A Filthy Way to Die, Collected Memories of the Vietnam War

"Sixty in-depth interviews show the devastating impact of war. Ed Linz, a retired Navy Commander, discusses the background of how the United States became involved in the Vietnam War. The tragedy which followed over the next two decades is captured in memories gathered from U.S. Naval Academy graduates of the Class of 1965 who served in Vietnam on the ground, in the air, on the rivers, and at sea form 1965 to 1975. The stories provide graphic description of the horror of war, the randomness of death, the absurdities of meaningless targets being selected from 6000 miles away, the brotherhood forged in battle, and the grief of losing family and friends. Horrific losses were not limited to U.S. Forces. While over 58,000 Americans died and 304,000 others were injured, it is estimated that three million Vietnamese, including civilians, were casualties. Neighboring countries were not spared. Laos lost 40,000 and Cambodian losses were even worse. It was indeed, as Linz explains, a filthy way to die"--