Through the Water and the Fire: A Swift Boat Sailor's Story

by Charles Hunt

While most of us who grew up in the late 60s and early 70s sentimentalize the flower-covered VWs, the Beatles, bell-bottom jeans and tie-dye t-shirts, and even the party-like atmosphere of some of the anti-war demonstrations, there exists a smaller segment of men who conversely recall days and days of sitting in the blazing sun, bathing in murky rivers, being bitten unmercifully by swarming mosquitoes, and being fired upon by a hidden enemy. Charles Hunt, the author of Through the Water and the A Swift Boat Sailor's Story, falls into this latter group. Within the pages of his book lies not only a true war story but also a history lesson, an autobiography, and a witness to the love and grace of God. Based on his letters and audios sent home during his days serving on a Swift Boat, Hunt allows the reader to glance through a window into the mind, heart, and emotions of a Vietnam combat sailor as well as glimpse his reflections of the Vietnam era as a retired veteran decades later. Between the covers of his book, he heralds the value of freedom, reveals the cost of freedom, and shares his laments when sacrifice is wasted. ---Laura T. Gainsborg

352 pages, Paperback

Published January 5, 2018

About the author

Charles Hunt joined the Navy Reserves in hopes of staying out of combat in Vietnam. In 1969, the Navy sent him to South Vietnam where he spent 345 days as Engineman and aft gunner on a fifty-foot patrol boat. The Navy awarded Petty Officer Hunt the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for courage under fire. When he returned home, he married his wife Claire and began their family. In 1976, Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and went on to serve in his local church in many capacities. Since 2011 he has battled cancer that is presumed to be the result of his exposure to Agent Orange, the defoliant widely used during the Vietnam War. Charles still serves the Lord through various mission trips and ministries at Calvary Chapel of Mercer County, N.J.

Reviews

[Ed Feola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read

I thought it was a very interesting method to tell a great deal of the story through letters written home. Definitely added a very personal approach. As a fellow Vietnam veteran (USCGC Campbell, Operation Market Time 67-68) it is always of my interest to read others depictions. Hopefully his health issues will stay stabilized but AO is slowly killing many Vietnam Vets.w Welcome Home brothers.