despite being largely considered by US political leaders as “expendable.”
The Saigon Guns
In The Saigon Guns, John Thomas Hoffman offers a riveting narrative of his time serving in the Republic of Vietnam. While many Americans who valiantly fought alongside him in the early 1970s found themselves marginalized and disregarded upon their return, Hoffman courageously shines a light on their lived experiences, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the growing influence of Russian advisors aiding the North Vietnamese.
Beyond merely chronicling war tales, this book seamlessly weaves in elements of a personal memoir. Before enlisting, John led an ordinary life, working as a part-time fireman and ardently pursuing his studies at Georgetown University. These rich anecdotes provide a layered understanding of the man before his immersion in the tumultuous world of warfare.
Hoffman’s detailed descriptions, such as the intricacies of the TH-55 helicopter or the nuanced differences between the M-14 and M-16 guns, showcase the depth of his research and commitment to authenticity. Throughout, he punctuates his account with profound reflections, signaling his lived experience and the wisdom gleaned from it.
The book explores significant socio-political events of the era, such as the racial tensions of the late 1960s and the mounting resistance against the Vietnam War – with figures like Jane Fonda playing pivotal roles.
The Saigon Guns stands as a testament to Hoffman’s courage. To share a narrative that has largely been erased from official histories and to do so with such raw honesty is genuinely commendable. It’s a sweeping journey: from the heart-wrenching sorrows of war, exhilarating adventures in the skies, and intense training sessions to introspective reflections on pivotal life moments. I wholeheartedly recommend this illuminating read to military veterans, history enthusiasts, and anyone keen on uncovering the intricate facets of the Vietnam War.
Pages: 465 | ASIN : B0BTZXZ54X
Darkness and Light Intertwined: Book 3 of the Agent Orange Trilogy
In 1954, against the haunting backdrop of war-torn Vietnam, Chi Anh Ong faces the heart-wrenching separation from her baby daughter Linh, who is, unbeknownst to her, taken to an orphanage by her father. Abandoned by Linh’s father, a foreign soldier, Chi is cornered by circumstance and grief. Yet, in a fervent pursuit of revenge, she joins the Viet Cong, targeting American soldiers.
As the years pass, Linh begins to lose herself. Her struggle for survival pushes her into the shadows of prostitution. A chance encounter with an American soldier offers her a shimmering ray of hope and the possibility of a new life in the US. But can one ever fully escape the past?
Darkness and Light Intertwined, by Kaylon Bruner Tran, is a poignant historical fiction novel, featuring a cast of characters caught in the brutal jaws of war yet yearning for redemption. The desperation Chi feels in her search for Linh is palpable, while Linh’s own journey illustrates the depths one might go to for survival.
Kaylon Bruner Tran strikes deep emotional chords, rendering a tale of individuals seeking healing from the scars of war. Each character’s internal struggle prompts readers to grapple with the intricate moral implications of their own choices.
Darkness and Light Intertwined underscores the moral conundrums faced by those in conflict zones. Amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War, each character yearns for a glimmer of light–a semblance of normalcy. Darkness and Light Intertwined is more than just a book; it’s an introspective journey, prompting reflections on the gripping emotional trials born out of real-life adversities. Highly recommended for those seeking a deep, thoughtful read.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0BGJSVWW5
Swift Sword: The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967
In Swift Sword, the masterful storyteller Doyle Glass expertly transports his audience into the throes of Operation Swift in the Que Son Valley, Vietnam. His vivid narrative is the fruit of true accounts shared by veterans who managed to emerge from the chaos of the Vietnam War. Glass marries raw information and first-hand testimonies in his work, deftly encapsulating the myriad of emotions and adversities encountered by the US Marines during this devastating ambush, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of 124 soldiers.
The author skillfully illuminates the profound trials endured by these veterans, with a particular emphasis on those who served in the Vietnam War. Swift Sword pays homage to the gallant warriors who put everything on the line for their country. The narrative serves as a stark testament to the men who made the ultimate sacrifice and the survivors who bear the lifelong burden of losing their comrades.
The visceral depictions of the trauma experienced by these soldiers are woven skillfully throughout the book. Glass provides a somber reflection on the pervasive and enduring destruction caused by war on the lives of those involved. Yet, within this turbulent narrative, he manages to highlight the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing how these brave men found hope, maintained loyalty to their comrades, and nurtured deep love for their families.
Swift Sword provides readers with an invaluable glimpse into the operations of the Marines and the stark realities of the Vietnam War. While the narrative may occasionally prove complex due to the use of military abbreviations and jargon, Glass astutely includes a comprehensive glossary at the end of the book to aid understanding.
This book is a remarkable testament to Glass’s meticulous research and unflinching dedication to honoring war veterans, even when it meant navigating painful memories. His work proves to be both enlightening and educational, a truly compelling read.
If your literary appetite gravitates towards personal narratives, especially those of war veterans, then Swift Sword is an indispensable addition to your reading list. Brace yourself for a deep-dive into the poignant and profoundly human experiences of those who served in the Vietnam War.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B00LGDVLYY
Dear Dad, A Novel
Dear Dad, by John Hazen, is a wonderful but harrowing read. John Foster is the son of a decorated World War II vet who grew up in small-town New England during the build-up to the Vietnam War. Eager to do his part, Foster is drawn into small disagreements with his peers and family as he battles his own misgivings about the conflict. Once in Vietnam, his resentment toward the army brass, his enemies, and his fellow soldiers grows as he’s routinely faced with the horrors of war. When he’s wounded during an attack, he awakens to find himself in 1862, where he finds a nobler purpose.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
Pages 303 | ASIN B007SXID7E
Letters from Vietnam
The United States entered the Vietnam War conflict in August of 1964, though the US had been involved in the conflict in a limited capacity since the end of World War II. After an American battleship was allegedly attacked, President Lynden Johnson called for air strikes, thus taking a stand in the ongoing conflict. The United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War was heavily criticized for many reasons, but despite that, hundreds of thousands of US troops made their way to Vietnam to fight.
Letters from Vietnam by Dennis Hoy is an autobiographical account of Hoy’s time in the United States military during the Vietnam war. He details his time from basic training to the jungle swamps of Vietnam and provides a first-hand account of the dangers and perils for a young man at war. However, Hoy keeps a thread of hope alive by sending letters back and forth to the love of his life, Beth.
Hoy and his wife, Beth, kept every letter they exchanged during Hoy’s time in Vietnam. Encouraged by some friends, Hoy wrote down his experiences in Vietnam to preserve the story of a dark time in the United States and World history.
The oddest thing about this book is that there are no actual printed letters between Dennis and Beth, which could have enhanced the book’s drama by showing their thoughts and feelings straight from the time of the war. However, Letters from Vietnam is a well-written book in a very conversational tone that helps an average reader understand this point in history without the language being overcomplicated. As the reader, you can tell that Hoy’s time in Vietnam affected him profoundly and continues to affect him even to this day. I highly recommend Letters from Vietnam to anyone who loves history and wants a first-hand account of a soldier’s days in Vietnam.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B09GXQMCJD
LITERARY TITAN 