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8/16/2010 1:59:17 PM Reviews and opinions about my book "A Hard Place". Let me begin this with saying how much I appreciate the members for their support,comments and just checking out my books and profile. The numbers to me are extremely pleasing.
Now to the gist of this post. Two and a half years ago I published my Vietnam War story, after it taking me over three years to write.Even at that I only began it after years of urging from my family and friends,especially my son (also a soldier) and my daughter (an Army Brat married to a Marine)without their prompting along with that of their mother I probably would not have written it. Even though I wrote and published it as "Thriller Novel" I had to relive a lot of ugly memories and scars from that war.Along with a bunch of fond and humorous ones. I personaly give nay damn who will,or will not,believe the story! But what I do care about is being called a "phony" and that I probably never even went to Vietnam. Well, my DD214 says I spent three tours there. The Veterans Affairs says that I am 100% Disabled because of it.I have refrained from counter attacking those few malcontent souls who felt it necessary to impune my honor. But it does not sit well with me. Hooah! It's an Army thing!!!!
Jacamo Peterson,SFC US Army (ret),Reno Nevada
My Son, also a John L Peterson has held up the five generation line of Army Service, Sgt ,19D Cavalry Scout (OPFORS) and is also now a Disabled Veteran.(also a Certified Structural and Wildland Firefighter)
My Father was also a John L Peterson MSG, 81st Inf, Pacific Theatre 1942-46
Three of my Uncles jumped into Normandy 6 Jun 1944, Two with the 101st, one with the 82nd..Two others were Merchant Marine.Â
Other Comments:
Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for Armed Forces Service, Richard M Nixon President of the United States, August 1973
Letter of Appreciation for Armed Forces Service, Robert F Froehlke Secretary of the Army, August 1973
Oregon Army National Guard Commendation Medal, Richard A Miller Major General Adj Gen. May 1979
I wrote the Vietnam War book to honor the service and sacrifice of all Vietnam Veterans, Yes that includes me! To all members of all the Armed Forces who were there, whether Volunteer or Draftee,  who served with Honor and Distinction,  this book is dedicated to you. Let us never forget our fallen and lost Brothers. Our cause was just,Our Service was Honorable.
I Have seen TOO many movies about American forces in Vietnam, portraying the soldiers as anti-war draftees who hated the military. That was not the case,over 95% of american soldiers, marines,airmen and sailors served with honor and distinction. We did NOT lose the Vietnam War, we were pulled from the field. Hooah!
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VII Campaign (1970-71)
From Month/Year
July / 1970
To Month/Year
June / 1971
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.
