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Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War
Shortly after I had returned home from Vietnam for the last time, my father urged me to file a disability claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) for medical problems I had experienced during my service. I began the process without much enthusiasm and quickly got side lined by my new civilian life. Little did I realize that I wouldn’t re-visit my disability claims again until almost forty years later, when I watched President Barack Obama give a speech on the horrors of the Vietnam War. I’m still not quite sure what happened that day, but after listening to the president, I committed myself to investigate the causal link between my tactical pesticide exposures and the myriad health problems plaguing my life and the lives of many other Vietnam veterans.
My post-service medical problems began mildly enough but soon balloned and were followed by more serious health issues. Every time I would ask one of my doctors what was causing my illness, I would usually get the answer, “I don’t know, but---.” When I began my research in 2012, I would learn that Agent Orange, along with several other military pesticides, were all very capable of impacting every biological system in my body and could actually be linked to many wide-ranging ailments for which many of my doctors could only say they weren’t sure of the cause.
Despite the uniqueness of Vietnam veterans and the incredibly diverse range of hazardous chemicals to which we were exposed, the DVA insists on assessing our illnesses by using civilian epidemiological studies, resulting in appallingly inadequate standards for evaluating our toxic exposures during the war.
During my years of research, I have quite literally reviewed thousands of studies and documents. The vast majority of those records came to the same inescapable conclusions as I eventually did at the end of my investigation.
Low-level exposures to just the various known chemicals discussed in my book will attack living organisms on an undetected hormonal, genetic, and cellular/molecular level, producing covert systemic damage and alterations to immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, and neurological systems of any human unlucky enough to be put in their path. Exactly how that damage and those alterations manifest depends on the several exposure factors which I discus in the book.
Regrettably, I couldn’t go back over the last half a century to get a do-over or to have the war conducted differently. I couldn’t force our legislative or military leaders to make better decisions. I couldn’t rewrite the unpleasant history of the Vietnam War, with all the numerous negative impacts that war had on me and every other soldier, marine, or sailor who served the United States in South Vietnam and in the blue waters of the surrounding ocean.
The very best I could do, almost a half century after the war, was to write an account of our betrayal and describe our exposures to the toxic pesticides and abhorrent conditions of the Vietnam War. All in the sincere effort to correct the present so that what occurred in South Vietnam will never happen again to new generations of military personnel, their families and their children and quite possibility their grandchildren’s children.
The mountain of evidence presented in my book points to one common sense conclusion: Exposure to the tactical pesticides used in the Vietnam War were extremely injurious to the health of military personnel, as well as, the health of anyone else exposed to them. Despite all the facts, the government still places the burden of proof on veterans instead of taking responsibility for the mess they made during the Vietnam War or in the words of Dr. Jeanne Stellman, the Vietnam War is, "the largest unstudied environmental disaster in the world."
My post-service medical problems began mildly enough but soon balloned and were followed by more serious health issues. Every time I would ask one of my doctors what was causing my illness, I would usually get the answer, “I don’t know, but---.” When I began my research in 2012, I would learn that Agent Orange, along with several other military pesticides, were all very capable of impacting every biological system in my body and could actually be linked to many wide-ranging ailments for which many of my doctors could only say they weren’t sure of the cause.
Despite the uniqueness of Vietnam veterans and the incredibly diverse range of hazardous chemicals to which we were exposed, the DVA insists on assessing our illnesses by using civilian epidemiological studies, resulting in appallingly inadequate standards for evaluating our toxic exposures during the war.
During my years of research, I have quite literally reviewed thousands of studies and documents. The vast majority of those records came to the same inescapable conclusions as I eventually did at the end of my investigation.
Low-level exposures to just the various known chemicals discussed in my book will attack living organisms on an undetected hormonal, genetic, and cellular/molecular level, producing covert systemic damage and alterations to immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, and neurological systems of any human unlucky enough to be put in their path. Exactly how that damage and those alterations manifest depends on the several exposure factors which I discus in the book.
Regrettably, I couldn’t go back over the last half a century to get a do-over or to have the war conducted differently. I couldn’t force our legislative or military leaders to make better decisions. I couldn’t rewrite the unpleasant history of the Vietnam War, with all the numerous negative impacts that war had on me and every other soldier, marine, or sailor who served the United States in South Vietnam and in the blue waters of the surrounding ocean.
The very best I could do, almost a half century after the war, was to write an account of our betrayal and describe our exposures to the toxic pesticides and abhorrent conditions of the Vietnam War. All in the sincere effort to correct the present so that what occurred in South Vietnam will never happen again to new generations of military personnel, their families and their children and quite possibility their grandchildren’s children.
The mountain of evidence presented in my book points to one common sense conclusion: Exposure to the tactical pesticides used in the Vietnam War were extremely injurious to the health of military personnel, as well as, the health of anyone else exposed to them. Despite all the facts, the government still places the burden of proof on veterans instead of taking responsibility for the mess they made during the Vietnam War or in the words of Dr. Jeanne Stellman, the Vietnam War is, "the largest unstudied environmental disaster in the world."
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
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February 15, 2023
This book is the story of Patrick Hogan, one of the thousands of veterans for whom the Vietnam conflict never ended. Victims of Agent Orange and other pesticides that were sprayed on them by their own government, they have continued to suffer from numerous health problems, some of them as serious as cancer. All these people have not been included in the statistics of dead and injured American soldiers, but they are also casualties of the war. Hogan aims to bring attention to them and to the fact that the American government and the Department of Veteran Affairs have denied and hindered almost all attempts at medically connecting the veterans' illnesses to Agent Orange.
Hogan was stationed in Vietnam from September 1966 to June 1969, in areas of South Vietnam that had been sprayed with pesticides, and he confirms that although the soldiers saw personnel with backpacks, helicopters, and planes spray something, neither he nor the others were ever told what precisely was in those "fine mists" that they were being showered with. It was only many years later, after he started to experience health issues, such as chest pains, upper digestive problems, achalasia – the gradual death of the nerves of the LES muscle – high blood pressure, unhealthy rises in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, ulcerative colitis, and even pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare condition that causes large sores to develop on the skin, that he decided to research the use of herbicides in the Vietnam conflict and discovered what they consisted of.
As it turns out, Agent Orange, as the pesticides sprayed in Vietnam became collectively known to the general public, was just one chemical in a really long list of substances that were poured onto the heads of the people of Vietnam and the American soldiers like poisonous rain. There was also Agent White, which contained hexachlorobenzene, a toxic side reaction compound classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention, OSS-TMP, a more toxic contaminant of the insecticide malathion, TCDD, or dioxin, a deadly contaminant, and many other hazardous chemicals. Not only were the soldiers not made aware of these substances' existence, but their leaders kept assuring them that the herbicides being sprayed on them were no more harmful than a weed killer, and they could "shower" in them without any problems.
What made the situation worse was that government scientists and all the chemists who worked for the chemical companies producing those pesticides knew well what coming in contact with the herbicide cocktail could actually do to people, animals, and plants. Furthermore, they understood that the chemicals' toxicity increased further because of how cheaply and quickly they were produced. Made exclusively for the army, they were so poisonous that the health of any person within six miles of the location that was sprayed could be compromised, and he would not even realize. Had more money been invested into the production methods, which required low heat and a lot of care, the military pesticides would have been less toxic. However, neither the chemical companies, who wanted to make a bigger profit, nor the government prioritized the soldiers' health.
Furthermore, JP-4, a blend of kerosene and gasoline, which was widely used in Vietnam as both jet fuel and pesticide dilutor, contained a hazardous group of chemicals known as BTEX – benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene, which are all toxic to humans. The soldiers' chances of getting exposed to them in Vietnam were high – only in the first three months of 1968, only in the Cam Ranh depot, where the author was stationed, 75,148,000 gallons of JP-4 were handled. Such exposure, especially to benzene, an exceptionally scary substance, could cause leukemia, damage the immune system, and have a negative effect on the respiratory system. Despite this fact, the JP-4 was stored in a careless way, which could have easily allowed BTEX to enter the soldiers' water supply.
Aside from the toxicity of the chemicals themselves, their spraying was also badly planned and executed. The height and speed at which the aircraft were supposed to fly and spray the pesticides was calculated in advance to avoid mist drifts, but these calculations proved to be to no avail. The poisonous chemicals drifted, causing damage to trees, plantations, crops, and, despite the lack of information in official reports, people.
The story of Hogan and thousands of other veterans demonstrates that the Vietnam conflict was not only a costly war, but also a large-scale chemical experiment. Every soldier who set foot in Vietnam was exposed to dozens of toxic chemicals. Those who came back happy to not have been seriously injured or killed had no idea that they were dying a slower, but no less painful, death. But they at least went home. It was the people of Vietnam who were left to live on a land soaked with poison.
SILENT SPRING, DEADLY AUTUMN is a well-researched, informative account of the herbicides used in Vietnam and their effects on the health of the author and other veterans. This book would have been better if Hogan had dedicated fewer pages to personal information, but it is nevertheless a good work, which brings attention to a forgotten issue.
Hogan was stationed in Vietnam from September 1966 to June 1969, in areas of South Vietnam that had been sprayed with pesticides, and he confirms that although the soldiers saw personnel with backpacks, helicopters, and planes spray something, neither he nor the others were ever told what precisely was in those "fine mists" that they were being showered with. It was only many years later, after he started to experience health issues, such as chest pains, upper digestive problems, achalasia – the gradual death of the nerves of the LES muscle – high blood pressure, unhealthy rises in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar, ulcerative colitis, and even pyoderma gangrenosum, a rare condition that causes large sores to develop on the skin, that he decided to research the use of herbicides in the Vietnam conflict and discovered what they consisted of.
