INTRODUCTION       “The Lieutenant and the Black Virgin”

                                               Memoirs of a soldier in the Vietnam War

VIETNAM 1969
I did not start writing to relive the war or to seek recognition. I began after hearing a speaker at an Army Special Forces convention challenge veterans to write down their wartime experiences so their children and grandchildren would have a truthful record. This is my answer to that challenge.
What you will find here is a straightforward account of events, mixed with reflection where it belongs. I believe in telling things honestly – what happened, what it cost, and what it meant. I loved my country, and I loved the men I served with. As a leader, I always put my men’s safety ahead of my own, and that principle guided every decision I made then and every word I write now.
Integrity matters to me. It always has. Whether in war or in everyday life, you do the right thing even when no one is watching. This blog follows that same rule: no embellishment, no polishing – just the truth, written so those who come after me will understand.
This is my story, but it belongs to them.

During my time in Vietnam I had three uniquely different job assignments, with the first two being the most dangerous. Before you begin, I recommend you get a better understanding of my mission and surroundings by reading the reference articles for the Phoenix Program and Nui Ba Den first. You will find all the reference articles in the 4a-4z section. (GOOGLE search NUI BA DEN VIETNAM WAR or PHOENIX PROGRAM for an in-depth analysis.
NOW LET US GET STARTED: The blog is finally taking shape with over sixty events that occurred during my year in Vietnam. To follow my timeline, start with #1 until you finish the one group, then go to 2a, then 3a, etc…. 1a-1q recount my experiences from January to March 1969, covering the time spent in the French Fort and the Phoenix Program. Stories from 2a-2z span April to September 1969, detailing my time spent on Nui Ba Den Mountain. The rest of my Vietnam journey begins with 3a, chronicling my time in Tay Ninh Base Camp.
To begin, click on a story and scroll down until the text appears. If the screen is blank, look for three small lines on the right side of the screen and click them to reveal the list of stories.

NOTE: This blog is still in the draft stage. If you have any recommendations or comments, you can reach out to me at
czuzulock@yahoo.com