Synopsis
A Hellish Place of Angels: Con Thien: One Man's Journey is a powerful story that blends personal insight with keen observations
and powerful emotions. This is one man’s journey through the escalating hell of Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 which culminated in the brutal battles of Con Thien.The author’s firsthand account adds an element of realism and tension which makes for a gripping read that is virtually impossible to put down.
This cogent, touching and compelling story is developed using a narrative braid of letters to the family, memories and historical references. The action quickly moves from boot camp and infantry training to the expanding war in1966 against the Viet Cong. The book then moves on to the conventional battles of 1967 against multiple divisions of the North Vietnamese Army in and about the DMZ including the early battles of Khe Sanh. Finally the action comes to a head in the brutal battles and siege of Con Thien. Con Thien was a tiny hillock overlooking the border of North Vietnam providing a strategic view of the infiltrating North Vietnamese Army regulars. It was called the Hill of Angels by local priests. But despite its name, it was shelled and assaulted arguably more per square inch than any other patch of dirt ever occupied by U.S. forces. Con Thien remains one
of the fiercest but least remembered battles of the Vietnam War.
Through one man’s journey, the hardship and gallantry of the Marines in Vietnam is revealed and the forgotten battle of Con Thien remembered. Other themes of life course through the book: hope, relationships with family, friends, country, death and peace. The author’s spiritual journey from boyhood to manhood becomes apparent as he faces death over and over again.
This book will be of interest to anyone who has experienced deep trauma and its repercussions, as well as those who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the Vietnam War. The author’s intention is that the remembering of these events will aid in the healing process of all Veterans and their families and friends who have been touched by war. In fact, we all need to be given a vehicle that this book provides, to remember and to heal from that terrible time in our country’s history.
The best war stories are the ones that are true.
and powerful emotions. This is one man’s journey through the escalating hell of Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 which culminated in the brutal battles of Con Thien.The author’s firsthand account adds an element of realism and tension which makes for a gripping read that is virtually impossible to put down.
This cogent, touching and compelling story is developed using a narrative braid of letters to the family, memories and historical references. The action quickly moves from boot camp and infantry training to the expanding war in1966 against the Viet Cong. The book then moves on to the conventional battles of 1967 against multiple divisions of the North Vietnamese Army in and about the DMZ including the early battles of Khe Sanh. Finally the action comes to a head in the brutal battles and siege of Con Thien. Con Thien was a tiny hillock overlooking the border of North Vietnam providing a strategic view of the infiltrating North Vietnamese Army regulars. It was called the Hill of Angels by local priests. But despite its name, it was shelled and assaulted arguably more per square inch than any other patch of dirt ever occupied by U.S. forces. Con Thien remains one
of the fiercest but least remembered battles of the Vietnam War.
Through one man’s journey, the hardship and gallantry of the Marines in Vietnam is revealed and the forgotten battle of Con Thien remembered. Other themes of life course through the book: hope, relationships with family, friends, country, death and peace. The author’s spiritual journey from boyhood to manhood becomes apparent as he faces death over and over again.
This book will be of interest to anyone who has experienced deep trauma and its repercussions, as well as those who are interested in gaining a better understanding of the Vietnam War. The author’s intention is that the remembering of these events will aid in the healing process of all Veterans and their families and friends who have been touched by war. In fact, we all need to be given a vehicle that this book provides, to remember and to heal from that terrible time in our country’s history.
The best war stories are the ones that are true.