As it turns out, Agent Orange, as the pesticides sprayed in Vietnam became collectively known to the general public, was just one chemical in a really long list of substances that were poured onto the heads of the people of Vietnam and the American soldiers like poisonous rain. There was also Agent White, which contained hexachlorobenzene, a toxic side reaction compound classified as a persistent organic pollutant by the Stockholm Convention, OSS-TMP, a more toxic contaminant of the insecticide malathion, TCDD, or dioxin, a deadly contaminant, and many other hazardous chemicals. Not only were the soldiers not made aware of these substances' existence, but their leaders kept assuring them that the herbicides being sprayed on them were no more harmful than a weed killer, and they could "shower" in them without any problems.
What made the situation worse was that government scientists and all the chemists who worked for the chemical companies producing those pesticides knew well what coming in contact with the herbicide cocktail could actually do to people, animals, and plants. Furthermore, they understood that the chemicals' toxicity increased further because of how cheaply and quickly they were produced. Made exclusively for the army, they were so poisonous that the health of any person within six miles of the location that was sprayed could be compromised, and he would not even realize. Had more money been invested into the production methods, which required low heat and a lot of care, the military pesticides would have been less toxic. However, neither the chemical companies, who wanted to make a bigger profit, nor the government prioritized the soldiers' health.
Furthermore, JP-4, a blend of kerosene and gasoline, which was widely used in Vietnam as both jet fuel and pesticide dilutor, contained a hazardous group of chemicals known as BTEX – benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene, and xylene, which are all toxic to humans. The soldiers' chances of getting exposed to them in Vietnam were high – only in the first three months of 1968, only in the Cam Ranh depot, where the author was stationed, 75,148,000 gallons of JP-4 were handled. Such exposure, especially to benzene, an exceptionally scary substance, could cause leukemia, damage the immune system, and have a negative effect on the respiratory system. Despite this fact, the JP-4 was stored in a careless way, which could have easily allowed BTEX to enter the soldiers' water supply.
Aside from the toxicity of the chemicals themselves, their spraying was also badly planned and executed. The height and speed at which the aircraft were supposed to fly and spray the pesticides was calculated in advance to avoid mist drifts, but these calculations proved to be to no avail. The poisonous chemicals drifted, causing damage to trees, plantations, crops, and, despite the lack of information in official reports, people.
The story of Hogan and thousands of other veterans demonstrates that the Vietnam conflict was not only a costly war, but also a large-scale chemical experiment. Every soldier who set foot in Vietnam was exposed to dozens of toxic chemicals. Those who came back happy to not have been seriously injured or killed had no idea that they were dying a slower, but no less painful, death. But they at least went home. It was the people of Vietnam who were left to live on a land soaked with poison.
SILENT SPRING, DEADLY AUTUMN is a well-researched, informative account of the herbicides used in Vietnam and their effects on the health of the author and other veterans. This book would have been better if Hogan had dedicated fewer pages to personal information, but it is nevertheless a good work, which brings attention to a forgotten issue.
January 2, 2019
For the rest of the world, the Vietnam war is over. For the soldiers who fought in it, no matter what their role, it will never be over. Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is described by author and Vietnam veteran Patrick Hogan as “part memoir, part exposé, and part call to action against the bureaucratic and legislative negligence and indifference that has violated, and continues to violate, the trust of veterans and US citizens as a whole.” Succinct and well put, this is the perfect description of a horrific cover-up, one of the greatest crimes against humanity of the 20th century, and one that, had it happened today, would have been labelled genocide. The author served two years, nine months and 22 days in Vietnam and that was enough to poison his body to the extent that he ended up with a laundry list of ailments. This only manifested 43 years after his service ended, but confirmed Patrick’s conviction that his time in Vietnam and his unbelievable laundry list of illnesses were linked. After all, on many occasions, among the reasons cited by medical experts for his problems were the two chilling words “environmental agents.”
And thus began his exhaustive and minutely detailed investigation into the witches’ brew of potentially lethal tactical pesticides which he is sure contributed to the decline in his health and that of many other veterans. Sidelined and pushed from pillar to post, Patrick came up against the stone-walling tactics of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the US government, both of which deny the effects of the toxic chemicals Vietnam veterans were exposed to during the war. The reasonable person wonders why the government and chemical companies did not set about covering medical bills and compensating these men. The answer is simple. Money and greed. The refusal of the DVA and the US administration to accept responsibility is to protect them from international liability and accusations of use of chemical warfare/weapons (which is the case) and to avoid the massive payouts they would be forced to make. This is a shameful indictment of the political administration of the time and the current one, when reparations could, but won’t be made.
I had a vague idea of the Vietnam War when I picked up this book, and of course I had heard of the infamous Agent Orange, a horrifying herbicide and defoliant chemical used to destroy jungle cover for the enemy and any food supplies they might locate there. The US government destroyed millions of acres of South Vietnam jungles. It was an environmental catastrophe beyond any natural disaster ever known. I had never heard of Agent White and the numerous other toxic and deadly concoctions, a chemical poisonous soup, used as pesticides. Vietnam is home to myriad insects, bugs, and critters all carrying their own types of bites, stings and diseases. They had to be exterminated. The problem was that daily exposure to these poisons inevitably altered the molecular structure of the cells of people exposed, but took years, even decades to manifest. This gave the government and the DVA enough wiggle room to claim inconclusive evidence and the fudge the facts and manipulate the statistics.
Despite the horrifying details and chilling statistics contained in this memoir, the author has no moments of self-pity. He includes very detailed research, scientific, chemical and medical information, but all in a very readable, user-friendly style. I felt as if I were sitting with the author and chatting over coffee. He manages to intersperse fact and figures with events in a way that makes it easy to absorb the statistics and the information which is so relevant to his story. Photographs are an added bonus to help the reader visualize the location and the living conditions of the men who served in Vietnam. The facts are thoroughly researched with bibliographic and reference end notes to give credibility to Patrick Hogan’s story, one of tragedy shared by many, many other soldiers who gave their lives in a war that should never have been fought. Very impressive and highly recommended.
And thus began his exhaustive and minutely detailed investigation into the witches’ brew of potentially lethal tactical pesticides which he is sure contributed to the decline in his health and that of many other veterans. Sidelined and pushed from pillar to post, Patrick came up against the stone-walling tactics of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the US government, both of which deny the effects of the toxic chemicals Vietnam veterans were exposed to during the war. The reasonable person wonders why the government and chemical companies did not set about covering medical bills and compensating these men. The answer is simple. Money and greed. The refusal of the DVA and the US administration to accept responsibility is to protect them from international liability and accusations of use of chemical warfare/weapons (which is the case) and to avoid the massive payouts they would be forced to make. This is a shameful indictment of the political administration of the time and the current one, when reparations could, but won’t be made.
I had a vague idea of the Vietnam War when I picked up this book, and of course I had heard of the infamous Agent Orange, a horrifying herbicide and defoliant chemical used to destroy jungle cover for the enemy and any food supplies they might locate there. The US government destroyed millions of acres of South Vietnam jungles. It was an environmental catastrophe beyond any natural disaster ever known. I had never heard of Agent White and the numerous other toxic and deadly concoctions, a chemical poisonous soup, used as pesticides. Vietnam is home to myriad insects, bugs, and critters all carrying their own types of bites, stings and diseases. They had to be exterminated. The problem was that daily exposure to these poisons inevitably altered the molecular structure of the cells of people exposed, but took years, even decades to manifest. This gave the government and the DVA enough wiggle room to claim inconclusive evidence and the fudge the facts and manipulate the statistics.
Despite the horrifying details and chilling statistics contained in this memoir, the author has no moments of self-pity. He includes very detailed research, scientific, chemical and medical information, but all in a very readable, user-friendly style. I felt as if I were sitting with the author and chatting over coffee. He manages to intersperse fact and figures with events in a way that makes it easy to absorb the statistics and the information which is so relevant to his story. Photographs are an added bonus to help the reader visualize the location and the living conditions of the men who served in Vietnam. The facts are thoroughly researched with bibliographic and reference end notes to give credibility to Patrick Hogan’s story, one of tragedy shared by many, many other soldiers who gave their lives in a war that should never have been fought. Very impressive and highly recommended.
December 24, 2018
‘I am tired and sick of war. Its glory is all moonshine.’
‘Corrupt men need nothing more to accomplish their deeds than that good men should look on and do nothing’John Stuart Mill - New Jersey author Patrick Hogan served in the Vietnam war from 1966 – 1969 stationed in areas of South Vietnam that had been sprayed directly with several tactical military-grade pesticides. Upon returning to the US he earned degrees from Fairleigh Dickenson University's Edward Williams College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Criminal Investigations while working with the police department and eventually trained at NJ State Police Academy in Advanced Drug Enforcement, the International Association of Chiefs of Police course in Command Staff Training Program and New England Institute of Law Enforcement and Management (Babson College) for a Command Training Program. Two significant sources for the writing of this book – chemical exposure while serving in Vietnam and experience in criminal investigation.
