Loon: A Marine Story was created over the past seven years.
Success has a thousand fathers. The seeds for this story, however, were planted by my mother.
Here is the acknowledgment page as it will appear one short week from today.
This book emerged from more than one hundred letters home that I wrote during my two years in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. My mother saved the letters and often encouraged me to "do something with them". Thirty-five years later, my second wife, Karen, discovered the letters, as deeply buried among my possessions as my Vietnam War experience was buried inside of me. Karen echoed my mother's earlier encouragement.
I began writing.
Thank you, Karen, from all of us.
Through fellow author, marine, and Vietnam Veteran Bob Timberg, I met my agent, Flip Brophy of Sterling Lord Literistic. Flip introduced me to my editor, Katie Hall. Katie's remarkable talent washes unseen over every word on every page. Flip also encouraged Ryan Doherty of Random house to bring the work to life. There would be no Loon without each of them. Thank you.
While writing, I received encouragement from family, friends, professional colleagues, and fellow Charlie Company survivors in an abundance that I continue to regard with awe. Terry and Nancy Tillery kept me focused by providing food, love, and unlimited access to their beach house in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. In Georgetown, Vera and Dandy Dickie were my daily visitors, keeping me sane with an encouraging word and a welcoming wag. Thank you.
Former Charlie Company Commander Bill Negron was a font of information. Many technical details are from his memory, and several of the better stories were borrowed with his blessing from his own writings. Bill, a uniquely American character, was a remarkable marine, and a dear friend to us all. Thanks, Skipper.
Among Charlie Company veterans, I thank Dan Burton, Mac Mecham, Jack McQuade, Robert Rodriguez, Benny Lerma, Buck Willingham, Doug McPhail, Clabie Edmonds, Neil Downey, Wayne Wood, and Gaylord Flippen. Semper Fi, brothers.
For support in Washington, I thank former marines Peter McCathy and John Miller, as well as John Shlaes, Tad Howard, Tom Coleman, Peter Van Allen, David Mitchell, and author David Maraniss. Andover classmate Ray Healey was a steady cheerleader. Ray never served in the military, but has dedicated is life to veteran advocacy. Thanks from all of us, Ray.
My three daughters and three siblings were unconditionally supportive rocks throughout the entire process. Thank you Sarah, Martha, Sylvia, Don, Ruth, and Barbara.
Present in spirit and never to be forgotten are the forty-three grand young sons of Charlie and Delta companies, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division who breathed their last on LZ Loon during those three horrific days in June 1968.
Rest in peace, brothers.
Thank you for visiting.
If Not For You - Bob Dylan
