This book was written for the sole purpose of honoring the Vietnam Veteran. The places and Valleys mentioned in this book are real. Some of the names used have been changed for the respect of the veterans and their families. Also, some of the veterans mentioned in this novel are real persons and without their help, this book would not have been possible to write. There were other Marine Veterans not mentioned in this novel that were attached to Co. India, Co. Lima Co. Kilo, and Co. Mike. These four Companies of Marines mentioned in the novel fought gallantly and ferociously against the Vietcong and the North Vietnamese Armies south of Danang, Vietnam. These Marines fought bravely and this novel is dedicated to all who fought short skirmishes around the Tactical Area of Operations a few miles south of Danang, Vietnam. The Battle for Go Noi mentioned in this novel took place during the month of May 1968 where all four Companies of the 3rd battalion 27th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division fought against three battalions of Vietcong and some regiments of North Vietnamese Armies that had crossed over from the country of Laos during the early months of 1968. Most important this novel is dedicated to all the Marines of the 3rd Battalion 27th Marine Regiment that gave their lives without question so that others would enjoy the freedoms of life and the continuity of our future generations.
Joe Eleazar Salinas is a former student from the University of California, Riverside. His return towards getting a higher education, earned him his Associate Degree in 2000 and his Bachelor degree in History and Social Sciences in 2003. Mr. Salinas volunteered during the Vietnam War and joined the Marine Corp from February, 1967 to June 1970. He did one tour of Combat Duty in Vietnam during 1968 from February to March of 1969. He served as a Combat Marine as an 81mm Mortar Man and a 0331, Machine Gunner during combat duty. He served with Co Lima 3rd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment 1st Marine Division through out his combat tour in 1968. Mr. Salinas was awarded the National defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/2*, a Combat action Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device, Two Purple Hearts and Presidential unit Citation.