This very well written book is one that is not only important but one that unveils the corrupt manner in which the Vietnam War was ‘managed’ = both during the conflict and after war’s end. It is a paean to those who suffered critical and debilitating effects from the various agents and chemicals that served as part of the arsenal of that war. As Patrick states in his opening chapter, ‘With so many pressing issues and difficulties in today’s world, some people view the continuing health problems and illnesses surrounding numerous “in-country” (boots-on-the-ground) Vietnam veterans as inconsequential in comparison.1 But make no mistake about it: even though President Nixon’s magnificent political declaration of “peace with honor” and the fall of Saigon in April of 1975 were supposed to symbolize the ending of the war in Vietnam, it hasn’t ended for me or for other military personnel who served the United States in South Vietnam. For many of us, our battles continue even to this day, only now, our conflicts aren’t with the Viet Cong (VC) or the North Vietnamese army. Instead, our conflicts are with the myriad cancers, illnesses, and health issues that we—and even many of our children—must battle with, day in and day out.2 Our clashes and struggles are with the bureaucratic systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and with the very government that sent us to South Vietnam in the first place. You can rest assured, the Vietnam War isn’t over—not by a long shot. The fact veterans who served in Vietnam must struggle with innumerable cancers, illnesses, and other health problems almost certainly caused by the highly toxic synthetic chemicals they were exposed to during the war is shameful—especially when you consider that those contaminated pesticides were atomized into a fine mist and sprayed onto them by their government/military leaders. They were lethal, enduring pesticides that are still quite capable of claiming new lives daily, even though the Vietnam War has been diplomatically resolved for almost half a century. As if being exposed to health-damaging pesticides wasn’t bad enough, boots-on-the-ground veterans were tactlessly thrown “under the bus,” so to speak, by those very same government officials. Then, to add insult to injury, after being treacherously betrayed by administrative bureaucrats—who for the most part were sitting safely in Washington, DC during the war—they proceeded to back their “bus” up and run over veterans again and again, just for good measure. This book is my view from under that titanic governmental “bus.”
Filled with facts, photographs, research and documentation, this book reveals the atrocities our Vietnam vets suffered and continue to suffer. It puts the spotlight on the government blindness and cover-ups that continue today in the misguided use of dangerous chemicals in our environment. This is one powerful book that deserves wide recognition and readership.
‘Corrupt men need nothing more to accomplish their deeds than that good men should look on and do nothing’John Stuart Mill - New Jersey author Patrick Hogan served in the Vietnam war from 1966 – 1969 stationed in areas of South Vietnam that had been sprayed directly with several tactical military-grade pesticides. Upon returning to the US he earned degrees from Fairleigh Dickenson University's Edward Williams College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Criminal Investigations while working with the police department and eventually trained at NJ State Police Academy in Advanced Drug Enforcement, the International Association of Chiefs of Police course in Command Staff Training Program and New England Institute of Law Enforcement and Management (Babson College) for a Command Training Program. Two significant sources for the writing of this book – chemical exposure while serving in Vietnam and experience in criminal investigation.
This very well written book is one that is not only important but one that unveils the corrupt manner in which the Vietnam War was ‘managed’ = both during the conflict and after war’s end. It is a paean to those who suffered critical and debilitating effects from the various agents and chemicals that served as part of the arsenal of that war. As Patrick states in his opening chapter, ‘With so many pressing issues and difficulties in today’s world, some people view the continuing health problems and illnesses surrounding numerous “in-country” (boots-on-the-ground) Vietnam veterans as inconsequential in comparison.1 But make no mistake about it: even though President Nixon’s magnificent political declaration of “peace with honor” and the fall of Saigon in April of 1975 were supposed to symbolize the ending of the war in Vietnam, it hasn’t ended for me or for other military personnel who served the United States in South Vietnam. For many of us, our battles continue even to this day, only now, our conflicts aren’t with the Viet Cong (VC) or the North Vietnamese army. Instead, our conflicts are with the myriad cancers, illnesses, and health issues that we—and even many of our children—must battle with, day in and day out.2 Our clashes and struggles are with the bureaucratic systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and with the very government that sent us to South Vietnam in the first place. You can rest assured, the Vietnam War isn’t over—not by a long shot. The fact veterans who served in Vietnam must struggle with innumerable cancers, illnesses, and other health problems almost certainly caused by the highly toxic synthetic chemicals they were exposed to during the war is shameful—especially when you consider that those contaminated pesticides were atomized into a fine mist and sprayed onto them by their government/military leaders. They were lethal, enduring pesticides that are still quite capable of claiming new lives daily, even though the Vietnam War has been diplomatically resolved for almost half a century. As if being exposed to health-damaging pesticides wasn’t bad enough, boots-on-the-ground veterans were tactlessly thrown “under the bus,” so to speak, by those very same government officials. Then, to add insult to injury, after being treacherously betrayed by administrative bureaucrats—who for the most part were sitting safely in Washington, DC during the war—they proceeded to back their “bus” up and run over veterans again and again, just for good measure. This book is my view from under that titanic governmental “bus.”
Filled with facts, photographs, research and documentation, this book reveals the atrocities our Vietnam vets suffered and continue to suffer. It puts the spotlight on the government blindness and cover-ups that continue today in the misguided use of dangerous chemicals in our environment. This is one powerful book that deserves wide recognition and readership.
June 11, 2019
From the very opening you know everything you need to know about this book. It sets up a darkness and disillusionment. There's a sense of foreboding, therefore, as you read on. This grips you and forces you to stick to the page, even if you want to look away.
This is a first hand experience, and with that the book is carried with knowledge. It doesn't just tell the stories of Vietnam that you've heard again and again. It goes deeper into the horrors, including poisonous and venomous vermin putting lives in danger, as well as chemical agents and, of course, enemy forces.
I think, in general, the fact that this is obviously a subjective book is fantastic. It's as if you're sat in a room hearing the story word for word first hand with a shocked look on your face. Yet, at the same time, the subjectivity of the book is the only thing that, in my opinion, brings it down in some points. It can feel slightly presumptive to someone who hasn't been through the horrors. While this isn't a problem throughout and is generally a very good thing, sometimes it's a bit disconcerting.
The writing itself is great and charged with sorrow and danger. It elevates it from a war story and simply reading about someone's experiences to something much greater and much more interesting.
The book is also supplemented with pictures and Endnotes which also greatly assist in feeling more like you're living the experience, or at least viewing it, for yourself.
This is a first hand experience, and with that the book is carried with knowledge. It doesn't just tell the stories of Vietnam that you've heard again and again. It goes deeper into the horrors, including poisonous and venomous vermin putting lives in danger, as well as chemical agents and, of course, enemy forces.
I think, in general, the fact that this is obviously a subjective book is fantastic. It's as if you're sat in a room hearing the story word for word first hand with a shocked look on your face. Yet, at the same time, the subjectivity of the book is the only thing that, in my opinion, brings it down in some points. It can feel slightly presumptive to someone who hasn't been through the horrors. While this isn't a problem throughout and is generally a very good thing, sometimes it's a bit disconcerting.
The writing itself is great and charged with sorrow and danger. It elevates it from a war story and simply reading about someone's experiences to something much greater and much more interesting.
The book is also supplemented with pictures and Endnotes which also greatly assist in feeling more like you're living the experience, or at least viewing it, for yourself.
January 23, 2019
Thank you Mr. Hogan for making your book available for Goodreads giveaway.
The book has a lot of technical information about Agent Orange and pesticides that were used in Viet Nam on the young men and women who were there. It should also be noted, which Mr. Hogan mentions, the people of Viet Nam had these same chemicals sprayed on them.
Mr. Hogan also goes into his fight, that was on going at the time he wrote his book, with VA to admit that he and others were made ill by these chemicals.
If you are a veteran who was in Viet Nam or other locations listed on the the VA sites.
Excellent reference book and a sad story of how our government has let our service men and women down.
The book has a lot of technical information about Agent Orange and pesticides that were used in Viet Nam on the young men and women who were there. It should also be noted, which Mr. Hogan mentions, the people of Viet Nam had these same chemicals sprayed on them.
Mr. Hogan also goes into his fight, that was on going at the time he wrote his book, with VA to admit that he and others were made ill by these chemicals.
If you are a veteran who was in Viet Nam or other locations listed on the the VA sites.
Excellent reference book and a sad story of how our government has let our service men and women down.
May 20, 2019
While I had heard, of course, of many of the damaging effects of the chemicals used in the Vietnam war, it was absolutely devastating to read a firsthand account of just how toxic these substances are. The effects they had on unwitting veterans was absolutely horrifying and appalling. The only thing more horrifying and appalling is the treatment received by these veterans as they tried to raise their concerns with the government. The tone of this book may sound a bit preachy and angry, but the author has every right to feel this way. This is not an easy read and one hopes that while the author may not accomplish much more than spreading awareness, that spreading awareness will be enough to kickstart some action.
May 18, 2019
“Silent Spring” is very well researched and thorough as it seeks to inform us of the devastating health problems that are faced by veterans of the Vietnam war. This serious and hellish part of the writer’s life is shared in crisp tones so that emotions do not cloud the truth and the pain. A lot of details are given about the chemicals used and the effects on the veterans. The government denials and the personal pain are presented in a very clear-cut manner that serves to make you realise that the writer has had to come to terms with a lot of stress over the years.
June 2, 2019
As the daughter of a diseased Vietnam war veteran, I am always fascinating about the scandals and experiences surrounding the Vietnam war. It is difficult to imagine what is was like being a young adult around the draft and it is terrifying to see how the country treated war heroes. This book really offers a fresh perspective that does not hold back. Especially in a political climate where blind patriotism and stirring, it’s important to read into the past and consider what this means for us today. It also is a harsh realization for those unaware of what soldiers faced (some completely against their will). It also further frustrates me when it comes to how we treat our vets today in addition to rumors of some programs being cut. While you can’t relive their experiences, it does offer a view that can open you up to some sympathy. A must read for those with an interest in historical nonfiction, especially those not aware of the whole pesticide fiasco that impacts people to this day.
June 22, 2019
Author Hogan describes his experiences serving in Vietnam, and although he describes his personal memories, it’s clear that he speaks for many returned veterans of that era. He, along with many other American servicemen, lived in the jungles and was constantly exposed to dangers -- not just from enemy raids, but also from disease, jungle predators, and the harmful chemicals constantly sprayed by our own government.
