While They Died [Paperback]

Robert Patterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0966836901 | ISBN-13: 978-0966836905

While They Died, a memoir, is about an American civilian in Vietnam during the height of the conflict. It deals with war, life during the TET Offensive, and the involvement with Susie, a desurable Vietnamese girl, and devoted companion of Bob. Bob went to Vietnam in early 1967 on his own volition, and became employed by a massive American joint-venture. Bitterness plagued this loyal patroit because of corruption committed by Vietnamese officials and American politians, while brave soldiers died. Bob fought city hall. The American corporations are real, the characters are real people, and the events are based on true facts.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This is a true story about two years the author spent in Vietnam. It was a fisco that haunts me even after nearly three decades. I had some good times and I had some bad times. I saw young American soldiers die without purpose, and I witnessed the slaughter of the enemy. And I fell in love with Susie, my Vietnam companion. It begins like this..... The divorce was final February 9, 1967, and this was, ionically, the date as my sixteenth wedding anniversary. It had been the past November when my wife and I separated, and it was now mid-April. Five months without my family was devastating. I had been a junior executive and dedicated employee to Boise-Cascade Corporation with its numerous lumber, plywood and chipboard mills, and wholesale and retail outlets. My relationship had been terminated with the comglomerate giant for nearly two years, and I was financially strapped. The only income for my family was what my ex-wife was making as a waitress. Companies were impressed with my resume, but were reluctant to hire. My thirty-nine years, and my reputation with problem drinking were serious obstacles. Finding a job at a decent starting salary in the Boise area was grim. Overseas employment in the construction field was an option, and had to be seriously considered. I had extensive experience in the wood products industry, and I would be useful in warehousing, purchasing, and expediting materials. Perhaps my only alternative would be to leave the country and start a new life. American companies were flocking to Southeast Asia with lucrative government contracts worth millions of dollars.

About the Author

The author is a native Idahoan. He spent two years in Vietnam (1967-1969). He has expertise in the lumber and building material field and in general construction. Military training includes attendence at a reputable military institute, and service in the U.S. Army during World War II. Background material includes personally recorded tapes of the TET Offesive, maps, and a list of 231 American companies that were present in Vietnam. The list was obtained by the author at the U.S. Consulate of Saigon in 1967, and depicts U.S. private involvement while thousand were dying.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Patterson Pr Intl (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966836901
• ISBN-13: 978-0966836905
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,976,498 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)