Pop Smoke, Birds Inbound: The Forgotten Soldier

· AuthorHouse
4.6
8 reviews
Ebook
468
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

The Vietnam War put a once-proud nation in turmoil. During the height of the conflict, the antiwar movement caused civil unrest in America. Young men evaded the draft by fleeing to Canada, claiming conscientious objector status, homosexuality, or marriage with child. But author Rick R. Garcia, the only son born to Hispanic parents, got caught up in the 1969 lottery draft.

Pop Smoke, Birds Inbound chronicles Garcias story as he was shipped far away to the land of Hush-a-bye to fight in the most controversial war in which the United States ever participated. He was inducted into the US Army on August 20, 1970, and after the completion of eight weeks of intense advance infantry training, he was issued orders to report to Oakland Army Base, gateway to Southeast Asia. Eventually, Garcia was assigned to Blackfoot Platoon, Company Bravo, Second Battalion, Eighth Regiment, First Cavalry Division.

Pop Smoke, Birds Inbound narrates a factual account of one soldiers triumphs and failures between firefightsa story of survival, from living to loving. It presents a unique glimpse into the life of a grunt, from combat to drugs to sexual exploits, along with incisive portraits of those individuals who fought in a war the United States would never win.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
8 reviews
Mark Jaqua
March 23, 2025
great book and great memoir... and excellent point of view from within an army draftees perspective. I like the fact that it shows the impact on th ...e civilian way of life and it's effect on them and the military who is trying to protect them from the Communist North. although I was 10 through 11 years of age when this actually took place the many views of Vietnam have affected what I believe should have been a victory for the US and South Vietnam... learn to hate politicians.
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David Snyder
April 13, 2020
A just ok story. Not well written.
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K
March 31, 2024
well written, gritty account of the vietnam war.
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About the author

Rick R. Garcia served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Vietnam campaign ribbon, Combat Infantry badge, three Bronze Stars, and two Air Medals. He received two Silver Star recommendations. He lives in Bakersfield, California.

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