He explains that after he returned from combat, he had a series of health problems, all fairly rare issues, with no genetic or lifestyle component. Although returned veterans should get medical assistance from the VA, especially for conditions created or exacerbated by their time serving in the military, he had difficulty getting help from the VA. He also talks about a close friend and others who had similar issues. These personal experiences serve to humanize this tragedy, and also to show the difficulties of one individual trying to take on the massive VA.
These difficulties weren’t all that shocking for me, I know from friends and family that the VA can be inefficient and ineffectual in caring for veterans after combat. While the health of returned vets should be the first priority, it often takes years for veterans to get diagnoses and then to get coverage for their problems.
But author Hogan looks past the typical bureaucratic delays and sees a cover up.
Because so much of the damage was long-term, with a variety of symptoms presenting in a variety of people, at first it seems difficult to identify chemical pesticides from the Vietnam War as the cause. Hogan shows that some of this difficulty is feigned and intentional. He shows that it’s not so much a failure to understand how these chemical combinations could affect the human body, but a choice not to research this and to question any external research into this.
Most of us are already familiar with Agent Orange, a strong pesticide sprayed over American troops, camps and general wildlife in the jungles of Vietnam. I didn’t realize that Agent Orange was only one of many chemical pesticides and chemical attacks, and that there has been little to no testing of their effects. One of the more heartbreaking moments in this book is a researcher explaining that they thought these would be used only on the enemy, and therefore didn’t need to continue testing the health effects, as if the effects on human life (Yes, the opposition are human lives too.) and the natural environment were unnecessary side effects to winning in combat.
So Hogan investigated, and compiled all of his findings here. His chemical and medical research is shared in informal, first-person style, with occasional asides where the author reminds readers of information in a previous chapter or tries to anticipate a question readers might have. The effect is a bit like attending an informative college lecture, although there is the constant underlying awareness that the author (and many others) have been directly, negatively impacted because this research wasn’t done and reveal earlier. .
All in all, a moving and educational book, but very much not a memoir.
He explains that after he returned from combat, he had a series of health problems, all fairly rare issues, with no genetic or lifestyle component. Although returned veterans should get medical assistance from the VA, especially for conditions created or exacerbated by their time serving in the military, he had difficulty getting help from the VA. He also talks about a close friend and others who had similar issues. These personal experiences serve to humanize this tragedy, and also to show the difficulties of one individual trying to take on the massive VA.
These difficulties weren’t all that shocking for me, I know from friends and family that the VA can be inefficient and ineffectual in caring for veterans after combat. While the health of returned vets should be the first priority, it often takes years for veterans to get diagnoses and then to get coverage for their problems.
But author Hogan looks past the typical bureaucratic delays and sees a cover up.
Because so much of the damage was long-term, with a variety of symptoms presenting in a variety of people, at first it seems difficult to identify chemical pesticides from the Vietnam War as the cause. Hogan shows that some of this difficulty is feigned and intentional. He shows that it’s not so much a failure to understand how these chemical combinations could affect the human body, but a choice not to research this and to question any external research into this.
Most of us are already familiar with Agent Orange, a strong pesticide sprayed over American troops, camps and general wildlife in the jungles of Vietnam. I didn’t realize that Agent Orange was only one of many chemical pesticides and chemical attacks, and that there has been little to no testing of their effects. One of the more heartbreaking moments in this book is a researcher explaining that they thought these would be used only on the enemy, and therefore didn’t need to continue testing the health effects, as if the effects on human life (Yes, the opposition are human lives too.) and the natural environment were unnecessary side effects to winning in combat.
So Hogan investigated, and compiled all of his findings here. His chemical and medical research is shared in informal, first-person style, with occasional asides where the author reminds readers of information in a previous chapter or tries to anticipate a question readers might have. The effect is a bit like attending an informative college lecture, although there is the constant underlying awareness that the author (and many others) have been directly, negatively impacted because this research wasn’t done and reveal earlier. .
All in all, a moving and educational book, but very much not a memoir.
June 29, 2019
Our bravery of a nation is majority because of the men and women that took allegiance to serve and protect our country’s people. Those who took the honorable route by enlisting themselves within our military are our true heroes, but why are they not reaping any benefits well after their time at war? We should be embracing and showing more appreciation to our veterans and unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Instead, those who were able to return home came back to the utter mistreatment from our government, scraping what little benefits given to them to survive until their final days. Why are all these strong and brave individuals being treated as if they didn’t sacrifice their lives to ensure safety on United States soil?
In “Silent Spring – Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War,” author Patrick Hogan provides a world through the perspective of a veteran that served their share in Vietnam’s war. He describes first-hand experiences, things seen, heard, and felt from day one of enlisting. The relationships he’s built with other young men along his war journey will remain in his heart, as he truly felt for his war comrades. Long after he’s returned from war life and his healthy continuously declining, he began to realize that there was something more to it. The Department of Veterans Affairs was a key mention because their main objective is to aid the veterans on getting settled back into civilian living, which they were of no assistance. Discovering several toxic chemicals of herbicides and pesticides that he and all others were exposed to during their war tours, has contributed to the drastic health in all soldiers. Feeling that he had to do something, even as unsure as to what it was, alerting whoever he can to expose the hidden agenda of our government was the only way. By doing this, it would be like a dedication to all veterans, as they should receive benefits for putting themselves on the line for their country. As you read each page, you sense how upset this man is and wants the government to pay for what they have done to their people, as families will never be the same. Unfortunately, through all the lives lost during Vietnam which weren’t from the line of battle, they aren’t even recognized on the veteran’s memorial stone wall. It’s sad to know that many have died without any acknowledgment or appreciation for their services.
Through this reading opportunity, I learned so much more about the Vietnam War than I could ever have learned in school because it was someone’s personal experience. The thought of our own government casting illnesses on those who were fighting in one of the most controversial war, to have details shoved under the rug is saddening. It took a lot of courage to enlighten and warn everyone who reads this book just how terrible it was to be treated as an outcast and done away with once returned home. This leaves an open dialogue in thoughts that there could be other secret weapons used against Americans by our government. A true eye-opener and one that would stand out in my mind forever. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and figure out if they truly want to become a man or woman of service.
In “Silent Spring – Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War,” author Patrick Hogan provides a world through the perspective of a veteran that served their share in Vietnam’s war. He describes first-hand experiences, things seen, heard, and felt from day one of enlisting. The relationships he’s built with other young men along his war journey will remain in his heart, as he truly felt for his war comrades. Long after he’s returned from war life and his healthy continuously declining, he began to realize that there was something more to it. The Department of Veterans Affairs was a key mention because their main objective is to aid the veterans on getting settled back into civilian living, which they were of no assistance. Discovering several toxic chemicals of herbicides and pesticides that he and all others were exposed to during their war tours, has contributed to the drastic health in all soldiers. Feeling that he had to do something, even as unsure as to what it was, alerting whoever he can to expose the hidden agenda of our government was the only way. By doing this, it would be like a dedication to all veterans, as they should receive benefits for putting themselves on the line for their country. As you read each page, you sense how upset this man is and wants the government to pay for what they have done to their people, as families will never be the same. Unfortunately, through all the lives lost during Vietnam which weren’t from the line of battle, they aren’t even recognized on the veteran’s memorial stone wall. It’s sad to know that many have died without any acknowledgment or appreciation for their services.
Through this reading opportunity, I learned so much more about the Vietnam War than I could ever have learned in school because it was someone’s personal experience. The thought of our own government casting illnesses on those who were fighting in one of the most controversial war, to have details shoved under the rug is saddening. It took a lot of courage to enlighten and warn everyone who reads this book just how terrible it was to be treated as an outcast and done away with once returned home. This leaves an open dialogue in thoughts that there could be other secret weapons used against Americans by our government. A true eye-opener and one that would stand out in my mind forever. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and figure out if they truly want to become a man or woman of service.
June 6, 2019
Silent Spring, Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is the first hand account of former Staff Sergeant of the United States Army, Patrick Hogan. Hogan delves into his three-year stint in Vietnam and its effect on the rest of his and his fellow soldiers’ lives. He goes beyond scratching the surface while examining Agent Orange and other chemicals that Vietnam troops were exposed to. He also gives insight into the daily life of the soldiers during their the on-the-ground grind. Their lives, consciences, memories, and dreams were and are peppered with the clipping of helicopters, exploding flashes of light,and misty clouds of harsh chemicals.
Admittedly and ashamedly, I knew very little about the Vietnam War before reading this book. It wasn’t something we touched much on in history class. I knew the general time frame in which it occurred, and I knew that returning soldiers weren’t always welcomed with wide-open arms. That’s basically all I knew. Hogan did a great job of putting you there on the ground with him. His descriptive words and explanations make a vague subject feel very real. Hogan describes everything from their makeshift “bathrooms” to cold showers to mountains of paperwork to the effects of chemical exposure to family demographics and lasting effects. He gives a comprehensive and complete account of a harrowing time that most of us know so little about.
Hogan’s book has a nice pace and flow. I stayed very interested in the book throughout. History can be sort of a dry subject, but that didn’t happen here. It’s all too fascinating and heart-wrenching to be boring at all. Everyday Americans were drafted and/or volunteered to go fight in our honor. That alone is terrifying. Add Hogan’s account of their living conditions and chemical exposure, and it’s beyond terrifying. Those conditions coupled with a harsh cold shoulder at home almost feel blasphemous to those who served. It’s unacceptable and embarrassing. These soldiers who still suffer residual effects of their time in Vietnam deserve our utmost respect, and Hogan reminds readers of that in a way that only someone who has been there can.
The organization of the book was great. Hogan has collected information especially about the pesticides and their effects on soldiers from a myriad of sources. It is obvious that he has researched this subject at length. He also draws from his personal well of knowledge and experience and gives readers a personal invitation to look into his life. This makes his story feel more real. Sentence structure and spelling are on point. I don’t recall seeing any errors at all.
