Against the Flow
A Canuck in Vietnam
by Richard S. Ward

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The infamous Arizona Territory was a place to be avoided like the plague. Like Go Noi Island, it was a free-fire zone that had seen lots of action. Yet right now, everything was deadly quiet. The usually melodic birds were muted. Not a breath of wind rustled the trees. The powdery red dirt under the Leathernecks’ dusty boots swirled in mini explosions. The Marines knew Charlie, the enemy, was out there, but the platoon didn’t realize they had walked into the kill zone. The silence was ruptured as explosions from heavy automatic weapons, grenades, and mortar fire rained upon the Marines. “Corpsman up!” The two words shouted on the battlefield sent a shockwave of adrenalin and activity through the jungle as Doc “Canuck” Connors sprang into action. His role was to assist those wounded in the fighting against the North Vietnamese Army in this life-or-death struggle until a winner emerged. But by the time the jungle was silent again, pairs of dusty boots, once moving forward, were forever still, sticking out from under dirty, blood-stained poncho covers. Against the Flow: A Canuck in Vietnam centres on the story of David Connors, a Canadian who willingly served with the Marines as a Navy Hospital Corpsman in May 1969, teaming up with thousands of men “in-country” during the Vietnam War. Inspired by the author’s own experiences, Richard Ward’s fictionalized account brings to life the individuals whose military histories need to be recognized and their stories told. With sharp details and historical accuracy, Ward takes readers to An Hòi Combat Base and the battlegrounds beyond. But at the heart of Ward’s account are his intimate portrayals of the men’s camaraderie and antics, along with the physical and emotional struggles they endure as they lose their comrades-in-arms, leading them to question whether their personal sacrifices are heroic or futile as the months march on.

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Before retiring, Richard Stanley Ward enjoyed a thirty-year career as a high-school principal in British Columbia, completing a Master of Arts in Administration and Curriculum. When he completed high school, though, Ward immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the United States Navy for six years, where he trained as a Hospital Corpsman and, subsequently, was assigned to serve with the Fleet Marine Force. In May 1969, he was sent to Vietnam and served with both a Marine infantry platoon and with the Battalion Aid Station, returning home in April 1970. It was then that Ward left the military behind to attend university and become a teacher. Ward has always enjoyed telling stories and was encouraged to share his Vietnam experiences, which spurred his newfound love for writing. He keeps busy with pastimes such as learning photography and guitar, as well as playing chess with his grandson and board games with family and friends. You’ll also find him bicycling and kayaking and travelling with his wife. Ward lives in Chilliwack, Canada, with his wife, both true lovers of Labrador retrievers and Dobermans.

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Contributors

Author

Richard S. Ward

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