From Baseballs to Bombshells

About the Book

Growing technology and affluence, rock ’n’ roll, baseball, and muscle cars—all told through the youth and early adult years of a small-town Montana boy and war veteran. This is a history of the glorious ’50s and ’60s in America. It is a history also of politicians, the indecency of segregation and war, and the struggle for racial equality and peace. A history of two great nations. Intertwined is the unique history of Vietnam and the Vietnamese’ long struggle for independence. It is a rendering also of the unique culture of Vietnam with fascinating stories of emperors within the walls of a Forbidden City. Included in the book is a review of the relationship of two nations—one mighty and one resistant—ultimately entangled in a catastrophic war. Nearly fifty-nine thousand Americans lost to family,friends, wives, and lovers. More than two million Vietnamese soldiers and civilians perished in a war that could not be won.

About the Author

Art grew up in the invigorating rural life of the 1950’s and 1960’s in Montana. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Vietnamese linguist/cryptologist at sea and with Army at Bien Hoa. Art has spent years studying Vietnam’s culture and history. Ten years in Vietnam, he lives with his wife and daughter in Nha Trang. Art’s knowledge is enhanced by his father-in-law, an artillery officer in the North Vietnamese Army and a guerrilla fighter against the French. “Grandma” sat AA guns as a civilian defending against American air strikes. Art approaches Vietnam history from both U.S. and Vietnamese perspectives. Holding a BA in History/Political Science and a Juris Doctor, Art enjoyed several years as a university professor.