I’m giving Silent Spring, Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War by former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Patrick Hogan 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is extremely well-written and was a real page-turner for me. It is beyond obvious that Hogan has poured his heart, soul, and tremendous effort into this book. Thank you for your service, Staff Sergeant Hogan. I’d love to read more of your work.
Admittedly and ashamedly, I knew very little about the Vietnam War before reading this book. It wasn’t something we touched much on in history class. I knew the general time frame in which it occurred, and I knew that returning soldiers weren’t always welcomed with wide-open arms. That’s basically all I knew. Hogan did a great job of putting you there on the ground with him. His descriptive words and explanations make a vague subject feel very real. Hogan describes everything from their makeshift “bathrooms” to cold showers to mountains of paperwork to the effects of chemical exposure to family demographics and lasting effects. He gives a comprehensive and complete account of a harrowing time that most of us know so little about.
Hogan’s book has a nice pace and flow. I stayed very interested in the book throughout. History can be sort of a dry subject, but that didn’t happen here. It’s all too fascinating and heart-wrenching to be boring at all. Everyday Americans were drafted and/or volunteered to go fight in our honor. That alone is terrifying. Add Hogan’s account of their living conditions and chemical exposure, and it’s beyond terrifying. Those conditions coupled with a harsh cold shoulder at home almost feel blasphemous to those who served. It’s unacceptable and embarrassing. These soldiers who still suffer residual effects of their time in Vietnam deserve our utmost respect, and Hogan reminds readers of that in a way that only someone who has been there can.
The organization of the book was great. Hogan has collected information especially about the pesticides and their effects on soldiers from a myriad of sources. It is obvious that he has researched this subject at length. He also draws from his personal well of knowledge and experience and gives readers a personal invitation to look into his life. This makes his story feel more real. Sentence structure and spelling are on point. I don’t recall seeing any errors at all.
I’m giving Silent Spring, Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War by former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Patrick Hogan 5 out of 5 stars. I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is extremely well-written and was a real page-turner for me. It is beyond obvious that Hogan has poured his heart, soul, and tremendous effort into this book. Thank you for your service, Staff Sergeant Hogan. I’d love to read more of your work.
May 29, 2019
Patrick Hogan accounts never-heard-before details about the Vietnam war in his book ‘Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War’. The stories told are appalling, dumbfounding and breathtaking. I love how the author chronicled the events during and after the war. This book enabled me to view the war from a perspective that is far from how the media and government reported about it. Reading this book was both a revitalizing and electrifying experience. Patrick Hogan highlighted the impact of the war and how parties which were involved in the war were affected. Reading about his first-hand experience was thrilling for me. The author told his story so well that he improved my history. Reading this book evokes different emotions for the reader. There was a part of me that celebrated the courageous veterans for their bravery while another part was disappointed for they were not properly hailed.
The first chapter of the book is titled ‘Views from Under The Bus’. The chapter starts in an agonizing manner as the author talks about the pesticides veterans were exposed to and the illnesses they contacted due to the exposure. It is a pity that the struggles the veterans go through were brought about by the same government that sent them to the battlefield. The author writes how the families of veterans were affected by the cancers and other health issues caused by the toxic synthetic chemicals they were exposed to. The story gets worse when the author narrates how the veterans were thrown under the bus by government officials and betrayed by administrative bureaucrats in Washington DC.
Health issues, treachery, false promises and neglect of the daring men and women were not the only hostile things the veterans went through. Patrick Hogan’s story is about a hero who is not celebrated at home as he should be. Reading about ‘Agent Orange’ was intriguing. I got a deep insight into the term and understood why those two words are excruciating for soldiers who went for battle in Vietnam. The entire war was dreadful. Patrick Hogan recounting his personal experience however made me feel like the government used its people and failed to devotedly compensate them for their losses. I appreciate the author for investigating every harmful chemical used in the war, and penning down, the real events for the world to see.
History and literature enthusiasts will love this book because of how well the author described the events. ‘Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War’ will have the reader question a lot of things that are not spoken of in mainstream settings. I enjoyed reading Patrick Hogan’s memoir and appreciate him for his role in the war. I would encourage anyone who seeks to find the truth about the Vietnam war to read this book as it is informative and awe-inspiring. The author was objective in his writing and analysed the policies with a sober mind. Patrick Hogan should be lauded for the effort he put in when composing this book.
The first chapter of the book is titled ‘Views from Under The Bus’. The chapter starts in an agonizing manner as the author talks about the pesticides veterans were exposed to and the illnesses they contacted due to the exposure. It is a pity that the struggles the veterans go through were brought about by the same government that sent them to the battlefield. The author writes how the families of veterans were affected by the cancers and other health issues caused by the toxic synthetic chemicals they were exposed to. The story gets worse when the author narrates how the veterans were thrown under the bus by government officials and betrayed by administrative bureaucrats in Washington DC.
Health issues, treachery, false promises and neglect of the daring men and women were not the only hostile things the veterans went through. Patrick Hogan’s story is about a hero who is not celebrated at home as he should be. Reading about ‘Agent Orange’ was intriguing. I got a deep insight into the term and understood why those two words are excruciating for soldiers who went for battle in Vietnam. The entire war was dreadful. Patrick Hogan recounting his personal experience however made me feel like the government used its people and failed to devotedly compensate them for their losses. I appreciate the author for investigating every harmful chemical used in the war, and penning down, the real events for the world to see.
History and literature enthusiasts will love this book because of how well the author described the events. ‘Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War’ will have the reader question a lot of things that are not spoken of in mainstream settings. I enjoyed reading Patrick Hogan’s memoir and appreciate him for his role in the war. I would encourage anyone who seeks to find the truth about the Vietnam war to read this book as it is informative and awe-inspiring. The author was objective in his writing and analysed the policies with a sober mind. Patrick Hogan should be lauded for the effort he put in when composing this book.
April 27, 2019
This book touches a soft spot in me because my dad was in Vietnam. He was Air Force, only physically putting boots on the ground for a total of about two weeks, but that’s all it took. Agent Orange and the host of other chemicals sprayed on our troops led to adult onset Type II Diabetes and heart disease. I lost my dad 10 years ago, this October. He was only 62. Way too young.
I knew very little about Agent Orange ~ only the tiny bit we were taught in school. I funneled my grief into learning more, but even then, I only scratched the surface to distract myself from my pain and refocus it as anger towards the government who sent him overseas. They essentially, signed his death warrant and I couldn’t understand how that could happen.
Mr. Hogan is a Vietnam Veteran who spent his entire tour of duty in-country. He came out of his service with a host of health problems that can be traced back to the chemicals used in Vietnam. He spent years battling the very government who is supposed to protect and care for our military because the powers that be refused to acknowledge the connection between the chemicals used and the health problems that began making themselves known in thousands upon thousands of Vietnam Veterans, sometimes decades after their service ended. Patrick has obviously gone through mountains of recently declassified documents about the chemicals used in Vietnam. He breaks it all out for you and shares a bit about his own story to back up the research.
While the chapters about the chemical compounds is challenging to follow for someone like me (who really didn’t enjoy high school chemistry), I understood quite enough of it to be appalled. Did you know some of the chemicals were diluted with jet fuel? Yep. I can’t imagine any scenario where that is a healthy combination.
If anyone you love spent time in Vietnam, you need to read this book. If you know someone in the military right now, you should still read this book. A similar host of insecticides have been used as recently as the Gulf War. Know what is going on out there. Don’t blindly trust the government, regardless of which side of the aisle you support. Information is power and Mr. Hogan has done much of the legwork for you.
I knew very little about Agent Orange ~ only the tiny bit we were taught in school. I funneled my grief into learning more, but even then, I only scratched the surface to distract myself from my pain and refocus it as anger towards the government who sent him overseas. They essentially, signed his death warrant and I couldn’t understand how that could happen.
Mr. Hogan is a Vietnam Veteran who spent his entire tour of duty in-country. He came out of his service with a host of health problems that can be traced back to the chemicals used in Vietnam. He spent years battling the very government who is supposed to protect and care for our military because the powers that be refused to acknowledge the connection between the chemicals used and the health problems that began making themselves known in thousands upon thousands of Vietnam Veterans, sometimes decades after their service ended. Patrick has obviously gone through mountains of recently declassified documents about the chemicals used in Vietnam. He breaks it all out for you and shares a bit about his own story to back up the research.
While the chapters about the chemical compounds is challenging to follow for someone like me (who really didn’t enjoy high school chemistry), I understood quite enough of it to be appalled. Did you know some of the chemicals were diluted with jet fuel? Yep. I can’t imagine any scenario where that is a healthy combination.
If anyone you love spent time in Vietnam, you need to read this book. If you know someone in the military right now, you should still read this book. A similar host of insecticides have been used as recently as the Gulf War. Know what is going on out there. Don’t blindly trust the government, regardless of which side of the aisle you support. Information is power and Mr. Hogan has done much of the legwork for you.
June 17, 2019
Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is a heart-wrenching, detailed, informed, and emotional book to read. Patrick Hogan is a Vietnam vet and as he shares about the use of toxic chemicals during Vietnam and it’s devastating and lasting after impacts, his anger is palpable. How could he not be angry? His own country sent him off to fight and then exposed him to deadly poison that could have easily been less deadly. His country made him fight and then put him in more danger in order to save on costs. Not only that, but he goes into detail about how strongly the US government tried to deny the harmful nature of these chemicals. I had NO IDEA about most of this and it was horrifying and sometimes overwhelming to take in. I have family members who were in Vietnam and are now suffering intense health impacts which may or may not be related. Just the fact that they have to question their exposure is so sad.
