I saw the link to this thread in another thread earlier this afternoon while at work, during one of those lulls when I have to let things run a little while to see what will happen. I think I got up to Chapter 4. Then when I got home this afternoon I picked up where I left off, and just finished reading. It is about 7:30 PM.
I guess I just want to say "thank you Dan." That is a riveting story to say the least, and I'm sure it was extremely taxing to relive all that as you must have done to get it put on paper. Had I been born in 1952 instead of 1955, I might know the story, but I have to be thankful that I do not...but I am enriched by at least understanding it. In that sense you have made what cannot be understood comprehensible.
One thing that I come away with is the sense that it was not a place you are ever able to really leave. An experience that horrific has to become so much a part of your very being and every moment you breathe. You are always there.
The debt this nation owes its combat veterans is beyond the capability of mortals to repay.