I just read about a book that I have added to my "must read" list. It is called Bare Feet - Iron Will. Written by Lieutenant Colonel James Zumwalt, the book takes a rather daring course by viewing the "American War" from the eyes of North Vietnamese soldiers, South Vietnamese "rebels," and officers of the North Vietnamese Army, as well as the experiences of South Vietnamese soldiers who fought alongside US servicemen.
The book is daring because there are still strong feelings to this day about the war, the atrocities committed against US prisoners of war in Hanoi and other locations, and the resentment that some feel because they believe high ranking politicians in the United States prevented a US victory. Many American families lost their sons and brothers in this tragic war, but it is equally true that many families in North and South Viet Nam lost their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, and sometimes all they owned as well.
This book is in the news because the Vietnamese translation has just been released in Ho Chi Minh City (the old Saigon). Many servicemen, including Mr. Zumwalt, have returned to Viet Nam over the years, and have overcome their own bitterness and hatred, as well as that of their former enemies. Many former enemies have become friends and closed the wounds that have hurt for so long. Mr. Zumwalt made of fifty trips to Viet Nam since 1994. He has made life-long friends there. He said that he had not planned on writing this book, but after talking with many Vietnamese veterans, both North and South, he realized that these people had stories to tell, and that former enemies could reunite as friends.
I think this book is worth the read. Maybe if one of you has already read it, you could comment on this blog and let me know what you thought about the book.
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