Hogan’s writing is intelligent and proves his knowledge and research but it is Also very much written in a way that almost seems conversational. His feelings and emotions mix in to this story on every page. It was so eye-opening to get the perspective of someone who was there, someone who truly suffered and saw suffering.
I was also so shocked at the response by our government and Department of Veteran Affairs. They worked so hard to deny the claims of their suffering veterans. It absolutely enraged me and broke my heart.
This is an important book. While the world and the citizens of our country have moved on, the people who fought in Vietnam are haunted by scars that are both psychological and physical. When Hogan talked about these 19-year old kids across the world, away from their parents in horrible conditions it really struck me how these guys were so young and really didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. They had no idea how this would effect the rest of their lives. It’s just pure tragedy. I thank Hogan for his service and in his efforts to speak for himself and others in the face of a government that doesn’t seem to care. I was touched and devastated and so saddened by this book but information and knowledge are powerful tools. Keep fighting the good fight, Hogan.
Hogan’s writing is intelligent and proves his knowledge and research but it is Also very much written in a way that almost seems conversational. His feelings and emotions mix in to this story on every page. It was so eye-opening to get the perspective of someone who was there, someone who truly suffered and saw suffering.
I was also so shocked at the response by our government and Department of Veteran Affairs. They worked so hard to deny the claims of their suffering veterans. It absolutely enraged me and broke my heart.
This is an important book. While the world and the citizens of our country have moved on, the people who fought in Vietnam are haunted by scars that are both psychological and physical. When Hogan talked about these 19-year old kids across the world, away from their parents in horrible conditions it really struck me how these guys were so young and really didn’t know what they were getting themselves into. They had no idea how this would effect the rest of their lives. It’s just pure tragedy. I thank Hogan for his service and in his efforts to speak for himself and others in the face of a government that doesn’t seem to care. I was touched and devastated and so saddened by this book but information and knowledge are powerful tools. Keep fighting the good fight, Hogan.
May 29, 2019
Silent Spring by Patrick Hogan, is a powerful part testimonial, memoir, and investigative narrative that delves into the messy, and devilish details of the Vietnam War. Hogan is struck forty some years after his service, having only spent a little over two years in Vietnam directly, to look into the aliments that plague him now and he soon begins to see a correlation between himself and the pesticides the other host of chemicals he was brought into contact while overseas. Hogan’s exhaustive research uncovers a deeper and far more elaborate plot of cover-up and other horrendous details of the United States’ first real loss overseas.
Hogan has done a masterful job of laying out his research and relating his experience. While, this could read as a full blown expose, what Hogan has chosen to do instead is contextualize this information into his own story as he struggles with various side effects and illnesses that have arisen from his past service in Vietnam. The entire debacle in South Asia has always been controversial and even without knowing a cursory knowledge of the conflict there, Hogan does a decent enough job with walking readers through the conflict and some of the fallout. The war was the longest ongoing conflict in US history and there is little to doubt that he could have filled another book with all the background he knows, which is present in how he writes about it.
His day to day struggles and the personal fallout that Hogan has endured is heart-breaking. The reader cannot but feel sympathy for him and also admire the lengths to which he went digging for information in order to figure out and understand why these chemicals were used, even if the truth was all too terrible to know and understand. Despite this, Hogan does not spare the reader any lack of information with thorough statistics and even pictures. He does this with an even conversational tone, which helps soften the blow of these often bleak facts.
Overall, Hogan has managed to craft an informative and intimate memoir of his reflections now and investigations. Fans of investigative journalism, memoir, and history will love this book!
Hogan has done a masterful job of laying out his research and relating his experience. While, this could read as a full blown expose, what Hogan has chosen to do instead is contextualize this information into his own story as he struggles with various side effects and illnesses that have arisen from his past service in Vietnam. The entire debacle in South Asia has always been controversial and even without knowing a cursory knowledge of the conflict there, Hogan does a decent enough job with walking readers through the conflict and some of the fallout. The war was the longest ongoing conflict in US history and there is little to doubt that he could have filled another book with all the background he knows, which is present in how he writes about it.
His day to day struggles and the personal fallout that Hogan has endured is heart-breaking. The reader cannot but feel sympathy for him and also admire the lengths to which he went digging for information in order to figure out and understand why these chemicals were used, even if the truth was all too terrible to know and understand. Despite this, Hogan does not spare the reader any lack of information with thorough statistics and even pictures. He does this with an even conversational tone, which helps soften the blow of these often bleak facts.
Overall, Hogan has managed to craft an informative and intimate memoir of his reflections now and investigations. Fans of investigative journalism, memoir, and history will love this book!
December 8, 2018
PATRICK HOGAN – SILENT SPRING, DEADLY AUTUMN OF THE VIETNAM WAR
This is an angry book. Patrick Hogan frames personal experience, as a “boots-on-the-ground” soldier in Vietnam and subsequent illnesses with a question: Can the U.S. government be rightly accused of having “treacherously betrayed” the American public and citizen-soldiers in its responses to the damaging effects of herbicides and pesticides used in the Vietnam conflict? Was the extensive use of chemicals conducted in a forthright and transparent fashion, or have generations of those serving their country and their families suffered from policies of concealment and untruth as well as from lifelong illnesses and genetic damage?
Hogan’s questions have been raised before. From references to Rachel Carson’s warnings about the dangers of environmental chemical control to personal accounts of irresponsibility and denial of help by the Department of Veterans Affairs, he summarizes years of efforts to obtain help for those damaged more by the materials of war than the war itself. Resisting the urge just to rage, Hogan offers a wealth of footnoted reference materials supporting his arguments and accusations.
Especially during a period of changing attitudes toward the relationship between humans and their environment and a time when objective truths seem open to highly fluid redefinition, Hogan’s book speaks to current concerns as well as long-term neglected issues of care for those who served their country in a time of war. Hogan captures the ambivalence and dissidence that shaped American political activity for over 20 years, bringing thought-provoking questions about cultural standards that surpass any specific conflicts.
Hogan opens and closes his book with the same question about betrayal. In between, someone who has suffered the damaging consequences of administrative decisions for his entire adult life keeps his personal concern in check long enough to help readers learn more about a confused and conflicted episode in American history whose full impact has not yet been measured.
This is an angry book. Patrick Hogan frames personal experience, as a “boots-on-the-ground” soldier in Vietnam and subsequent illnesses with a question: Can the U.S. government be rightly accused of having “treacherously betrayed” the American public and citizen-soldiers in its responses to the damaging effects of herbicides and pesticides used in the Vietnam conflict? Was the extensive use of chemicals conducted in a forthright and transparent fashion, or have generations of those serving their country and their families suffered from policies of concealment and untruth as well as from lifelong illnesses and genetic damage?
Hogan’s questions have been raised before. From references to Rachel Carson’s warnings about the dangers of environmental chemical control to personal accounts of irresponsibility and denial of help by the Department of Veterans Affairs, he summarizes years of efforts to obtain help for those damaged more by the materials of war than the war itself. Resisting the urge just to rage, Hogan offers a wealth of footnoted reference materials supporting his arguments and accusations.
Especially during a period of changing attitudes toward the relationship between humans and their environment and a time when objective truths seem open to highly fluid redefinition, Hogan’s book speaks to current concerns as well as long-term neglected issues of care for those who served their country in a time of war. Hogan captures the ambivalence and dissidence that shaped American political activity for over 20 years, bringing thought-provoking questions about cultural standards that surpass any specific conflicts.
Hogan opens and closes his book with the same question about betrayal. In between, someone who has suffered the damaging consequences of administrative decisions for his entire adult life keeps his personal concern in check long enough to help readers learn more about a confused and conflicted episode in American history whose full impact has not yet been measured.
June 16, 2019
Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is a memoir novel by author Patrick Hogan. The book explores his time serving in Vietnam, his struggle with the war upon returning home, and the pesticides and chemical waste that was going on there. The book is his truth about what he experienced and witnessed while at war. Hogan talks in depth about the lasting consequences that war veterans are still dealing with from this war and the chemicals they were exposed to, such as a myriad of cancers and other illnesses that seem to stem from these experiences.
The details of this book are eye-opening to read about. I will confess that I did not know much about the Vietnam War going into this book but was intrigued by the title and wanted to know more. I found this book to be informative and insightful. Hogan makes sure to give lots of background information about the war, government policies, and what has happened and is still happening to Vietnam Veterans today. The book is well-written and captivating. Hogan writes in a clear tone, but the passion and anger about these experiences shine through. The book explores topics that are truly horrifying to read about and made me simultaneously angry and sad. Hogan makes sure to back up his arguments with history, facts, and some personal experience to really illustrate just how big of a problem this is. The depth of the research and the professional testimonials that Hogan is using gives this book a solid footing of credibility. Reading this book has made me want to dig deeper into more Vietnam War non-fiction novels to continue to build my knowledge and understanding around a subject that I feel was barely touched on in school.
The goal of this book is to make you question what you are being told. Not to take things blindly. Do research. Get informed. We face a lot of struggles in our world, but it is important not to forget about past decisions that still affect people and to hold people accountable for their actions. This book is a fascinating and educational read that I would highly recommend.
The details of this book are eye-opening to read about. I will confess that I did not know much about the Vietnam War going into this book but was intrigued by the title and wanted to know more. I found this book to be informative and insightful. Hogan makes sure to give lots of background information about the war, government policies, and what has happened and is still happening to Vietnam Veterans today. The book is well-written and captivating. Hogan writes in a clear tone, but the passion and anger about these experiences shine through. The book explores topics that are truly horrifying to read about and made me simultaneously angry and sad. Hogan makes sure to back up his arguments with history, facts, and some personal experience to really illustrate just how big of a problem this is. The depth of the research and the professional testimonials that Hogan is using gives this book a solid footing of credibility. Reading this book has made me want to dig deeper into more Vietnam War non-fiction novels to continue to build my knowledge and understanding around a subject that I feel was barely touched on in school.
