From mid-1969 through mid-1970, Jack L. Thomas lived with [South] Vietnamese militia (officially named Regional Forces and Popular Forces) as an infantry officer advisor. As a junior officer, he served as both assistant team leader and team leader of a Mobile Advisory Team (MAT) operating in Duc Hue District of former Hau Nghia Province, about 30 miles west of Saigon. Accompanying militia on day and night patrols, coordinating artillery and helicopter gunship support, a MAT also involved itself with teaching tactics, improving sanitation, and assisting in civil projects.
Life was simple—living in bunkers, bathing out of wells, avoiding booby traps—but advisors learned that the Vietnamese culture was deep, rich, and complex. In this poignant collection, Mr. Thomas graphically portrays his feelings about the pain, confusion, and senselessness of this war.
“Jack Thomas’ imagery and instincts for powerful poetry are well-honed.” –Stuart A. Herrington, Author of Stalking the Vietcong: Inside Operation Phoenix.