My Memoir As Brown Water Navy Sailor In The Vietnam War

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a sailor in the Vietnam War? Well, let me take you on a journey through my memoir as a Brown Water Navy Sailor in that turbulent time.

The Journey Begins

It was the year 1968 when I enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18. Little did I know that I would be sent to the heart of the Vietnam War. As a sailor, I was assigned to the Brown Water Navy, a specialized group responsible for patrolling inland waterways and providing support to ground forces.

Life in the Brown Water Navy was not for the faint-hearted. We faced constant threats from Viet Cong guerrillas and treacherous river conditions. Our missions ranged from delivering supplies to troops in combat zones, engaging in firefights, and conducting search and destroy operations.

Open Wounds: My memoir as a brown-water U.S. Navy sailor in the Vietnam War

by Peter F. Morneault(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	72839 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Challenges and Triumphs

Every day brought new challenges, both physical and emotional. The fear of enemy ambushes lurked around every corner, and the constant sound of gunfire echoed in our ears. The camaraderie between fellow sailors kept us going, as we relied on each other for support and protection.

One of the greatest triumphs during my time in Vietnam was the successful evacuation of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Khe Sanh. The bravery and determination of our crew saved numerous lives, and the memory of those days will forever be etched in my mind.

Life on the River

Living on a riverine assault craft was a unique experience. Our days were filled with long hours of patrolling, conducting reconnaissance, and engaging in combat operations. The heat and humidity were unbearable at times, but we endured it, knowing that our mission was crucial.

Our craft became our home away from home. The bond we formed with our fellow sailors was unbreakable, and we relied on each other like a family. Even amidst the chaos and danger, moments of laughter and camaraderie managed to shine through.

The Aftermath

Leaving Vietnam was a bittersweet moment. While I was relieved to be returning home, the memories of war remained hauntingly vivid. The transition back to civilian life was not easy, as I struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and the loss of friends who didn't make it back.

Reflecting on my time served, I have come to cherish the camaraderie and bonds forged during those challenging years. The Vietnam War shaped me into who I am today, teaching me the value of resilience, sacrifice, and the importance of cherishing life.

My memoir serves as a tribute to all the sailors who served in the Brown Water Navy during the Vietnam War. It is a story of perseverance, bravery, and the true cost of war. I hope that by sharing my experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and never forget the heroes who fought alongside me.

War is not just a collection of battles and victories; it leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of those who experience it firsthand. As we remember and honor the service of veterans, may we strive for a world where peace prevails over conflict and understanding over ignorance.

Open Wounds: My memoir as a brown-water U.S. Navy sailor in the Vietnam War

by Peter F. Morneault(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	72839 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	190 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

After 50 years of keeping the tormenting memories of the Vietnam War at bay, Robert W. Smith unveils the horrific experiences he lives with daily. He weaves over 130 letters and pictures he sent to his family during a 15-month tour of duty between 1967 and 1968 in South Vietnam into a cohesive and flowing story. Open Wounds transforms disjointed examples of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual hardships into an engaging journey that modern-day military families easily empathize with. Ironically, Smith opens the very wounds that haunt him while sharing the letters, meant only for his wife, which bring his readers on harrowing patrols of the brown-water rivers of the Mekong Delta. Open Wounds is a book that highlights the Vietnam War era but carries relevance to the pains of modern-day war. Smith will donate 100% of the proceeds from Open Wounds to the Dogs2Vets program at Clear Path for Veterans New England 501(c)3. Your purchase of this book will directly help others heal their open wounds.