The goal of this book is to make you question what you are being told. Not to take things blindly. Do research. Get informed. We face a lot of struggles in our world, but it is important not to forget about past decisions that still affect people and to hold people accountable for their actions. This book is a fascinating and educational read that I would highly recommend.
December 6, 2018
I have a saying that listening to Noam Chomsky makes me feel both worse and better. Worse because the information he departs is so thoroughly depressing, but better because I'd rather know and it often confirms my suspicions about horrible things happening in the world, sometimes perpetrated by our own government (U.S.).
While this book focuses exclusively on the avoidable tragedy of soldiers and civilians being exposed to Agent Orange (and other deadly chemicals) during the period of the Vietnam War, and one man's quest for both answers and treatment, it reminds me of the feeling I get when I listen to Chomsky: It's horrible to hear the details (in fact, the immense scope of it is mindblowing), but it makes me feel better to know about it and it also makes me feel better that he is able to publish this information freely in our society.
There is a lot of minutiae in this book. Very fine details about his the types of chemicals used. (The many, many types of chemicals used, both in-country and at our bases back in the States, believe it or not). And many details about his own ailments that resulted from exposure. And then lots of methodical description of his struggles to get the U.S. government and Department of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge and then treat the problems he and other veterans were experiencing.
I will say this: This book is not "fun." There's nothing fun about what happened and continues to happen to these people. This book is not a memoir of his jaunt over to Vietnam for 2+ years. This book is full of information. Information that Americans should know at least to some degree to really understand what went down in Vietnam and by extension, how our military-industrial complex works.
While this book focuses exclusively on the avoidable tragedy of soldiers and civilians being exposed to Agent Orange (and other deadly chemicals) during the period of the Vietnam War, and one man's quest for both answers and treatment, it reminds me of the feeling I get when I listen to Chomsky: It's horrible to hear the details (in fact, the immense scope of it is mindblowing), but it makes me feel better to know about it and it also makes me feel better that he is able to publish this information freely in our society.
There is a lot of minutiae in this book. Very fine details about his the types of chemicals used. (The many, many types of chemicals used, both in-country and at our bases back in the States, believe it or not). And many details about his own ailments that resulted from exposure. And then lots of methodical description of his struggles to get the U.S. government and Department of Veterans Affairs to acknowledge and then treat the problems he and other veterans were experiencing.
I will say this: This book is not "fun." There's nothing fun about what happened and continues to happen to these people. This book is not a memoir of his jaunt over to Vietnam for 2+ years. This book is full of information. Information that Americans should know at least to some degree to really understand what went down in Vietnam and by extension, how our military-industrial complex works.
December 31, 2018
"Silent Spring – Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War by Patrick Hogan is much more than a story of one Vietnam veteran’s struggles over the following decades after the war. It is a full length analysis of the various chemicals that were dispersed on the enemy and throughout the camps of the US serviceman during the war. Hogan, the author and also the main subject in the biography portion of the book, chronicles his early life and enlistment into the war in the mid 60’s. He starts with the life story of a friend and vet, Larry White, who died decades later of numerous complications because of what was called ”Agent Orange Club of Uncle Sam” while he was stationed there.
Hogan returned in ’69 and started having health difficulties himself. He became a police officer and then a trainer at a police academy. This skill set is what truly brings the impact to the rest of book, his investigative and analytical ability. While waiting a few years for a hearing on his medical claims with the DVA, Hogan decided to research and then write a no holds barred explanation of each and every chemical that was shipped or deployed during the Vietnam war. Reading through the volumes of information I was absolutely stunned at what the US government had willingly dumped on that country and its own troops. Hogan continued with very compelling arguments to the whitewash that is still in play about Agent Orange, Agent White and the countless other chemicals. To put this all together and have a latent talent to tell a story in a written format is no easy feat. This is not just another book about Agent Orange and the war, this is the silver bullet if you are fighting for your benefits and rights as a Vietnam vet." TBR-TopBookReviewers
Hogan returned in ’69 and started having health difficulties himself. He became a police officer and then a trainer at a police academy. This skill set is what truly brings the impact to the rest of book, his investigative and analytical ability. While waiting a few years for a hearing on his medical claims with the DVA, Hogan decided to research and then write a no holds barred explanation of each and every chemical that was shipped or deployed during the Vietnam war. Reading through the volumes of information I was absolutely stunned at what the US government had willingly dumped on that country and its own troops. Hogan continued with very compelling arguments to the whitewash that is still in play about Agent Orange, Agent White and the countless other chemicals. To put this all together and have a latent talent to tell a story in a written format is no easy feat. This is not just another book about Agent Orange and the war, this is the silver bullet if you are fighting for your benefits and rights as a Vietnam vet." TBR-TopBookReviewers
November 16, 2018
Patrick Hogan is to be commended for the careful research and investigation evidenced in this interesting and difficult book; and, given the subject, for his restrained and logical reporting – only once or twice let down by (understandable) elements of cynicism and anger. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War who writes that he feels ‘treacherously betrayed’ by his government and the military. His concern is the tragic medical deterioration of those who served in Vietnam and who were inexplicably exposed to and contaminated by harmful, tactical pesticides and herbicides sprayed in that country against the Viet Cong.
Following well-written and poignant memoirs of his own experiences in Vietnam and those of his friend, Larry, Hogan writes with a researcher’s eye on the different toxics used and the government’s lack of realistic concern for those veterans affected by them. The scientific detail – of which there is a great deal – is, nevertheless, well presented and necessary for the argument. The concluding chapters sum up the author’s position and the defects of the opposing position and cover-ups, and calls for further action before those veterans who have been affected by illness, cancers, and physical and mental deterioration throughout their civilian lives are no more.
I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s been extremely well written. The author has been a police detective since leaving the military and something of that determination and eye for detail colours the account. A good number of typos could have been avoided, however, but all in all a remarkable account and argument that made me recoil in disappointment about those in office and authority yet again!
Following well-written and poignant memoirs of his own experiences in Vietnam and those of his friend, Larry, Hogan writes with a researcher’s eye on the different toxics used and the government’s lack of realistic concern for those veterans affected by them. The scientific detail – of which there is a great deal – is, nevertheless, well presented and necessary for the argument. The concluding chapters sum up the author’s position and the defects of the opposing position and cover-ups, and calls for further action before those veterans who have been affected by illness, cancers, and physical and mental deterioration throughout their civilian lives are no more.
I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s been extremely well written. The author has been a police detective since leaving the military and something of that determination and eye for detail colours the account. A good number of typos could have been avoided, however, but all in all a remarkable account and argument that made me recoil in disappointment about those in office and authority yet again!
February 6, 2019
Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War was well researched and put together. I had a difficult time reading some of it because my husband who died in 2012 of Vietnam Related diseases (per his VA doctor) spent two years in Vietnam and was exposed to all those same chemicals mentioned in this book. He said they were drenched with the sprays and could not even change clothing until they got back to base camp two days later. He had skin problems, skin cancer, diabetes, colon and respiratory problems. heart disease, etc. My first child, born during my husband's first tour, has none of the problems that my second child has. She has had constant medical problems and was advised not to have children because many of her conditions were known to cause birth defects such as spine-a-bifida. VA of course denies that sperm of Vietnam veterans would cause such things, though women veterans children might have such conditions.
This book brought back so many memories, that I haven't been able to reconcile myself to that I hesitated to even write a review. I appreciate the openness of Patrick Hogan and all his research into these chemicals. I just wish the Government and VA would help out the veterans and their families more.
This is a book that needed to be written and hopefully will bring some good to some of the offspring of these Veterans, though many of them were and are sill being ignored.
This book brought back so many memories, that I haven't been able to reconcile myself to that I hesitated to even write a review. I appreciate the openness of Patrick Hogan and all his research into these chemicals. I just wish the Government and VA would help out the veterans and their families more.
This is a book that needed to be written and hopefully will bring some good to some of the offspring of these Veterans, though many of them were and are sill being ignored.
July 2, 2019
"Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War" is informative as it is telling. As someone who had a prior interest in this period in U.S. History, it provided a lot more to the story in an important way. On top of the severe psychological issues that vets had to face, there was also a myriad of long-lasting health problems. Health problems that even their children had to deal with. The memoir also provides an inside look at the failures to properly assist and support veterans on behalf of the government and bureaucratic agencies. As a reader with little to no understanding of the science behind the chemicals the U.S. used as warfare during the war, I learned a lot through Hogan's detailed explanations. "Rainbow Herbicides" is truly a disturbing yet poetic title for them.
The narrative structure of the memoir gives a heart to a very visceral work of nonfiction. I especially appreciated "Larry's Story" in the second chapter. It was as Hogan put it, "You won’t find Larry’s life history in any newspaper article or government archives... even though he and thousands of other veterans were tragic and very real casualties of that war." From the opening paragraph, you can feel the poignant political charge that will carry on throughout the book. It may be dryer than you expected if you went into it expecting some grand war story. If you're looking for a book that is an honest and dark war story from a reliable narrator than you've come to the right book.
December 27, 2018
I knew about the Vietnam War, but I didn’t really KNOW about the Vietnam War. Patrick Hogan was a soldier in the Vietnam War from 1966-1969. Not only does he talk about his years in Vietnam, but also his years after Vietnam. The many health problems he has had, the surgeries, the pain, and the lack of help he got from the Department of Veteran Affairs. He also discusses the medical issues of a friend who was in the war and other veterans like him. He not only paints a very gruesome picture of the chemicals like Agent Orange that were sprayed on the military in Vietnam, but the aftermath and the coverup that ensued.
