Being Frank About Vietnam: A Marine Platoon Commander's Experience

Frank A. Hill

Jun 2013 · Author House

About this ebook

A stirring and honest account of war in Vietnam with no holds barred, revealing brotherhood, duty, fear, loss and a love song to his wife, Diana. A mind-expanding read in hopes to change human perspective on war, it is a sincere first-hand portrayal of daily life in the wilderness of Southeast Asia versus glorification of battles and heroic encounters. This eye-opening book was conceived upon Hills retirement. It provided him the time and incentive to open the letters he sent from Vietnam to his wife which lay dormant for 42 years, preserving the experience and emotions he felt of the days gone by in the battlefield. Perusing the epistles and reliving the weighty memories, the author realized it was a noteworthy story waiting to be retold. Providing an honest account of life and combat in the bush of Vietnam and its impact to those engaged in the war, as well as their families back home, this book relates Hills activities and encounters while leading a platoon of Marines during the peak of the war. Integrated are portions of the letters to his wife that describe fear and doubt in fighting an endless war. It recounts perilous exploits in Vietnam, south of Da Nang in the Quang Nam Province. It concludes by coming to grips with the burdens warriors brought home to their families. This book centers on the human experience of wargut-wrenching decisions, fear, loss, regret and questioningmaking it a valuable read for soldiers and their families who sacrificed then, and continue to sacrifice today. Featuring a full range of emotions including dread, hate and sly wisps of humor, Being Frank About Vietnam is a collection of honest stories for any adult audience interested in reading a truth about Vietnam.

Ratings and reviews

superb vietnam war book. well told story.

About the author

Newly married and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation from Colorado State University in 1968, Lt. Hill started his journey to become an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam. His wife, Diana, saved every letter he wrote from the battlefield. After 45 years he decided to review his letters, which describe leading a platoon of Marines in combat through the bush of Vietnam. Powerful memories coupled with the seasoning of time inspired him to write this memoir. The aftermath of Vietnam does not remain on the battlefield. It does not impact only the soldier. We bring it home and live with it. The price of war is paid by the soldier, his family and his friends. That is Frank's story. Following the war, Frank and Diana returned to their home state, Colorado. They settled in Parker, a tight-knit rural community with rodeos, horses and dirt roads. A successful career in computer systems development gave them the freedom to raise a comfortable American family with two children.