Description
If you want to know what Vietnam was like on the ground for the men who fought it, this book will take you there. Joe was drafted at age 19 and sent to kill or be killed in a war he was too young to understand – in a country he knew nothing about.
In the midst of war’s horrors, Joe touchingly describes how his Southern Ute Native American heritage and his parents’ wisdom and love helped him make it home alive. He arrived in Vietnam in 1968, the war’s most brutal year. Assigned to the Infantry – the “Tip of the Spear” – he survived jungle ambushes, mortar attacks, and the terrible loss of men he served with. He endured relentless hunger, thirst, and brutal weather conditions, never knowing what dangerous duty he’d be assigned to next.
Veterans will identify with Joe’s blunt, personal story. Civilians, young and old, will hear an important perspective on America’s most misunderstood war, from one of the young men who came home to controversy and mistreatment – instead of parades and respect for his service and sacrifices.
Manbir Kaur –
Joseph Maes’ memoir is not an ordinary memoir. Joe’s story of becoming a young Native American soldier, and eventual veteran, in the Vietnam War is not something he thought he would share with the world. Initially, the memoir was written for his children. I am very glad Joe was encouraged to publish his work as it has given insight to those who have only read about the Vietnam War in history books as well as putting an experience of being a soldier in that moment into words. Personally, I felt as though Joe spoke directly to me as I read. There were no formal words or exact punctuation and grammar making the memoir authentic in a way few are able to. This is a memoir I highly recommend to everyone who wants to read a narrative rarely ever spoken of.