A lot of years have passed since the events discussed in this book took place. I have had to rely mostly on memory since all letters and writings have long since vanished. I never intended to write a book. I instead sought to leave a journal for my children, my grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as to my experiences in my youth and in a very unpopular war. This story revolves around a young man's torturous journey through childhood into the hell of war, and the obstacles to be overcome to bring himself to the journey's end long yearned for.