Jack Lyndon Thomas has published an illustrated book of poetry, Whirling Fire (1997), and memoir, Coyote Jack: Drawing Meaning from Life and Vietnam (2006), based upon his Vietnam experiences—which included earning The Bronze Star Medal for Heroism in Ground Combat, The Bronze Star Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge—while serving as an infantry officer/advisor to South Vietnamese militia.
He has ePublished his first novel, The Monsoon Killed the Tiger, a suspense/thriller, and is nearing completion on the first draft of Border Slot, also a suspense/thriller.
In September 2013 Jack ePublished Lights on the Water/Impressions in the Sand: A Motorcycling Odyssey about his 105-day, 18,000-mile motorcycle journey and also ePublished Training Runs: The Regenerative Power of Motorcycling Back Roads, a collection of fifteen motorcycling journals that focus on learning to listen to his heart and soul. He has been published in motorcycle magazines such as Rider and BMWON. His motorcycling journeys have covered approximately 120,000 miles in over 30 years of riding.
Additionally, the Houston Tribune published in its January 2001 issue essay about miscreant youths in ’50s suburban Houston, Texas, and in the fall of 2001, a prose poem and a short fiction piece appeared in Suddenly IV, an anthology of Texas writers.
Jack also has been interviewed on both radio and television and has appeared as a paid performer reading selections from Whirling Fire. He has exhibited photography in juried art shows in Round Top and Salado, Texas.
A retired CPA, Jack is divorced and has two grown daughters and two grandchildren.
Jack…I reread your book ” Coyote Jack” and it was so well expressed and brought back many memories. I have a few questions about a few of the soldiers that we both may have worked with. When you have a moment, please email me and I’ll respond with my questions. Thank you.
Hi Jack,
I am trying to get in touch with you again. Please give me a call at 630-988-3077
Carl Vandy
Jerry Pillar, an OCS classmate and fellow 5th platoon member sent us all your website. You were our Tactical Officer until you got orders else where. I spent from March ’70 to March ’71 on MAT teams in Trang Bang district, Hau Nghia Province, just up the road from you. In fact I had heard you were there, and tried to pay you a visit, but you were not at home. I can certainly relate to your experiences. Ambush patrols with the RF’s & PF’s five nights a week with at least one on the weekend, on orders from the PSA. There is a book about MAT teams call “Once a Warrior King” by David Donavan that tells the story of what we went through. I recommend it if you haven’t read it already.
Dear Jim … thanks for writing. I remember you from officer candidate school days and am sorry to have missed your visit in 1970. Our memories are never far from the surface. I hope your overall post-war life has been positive. You guys were strong “officers-to-be.” Thanks for your service. MAT leaders and corresponding team members–what we did, what we tolerated and survived, the positive seeds we planted among the South Vietnamese–have not been “forgotten” but never known.
I read Donavan’s book several years ago; it’s a good one.
Jerry sent me the connection to your website. We went through OCS together at Benning. I can’t say I remember you from OCS but your Vietnam picture makes you look familiar.
I am glad you are doing well and had a successful career as a CPA. But it sounds like you are now doing what you want to do…..writing.
Where were you in Nam and when?
I was in the PhocVinh area in 1970 with the !st Cav. I got a CIB but no valor awards like you. Congratulations on your awards! If you saw “Charlie Company” a CBS documentary from 1970 I was in it. It later made the PBS Special Series on VietNam. Nothing glorious…I .just disobeyed an order and saved lives.
I wish you well in the coming years and great health.
Eggleston
Hey, Steve, sorry to be late in reply. You caught me in the middle of a move from Houston to Boerne, TX, a small town in the Texas Hill Country where I’m closer to grandchildren. Thanks for writing. Were you a Tactical Officer in OCS? That’s what my gut says but let me know. Congratulations to you on your service in the 1st Cav and receiving your CIB. I served on a Mobile Advisory Team in Duc Hue District, Hau Nghia Province (now part of Long An Province) from mid-1969 to mid-1970. Our focus was working with local South Vietnamese Regional & Popular Forces, nicknamed the “RoughPuffs”. Not much is known which is one reason I wrote Coyote Jack. Happy New Year to you and I wish you the best.