Voices From The Wall

About the Book

Each soldier who chooses to join his brothers in arms to defend this country’s freedom knows that at sometime he will have to enter the valley of the shadow of death. As you pass through this valley brought on by human conflict, some become lost in the fog of war, while others, through some unexplained reason, by some miracle, survive.

There have been stories told and retold by other veterans about unexplained events such as ghosts, whispered voices, lucky charms, guardian angels, and divine intervention that moved these soldiers safely through the valley.

In the unwritten history of military conflict there have been literally hundreds of strange events, bizarre happenings in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; that, for many veterans, still remain unexplained.

Every veteran who has survived this journey, who still mourns for his lost friends and loved ones tries to find the answer to one burning question, why.  Why was he spared?  Did the creator have some unfulfilled task for him to complete, or, is it mere chance, a stroke of luck that spared his life?

Seeking the answer to this nagging question, an old veteran, in the twilight of his life goes to the Vietnam Memorial Wall, randomly puts his hand on a familiar name, and recalls a long forgotten memory.

This book is a collection of stories not only about the strange events and happenings during combat; it is also about the human kindness, love and the drama that somehow prevails during the trauma of war. These stories although fictionalized were inspired by a true premise.

J. A. (Pappy) Smith LTC USAF – Retired

Forward Air Controller 2^nd/16^th Ranger Battalion 1^st Infantry Division, Vietnam.

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About the Author

James A. Smith LTC-USAF-Retired

Attended the University of Southern California (USC).

Entered the USAF and became a Command Fighter Pilot. Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Completed three tours in Southeast Asia.

In 1965 to 1966 was assigned as a Forward Air Controller to the 2^nd/16^th Ranger Battalion, 1^st Infantry Division. As a Ranger Snake FAC was assigned to various units including Bear Cat Special Forces, 101^st Airborne, 173^rd Airborne, 7^th ARVN regiment as well as CICV (Combined Intelligence Center Vietnam). This included covert operations in 3^rd and 4^th Corps tactical areas of operations.

In 1975 was assigned to Headquarters 13^th Air Force at Clark Air Base. Near the end of the Vietnam War worked with CINCPAC as a member of the 13^th Air Force planning staff that developed OPLAN Frequent Wind, and Eagle Pull. These operations resulted in the successful evacuation of American diplomatic personnel from Phnom Penh Cambodia and Saigon Vietnam.

Attended the Squadron Officer’s School, Air War College and the British War College at Old Sarum England, Bailbrook College, Bath England. Fighter Weapons School, Nellis AFB. BA Pepperdine University. Completed MBAA at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, was an associate professor and a member of the adjunct faculty.

The author’s flying awards and combat decorations include: Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC),Bronze Star with V (Valor Device), Air Medal with 8 OLC (Oak Leaf Clusters),Vietnam Service Medal with 2 OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Cluster, Valorous Unit Award, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Readiness Medal.

As a system design engineer and consultant for various aerospace companies spent 9½ years as a special advisor to the Royal Saudi Air Force. During the Iraq/Iran War was special advisor to RSAF at Dhahran for air defense of the Arabian oil fields.

In the post Desert Storm era, was special advisor to the RSAF General Staff at the Command Operations Center (COC) in Riyadh Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Smith has developed and written numerous technical publications for these aerospace companies.

For the past eight years he was an adjunct writer and researcher for MDR Productions Hollywood California.