This sentimental book is a diary of a brother sent to Vietnam in 1968. Book 2 includes the first book "A Redcatcher's Letters from Nam" with the letters George wrote home along with the journey it sent his sister, Patricia, the author on for the next 45 years. As Gold Star Sister she was embraced by her brother's unit the Redcatchers. Many vetsshared their memories with her over the years and are included. Special articles written by Robert Fromme he wrote later in life are included. For my children, grandchildren and family to remember a real Hero in their family whowas a fine athlete, good friend, loving son and brother. For my mom who lived to be 100years old she quietly missed her boy for 45 years. For old friends who still remember their friend from childhood wrote wonderful heartfelt stories are included. So many still asking about the first book for their kids andgrandkids. Hopefully leaving a small legacy for the young people of today to know the Vietnam War through the words and tears of a small town boy who was called to duty in 1968.

From a bestselling author, the poignant story of her Vietnam veteran brother, whose circumstances in death echo the dismal condition of countless veterans

The Redcatcher Express is the author's Vietnam War memoirs. Drafted and sent to fight in the war, the author, a musician by trade, is thwarted in his attempts to get into an Army band. He is assigned to Recon Platoon E 4/ 12 of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade where he endures the adversity of war. The situation worsens when he is picked to be "point man" for Recon. At the forefront of battle, the author begins to feel that he is losing his senses. His prayers are answered when a reporter for the Stars and Stripes writes a story about his musical background. The Commanding General of the 199th reads the story and commissions the author to recruit members for a band to entertain the troops and raise the morale. He organizes The Redcatcher Express, and the band, consisting of American GIs, becomes popular with the troops. He later discovers that raising the morale is instrumental in raising the enemy body count in the 199th's war campaign as well.

The 199th Light Infantry Brigade (Redcatchers) served with distinction, honor and valor in the Republic of Vietnam from November 28th, 1966 to October 15th, 1970. During the American involvement in Vietnam, the 199th LIB proved time and time again that it was one of the finest and most professional infantry units to have ever served in the United States Army. Organized specifically for Vietnam service, the 199th became the first major American unit to undergo the process of Vietnamization with ARVN forces in 1967, the first American brigade in U.S. military history to have an African-American as its commanding officer, the first unit in Vietnam to have a Chaplain awarded the Medal of Honor and the sole unit in Vietnam to earn the dubious distinction as having lost the only general officer killed in action during ground combat. Often overshadowed by the larger, more "glamorous" units and divisions that fought in Southeast Asia, less than 25,000 men ever served in the ranks of the 199th LIB. 755 young heroes from the Brigade were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Their memory and sacrifice will never be forgotten...

On August 7, 1969, when I and a half dozen other soldiers were cut off from other friendly forces and were nearly out of ammunition in a desperate fight with a much larger force of North Vietnamese regulars, I was not surprised to see Ross among the few who risked their lives to come to our assistance. Less than three months later Ross fell mortally wounded in still another battle. Karen [Epps] work to document her brothers life and death is a unique effort that contributes to the full story of a long, controversial war that still has major impact on our country today. It is a tribute to not only Stan and Karens family, but also to all veterans. Michael Lee Lanning Author of The Only War We Had: A Platoon Leaders Journal Of Vietnam and Vietnam, 1969-1970: A Commanders Journal My gratitude to my brother and those brave service men and women can never be expressed in words. Stan and those like him still live on in our hearts. His courage should inspire all of us to do a better job of living. Karen Ross Epp Author, With Love Stan: A Soldiers Letters from Vietnam to The World Check out my Web Page at http://www.karenrossepp.com for reviews and other information.

The "Warriors" of the 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade joined the U.S. Army's lightning offensive into the Cambodian border sanctuaries late in the afternoon of May 12th, 1970. Less than six hours after arriving at a small, poorly-constructed patrol base called LZ Brown, two under-strength infantry companies from the battalion were fiercely engaged with the 174th NVA Regiment. This battle marked the North Vietnamese Army's first major counter-attack of the Cambodian Incursion. For the next two months during that hectic summer of 1970, the 5-12th Infantry and Delta Battery, 2nd Battalion, 40th Artillery fought head to head on a daily basis with some of the toughest and most determined units in the North Vietnamese Army.

In 1970, John Kowalski was among the many young, inexperienced soldiers sent to Vietnam to participate in a contentious war. Referred to as “Cherries” by their veteran counterparts, these recruits were plunged into a horrific reality. The on-the-job training was rigorous, yet most of these youths were ill-prepared to handle the severe mental, emotional, and physical demands of combat. Experiencing enemy fire and observing death up close initiates a profound transformation that is irreversible. The author excels at storytelling. Readers affirm feeling immersed alongside the characters, partaking in their struggle for survival, experiencing the fear, awe, drama, and grief, observing acts of courage, and occasionally sharing in their humor. "Cherries" presents an unvarnished account, and upon completion, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the trials these young men faced over a year. It's a narrative that grips the reader throughout.