Hogan did extensive research into what chemicals were used. He provides examples of what the chemicals can do like the Seveso Incident in Italy in 1976 where contaminated areas were evacuated and livestock were killer and disposed of. The same chemicals that were accidentally released in Italy, were very similar to the ones that were sprayed as herbicides and pesticides in Vietnam. But the government denied that they would have any effect medically to its veterans who had served in the war.
This book is not only a memoir but a mans quest for answers into the cover up of the Vietnam war and the many casualties and illnesses caused by it. I highly recommend this book. Though hard to read at times, it is a very well researched and informative memoir.
Hogan did extensive research into what chemicals were used. He provides examples of what the chemicals can do like the Seveso Incident in Italy in 1976 where contaminated areas were evacuated and livestock were killer and disposed of. The same chemicals that were accidentally released in Italy, were very similar to the ones that were sprayed as herbicides and pesticides in Vietnam. But the government denied that they would have any effect medically to its veterans who had served in the war.
This book is not only a memoir but a mans quest for answers into the cover up of the Vietnam war and the many casualties and illnesses caused by it. I highly recommend this book. Though hard to read at times, it is a very well researched and informative memoir.
January 11, 2019
Straight from the start, author Patrick Hogan expresses his true, uncensored beliefs about what the American government did to Vietnam soldiers and failed to take responsibility for. Hogan begins by sharing his own journey in Vietnam, giving detailed accounts of daily life on the ground. He doesn't hold back with his theories on what was really going on behind the scenes, however.
Hogan goes into detailed information on his research into the pesticides and herbicides that he believes were used during the war by the American government, as well as the effects he believes they had on soldiers that the government refused to take accountability for. Some may feel Hogan to be a conspiracy theorist, but his passion for his beliefs comes through strongly in his writing. It is obvious that he has thoroughly researched these topics and is truly angry at the American government for the injustices he believes Vietnam vets have suffered through at their hands.
All in all, Hogan's story is really interesting and brings forth a lot of thought provoking arguments. The writing itself could be a bit better, but it doesn't detract from the story nd theories that Hogan is looking to get across. For anyone interested in the Vietnam War, government conspiracy theories or info on Agent Orange, this book is a must read.
Hogan goes into detailed information on his research into the pesticides and herbicides that he believes were used during the war by the American government, as well as the effects he believes they had on soldiers that the government refused to take accountability for. Some may feel Hogan to be a conspiracy theorist, but his passion for his beliefs comes through strongly in his writing. It is obvious that he has thoroughly researched these topics and is truly angry at the American government for the injustices he believes Vietnam vets have suffered through at their hands.
All in all, Hogan's story is really interesting and brings forth a lot of thought provoking arguments. The writing itself could be a bit better, but it doesn't detract from the story nd theories that Hogan is looking to get across. For anyone interested in the Vietnam War, government conspiracy theories or info on Agent Orange, this book is a must read.
June 13, 2019
This book provides a strong overview of the many different chemicals that the war troops in Vietnam were exposed to. I didn't even realize that there were more than four different types of Agent Orange, let alone Agent White and so many other chemicals. The author writes, "Ultimately, it would be our exposure to a multitude of organic chemicals that would produce the invisible cellular and genetic trauma that would unknowingly come home from Bietnam and relentlessly pursue us for the rest of our lives." He exposes the information succinctly, sharing not only the information about the chemicals but about how he - and so many others - returned from war only to find themselves suffering with life-threatening illnesses that the government claimed weren't covered under their health care because there was no "proof" of the connection between the nasty illnesses and the exposure. He traces a clear line showing that the government does indeed know of the connection but refuses to treat the vets anyway. And he highlights that this isn't a problem of the past; people are exposed to these and similar chemicals to this day to devastating impact. It's a horrifying look at a terrible situation, but one that is well-written and treats the matter with both levity and the occasional bit of appropraite humor.
December 17, 2018
Informative and shocking!
Patrick Hogan shares his experiences as an American Solider during Vietnam War. The trials he faced as solider exposed to Agent Orange among many other forms of chemical warfare along with his comrades and the citizen population of Vietnam changed his life forever.
After returning home from the war, Patrick began to have many health issues. In the beginning, he believed that the issues were minor and would go away with over the counter remedies. The symptoms did not cease; over the years Patrick’s health worsen while he researched volumes of information about Agent Orange, DDT, and many other deadly pesticides that the
Military-industrial complex used without disclosure to the soldiers.
The side effects of these chemicals/poisons are absolutely appalling, Patrick discovered that many of the health problems he developed after returning home could be contributed to his exposure to pesticides and chemical warfare during the war.
The research in the book is extensive and the Kindle version has clickable links to many of the articles and websites sited in the book. This book is much more than a memoir, it is a wealth of well-documented research and facts.
Patrick Hogan shares his experiences as an American Solider during Vietnam War. The trials he faced as solider exposed to Agent Orange among many other forms of chemical warfare along with his comrades and the citizen population of Vietnam changed his life forever.
After returning home from the war, Patrick began to have many health issues. In the beginning, he believed that the issues were minor and would go away with over the counter remedies. The symptoms did not cease; over the years Patrick’s health worsen while he researched volumes of information about Agent Orange, DDT, and many other deadly pesticides that the
Military-industrial complex used without disclosure to the soldiers.
The side effects of these chemicals/poisons are absolutely appalling, Patrick discovered that many of the health problems he developed after returning home could be contributed to his exposure to pesticides and chemical warfare during the war.
The research in the book is extensive and the Kindle version has clickable links to many of the articles and websites sited in the book. This book is much more than a memoir, it is a wealth of well-documented research and facts.
June 22, 2019
Patrick Hogan does a brilliant job of bringing a clearer perspective of the make-up of hazardous chemicals used in the Vietnam War, including Agent Orange. As you tearfully read about the horrendous illnesses US Veterans, including Hogan, inherit from the wars, you understand they gave up their lives for their country whether they left the war alive or not. Meanwhile, the US government is deliberate in their choice to not care for their Veterans as they ought to. To me, they came to symbolize a castle of authority with a moat no one was ever welcome to cross. With tireless research and study done by Hogan and with each appeal, I cannot fathom the degree of frustration Veterans, including Hogan, have endured over the decades. Hogan also presents a stark realization for all of us, that toxic pesticides and herbicides are most likely affecting you and me today. How long can one continue to hope? Will there ever be a simple resolution to outrageously complex chaos as this? Regardless of what the ailments are or how many, the US government ought to offer the most excellent care for its Veterans. Nothing short of this is decency, integrity, and an upright government we will believe in and respect.
January 16, 2019
Silent Spring - Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is gripping and intense. I knew certain things about the Vietnam Conflict and the unintended affects it had on veterans in its aftermath, but I had never heard anyone talk about it their experience first-hand. Patrick Hogan served in Vietnam in the late 60s in areas that were directly sprayed with Agent Orange and other pesticides and chemical warfare agents. His story is an angry one and he has every right to be.
This is harsh story about a man trying to serve his country and do what he was told was right, while his country betrayed him. Hogan did an incredible job researching this topic to support his personal experiences both during the war and after. Given that Hogan was exposed to various chemicals and pesticides he has suffered major health issues. He details his journey through his decline in health and how he didn't get the needed support from the Department of Veteran Affairs. This is a heartbreaking story. I recommend it for any war enthusiast. I definitely recommend it for anyone that has a loved one that served in Vietnam. Well done!
This is harsh story about a man trying to serve his country and do what he was told was right, while his country betrayed him. Hogan did an incredible job researching this topic to support his personal experiences both during the war and after. Given that Hogan was exposed to various chemicals and pesticides he has suffered major health issues. He details his journey through his decline in health and how he didn't get the needed support from the Department of Veteran Affairs. This is a heartbreaking story. I recommend it for any war enthusiast. I definitely recommend it for anyone that has a loved one that served in Vietnam. Well done!
May 15, 2019
Patrick Hogan pens a labor of love with SILENT SPRING – DEADLY AUTUMN OF THE VIETNAM WAR. His is a story about the experiences of boots-on-the-ground or in-country Vietnam Veterans survived. It forever changed all of their lives. Hogan digs deep to validate how the government knew that Agent Orange, Agent White and a multitude of other herbicides and pesticides would have terrible effects on the human body and the environment. He has researched this non-fiction book to the point of him describing in detail how the government knowingly chose to use the deadliest and most dangerous chemicals in the world in Vietnam. He explains in-depth how the chemicals have had cellular and genetic damage that occurred to internal and biological systems affecting the 300 million or so Vietnam Veterans and how the government still doesn’t acknowledge their health concerns. This is a thoughtfully written and meticulously documented piece of non-fiction. I believe this book is a well-needed eye-opener for men and women of all ages. I also think it can be used as a great tool for anyone researching a documentary or even considering a fictional version with a TV or movie premise.
Kelly McDonough
December 26, 2018
In this justifiably angry memoir, Patrick Hogan describes his experience as a solider in the Vietnam War and the unsettling health effects that he developed in the years following. It is clear that he has thoroughly researched everything regarding the health issues, the chemicals that caused them, and the government’s lack of support in resolving the issues for these numerous veterans having the same experience. While the book was very technical and scientific, Hogan used great analogies to make it more understandable for the reader. At times the conspiracy theories were a little strong for my taste, but I still believe Hogan was able to respectably get his point across. Although it may be too late for many of the veterans that have had the same experiences, I hope the government and DVA will soon step up to take responsibility for the wrongdoings and provide the medical support the veterans need, instead of continuing to be so exclusionary. This was truly an astounding memoir of the unexpected aftermath of the US soldiers from the Vietnam War.
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