Author has won many medals
Decorated Vietnam War veteran Michael O. Gregory has a story to tell, and he plans to share it with readers in his self-published book, Shiny Bayonet.
Michael O. Gregory holds a copy of his book, Shiny Bayonet, which is a historical account of the first combat operation of his unit in the Vietnam War
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"In writing this book, I wanted to tell a story from the point of view of those persons who fought in the Vietnam War," said Gregory, a retired Army sergeant first class and Evans resident, while holding a navy-blue baseball cap adorned with several military pins. "I want readers to see what we saw, feel what we felt and experience the emotions that we felt."
Gregory said his book will be released at the end of this month.
He said readers will be able to learn about a five-day historical account of the first American combat operation of the Vietnam War, from the men of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Air Mobile), which began Oct. 10, 1965.
"It's pretty graphic," he said about the book, which has been in the making for three years because of extensive research. "I build a story a lot around myself, the operation and other people's experiences. We were just a bunch of young, scared kids who had no idea of what we were getting ourselves into."
The purpose of operation Shiny Bayonet was to prevent the North Vietnamese from moving westward in the Suoi Ca River Valley, Gregory said.
Before serving 21 years in the Army, Gregory said, he began his military career in the Navy. Through laborious training and traveling around the globe, he said, he has received the Bronze Star for valor, an Air Medal for making more than 25 air assaults, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and more.
"I enjoyed being a soldier and serving," he said. "I was always proud to wear the uniform."
To purchase the book or get more information, call Trafford Publishing at (888) 232-4444.