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When We Came Home: How the Vietnam War Changed Those Who Served

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Interwoven with the author's own experiences and reflections on the Vietnam War are the personal narratives from Vietnam veterans on how their lives, emotions, and health were impacted by the war and by how they were treated when they came home.

Many of those that served in the Vietnam War are still dealing with its effects. In this important book, for which more than 150 Vietnam veterans were interviewed, a strong light is shone on the lingering legacy of the war. These Vietnam veterans describe not the war itself, but how their lives were changed by it and by the reception afforded them when they came home.

Some volunteered, others were drafted. Some saw combat, others dealt with its aftermath. Some–such as Steve Kanaly and Richard Kline, whose stories are included here–thrived after coming home from Vietnam. Still others, like Tucker Smallwood, led successful lives but have had to deal with the effects of PTSD. A great many struggled to reclaim their places in civilian life.

The horrors and shock or war were compounded by the "welcome" home–many Vietnam veterans received hostile receptions from their own people and the organizations that should have provided support.

Those that came home from Vietnam had to move on as best they could, on their own terms. Here are their stories.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2017

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Jack McCabe

18 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Joe Prosit.
Author 22 books33 followers
December 12, 2024
Great insight in the various experiences and stories of Vietnam veterans coming back home. One thing that becomes very clear from this book is how lackluster and disrespectful their reception was. Striking in the differences between their returns to the US and that of the veterans of WWII. But I can say from my own experience that Vietnam vets have gone to great lengths to ensure no future generations of veterans receive the same treatment. These vets have gone out of their way to welcome home and take care of the latest generation of veterans. We owe them a debt of gratitude, not just for what they sacrificed while deployed, but for what they continue to do.
Profile Image for Kenneth W Ortensie.
30 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2019
Been There. Still There.

I would never give a Brother Vietnam Veteran less than five stars. I can relate to a lot in this book, but one thing that has truly helped me is my wife of 48 years. This is a must read.
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