"A US Navy Hospital Corpsman with a US Marine Corps Reconnaissance Patrol Team in the 1950's on covert Korean missions." I could add that "The five missions made by 'Doc Gentry' (assumed name for covert missions) with the Recon Patrols were all successful but, sadly, they suffered casualties on each mission."

Navy Corpsmen serve on the ground with the United States Marine Corps, in both ground, air, sea and Reconnaissance groups. We serve on board Submarines, deep under the ocean, in Naval Hospitals across the world and even with the elite Navy SEALS. We are almost everywhere.

MMarines and Navy Corpsmen tell their unique stories about experiences they had during their careers. Many of their careers were brought short by debilitating wounds received during battles or from land mines. Some have received Purple Hearts for injuries, and many had to return to battle after healing. The stories are about daily life in the Marines and Navythe unique and little things that make life interesting to men who at any moment could be called to action to hot-zone somewhere in the world. Most of the stories in this book come from the web site The Halls of Montezuma, a site designed as a meeting place for Marines and Navy Corpsmen. The stories reflect their feelings about what they did and how it impacted their lives. The stories range from serious to humorous. All wrote from the heart.

This is the story of a not so good, bullied, student who joins the Navy and finds a home and a new life, during a troubled time in American History. It begins in grade school where the boy is forced to fight and run for his survival, from bigger, older students and class mates. The boys troubles continues when he is placed in special education classes and not allowed to take part in school sports. It follows the boy into the Navy and his career that follows. From boot camp to “A” school, the hospitals, Fleet Marine Force training then Vietnam. His duty stations and assignments for the next 29 years and beyond. There are funny, sad and spiritual events. From a lost human being to a productive citizen, who has seen more than anyone should have had to.

The captivating individual stories of 17 U.S. Navy corpsmen who served in Vietnam, told in their own words. Their accounts relate why they joined the Navy in wartime, why they became corpsmen--the enlisted medical specialists of the Navy and Marine Corps--along with many day-to-day, sometimes minute-to-minute recollections of caring for both the wounded and the dead under fire. They also reflect on the long-term effects the war had on them and their families.