My father once said to me, “To become a dignified career soldier, you’d better not only look to fight your enemy but also stick with your colleagues in the army and devote yourselves to the service and care of unfortunate people who suffer physical and spiritual losses in this cruel and destructive war. Never associate with people who compete for power.”
During the war in Vietnam I did my best to realize my father’s instructions, but I failed, as we soldiers of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces were forced to give up our arms on a tragic day in April 1975.
Now, more than three decades after the end of the war, I still think of my old friends and colleagues among the millions in that valiant army, including those who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield, those who still endure a miserable existence in Vietnam under the cruel communist regime, and those who are in exile overseas. I am trying in another way to contribute by writing this book with the intent of making clear the nuances of our defeat and of amplifying the just and noble causes of South Vietnamese soldiers who fought against the Vietnamese communists in that critical war. We maintain our pride of having once served in our armed forces to pursue aspirations of independence, justice, and freedom for our people. An army may be disbanded but its spirit is eternal. Such is the case of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces.
RVNAF soldiers were trusted, admired, and loved by the people of South Vietnam. Their heroic images are engraved on my memory and inspired me to document their merits and glories as well as their sufferings. They fought for the people, but they were betrayed by their political leaders and their cunning allies, and then treated cruelly by their enemy. These events all made them suffer deeply. Any story of a South Vietnamese soldier and his family has the power to bring forth emotion and tears from virtuous and humane people.
First and foremost, I would like to thank all South Vietnamese soldiers and express my highest admiration and respect for their sacrifices and devotion to the country. I would like to also express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents for their clear-sighted instructions and profound love.
I am also grateful to four of my friends who helped me in the past ten years: Cung Tram Tuong, Do Ngoc Uyen, Sao Bien, and Nguyen Cau.
In addition, I would certainly like to express my gratitude for the advice and support of Professors Nguyen Xuan Vinh, Nguyen van Canh, and Pham van Phuc. Deep thanks are also conveyed to Todd and Kim Elvyn and Gordon Yamaguchi. Without their help I could not have realized and completed my work.
Finally, I would like to thank my lovely wife, who has endured her humble life while encouraging me, believing that I would satisfactorily finish my exhaustive work. She is the constant and profound source of love and assistance in my life.
Again, thank you all.