Many who served in Vietnam, both regulars and national servicemen, look back upon their time there as a formative episode in their life. Whatever path led them to Vietnam, professional soldier or 'nasho', their letters or diaries written at the time, and their later recollections, suggest that many went through moments or periods that stand out as being noteworthy.

The illustrated chapter of this book are based mostly on these sources. The reflect people's concerns and interests during their time in Vietnam: the novelty, boredom, fear, anxiety and sometimes the enjoyment. For many who deployed, their tour was their first time overseas. Many lamented the separation from loved ones. Some who served in a combat role were frank about the violence of war, while others scarcely mention it. Some talk about interactions with the Americans. Many wrote of short leaves to Vung Tao or of their week of rest and recreation outside Vietnam. The nature of any individual's service depended upon their role, and when and where they were deployed. Irrespective of whichever phase of war they experienced, the things which many Australians wrote and spoke about were broadly similar. The veterans' stories used in this book consider the themes that run through many of those recollections.

Details: Non-fiction, published 2023.

Format: Soft cover, illustrations, 152 pages.

Dimensions: 24.0 cm (h) x 24.0 (w) x 1.2 cm (d) / 715 grams.