My Twenty-Second Birthday
A lieutenant spends his 22nd birthday surrounded in Vietnam21 total reviews
Comment from irishauthorme
This is intense. I see the rules say this must be read as fiction but it is too real, and reflects many of the stories I heard from other vets. The anger and frustration with the command screw-ups, the never-ending pain and sadness for those lost.
I have a particular penchant for vets who decided to run for political office, like Crenshaw. Feel they are the only politicians who not only have a grip on whats really happening, but also have our best interests at heart.
irish
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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This is intense. I see the rules say this must be read as fiction but it is too real, and reflects many of the stories I heard from other vets. The anger and frustration with the command screw-ups, the never-ending pain and sadness for those lost.
I have a particular penchant for vets who decided to run for political office, like Crenshaw. Feel they are the only politicians who not only have a grip on whats really happening, but also have our best interests at heart.
irish
Comment Written 13-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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Funny, when I write I will get into a zone and just write. Then I will go back and read it. This story was an example. I found 400 words limiting. If you want, the long version is on my website.
I care deeply for all of our veterans. It is through story's such as this one people learn what our men and women have gone though for us.
Comment from Mary Shifman
This was a powerful story. I don't know if it was based on a real incident, but it certainly read like it. I was a senior in high school in 1968 and had many friends in Vietnam. You did an excellent job with this post.
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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This was a powerful story. I don't know if it was based on a real incident, but it certainly read like it. I was a senior in high school in 1968 and had many friends in Vietnam. You did an excellent job with this post.
Comment Written 13-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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I am certainly glad you found it to be powerful. My two older brothers served in Vietnam. One was there 65-66. He was a Navy Seabee. My other brother was in the same outfit in the story.
Without boring you with a lot of information. I will just say Vietnam veterans hold a special place in my heart. If you ever look at my other writings, you will find several stories of Vietnam. They are my attempt to thank the men and women that both served and died in Vietnam.
This story comes from a conversation I had decades ago with my Air Cav brother. There was a platoon cut off and the North Vietnamese were killing the wounded. His lieutenant asked for volunteers to go before sunrise. My brother and nine others joined him.
Please look up Lt. Mike Sprayberry. His story is truly amazing. In fact, for his actions that day he won the Medal of Honor. My brother and the other volunteers all received medals.
Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story.
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I have always felt that we as Americans didn't give the veterans of the Vietnam War the respect and honor they deserve. I am sorry for that. Your brothers are heroes. I'll look up the man you mentioned,
Comment from pookietoo
A very nice war story. I enjoyed reading it very much. A lot of luck in the contest. I hope you are well. Take care and enjoy the little things of life.
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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A very nice war story. I enjoyed reading it very much. A lot of luck in the contest. I hope you are well. Take care and enjoy the little things of life.
Comment Written 13-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 13-Oct-2021
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Thank you so much for the kind words and well wishes.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
A very powerful, compelling, and well-detailed story. A memory that you must remember and relive each year on your birthday. With no assistance, sixteen young men were lost. Such a tragedy.
Good luck in the contest.
Best wishes.
Mary
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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A very powerful, compelling, and well-detailed story. A memory that you must remember and relive each year on your birthday. With no assistance, sixteen young men were lost. Such a tragedy.
Good luck in the contest.
Best wishes.
Mary
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you so much for the kind words. They are appreciated.
Comment from oliver818
That's a hell of a birthday. War is always tragic, especially for the young. You described it very well. Thanks for sharing this and have a great day
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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That's a hell of a birthday. War is always tragic, especially for the young. You described it very well. Thanks for sharing this and have a great day
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you for the kind words!
Comment from LisaMay
Your story packs a punch - the intense drama of the situation is well portrayed with convincing details. War kills people; killing the wounded is utterly unscrupulous. No wonder the birthday holds such vivid memories.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Your story packs a punch - the intense drama of the situation is well portrayed with convincing details. War kills people; killing the wounded is utterly unscrupulous. No wonder the birthday holds such vivid memories.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you so much for the review and kind words.
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This is such a strong piece of writing. It displays all the worst features of a fierce fight, condensed into a single day. I think the most serious is the understated lack of back-up of the group under fire. Such a common occurrence in what I read about war, and such a disastrous one. Thank you very much for sharing this.
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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This is such a strong piece of writing. It displays all the worst features of a fierce fight, condensed into a single day. I think the most serious is the understated lack of back-up of the group under fire. Such a common occurrence in what I read about war, and such a disastrous one. Thank you very much for sharing this.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you Katherine. I always appreciate your reviews.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
This ~ War Story ~ writing prompt entry speaks how awesomely awful, remembering, memorable and historic twenty-second birthday you had celebrated surrounded in Vietnam; Out of twenty-five soldiers, you walked out with seven and two wounded. There were sixteen KIAs. Of that, the NVA had executed seven, historic; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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This ~ War Story ~ writing prompt entry speaks how awesomely awful, remembering, memorable and historic twenty-second birthday you had celebrated surrounded in Vietnam; Out of twenty-five soldiers, you walked out with seven and two wounded. There were sixteen KIAs. Of that, the NVA had executed seven, historic; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you so much for the kind words.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
A fine story of this man's fight to stay alive and he was so young too. This is a moment in his history he will never forget and he has had a long a fruitful life since thanks to his comrades in arms, a memorable piece, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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A fine story of this man's fight to stay alive and he was so young too. This is a moment in his history he will never forget and he has had a long a fruitful life since thanks to his comrades in arms, a memorable piece, love Dolly x
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you so much for the kind words.
Comment from Giftedone.Eric Wallace .
I look like you had fun great picture under the sun you're writing was intriguing and with all matters whatever makes you happy family and friends once again thank you for sharing
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
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reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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I look like you had fun great picture under the sun you're writing was intriguing and with all matters whatever makes you happy family and friends once again thank you for sharing
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 12-Oct-2021
reply by the author on 12-Oct-2021
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Thank you for the kind words and review. It is appreciated!
