A Patriot After All: The Story of a Chicano Vietnam Vet

by Juan Ramirez

Juan Ramirez always believed he would die in Vietnam. As a teenager growing up in the San Francisco area in the early 1960s, "Nam was there, just over the horizon, like the distant thump of artillery." His father and uncles had served in World War II, another uncle in Korea. Numerous cousins had enlisted. At nineteen, Ramirez decided to embrace the war. In 1968, the year of the Tet offensive, Ramirez joined the U.S. marines. Two bloody tours later, Ramirez survived, but at immense cost. Twice wounded, undesirably discharged, and plagued by survivor's guilt, Ramirez surveys the toll of Vietnam on flesh and spirit in this captivating memoir. Ramirez tells his story in a voice not often heard from the war, that of a Chicano soldier. By tracing his roots, and exploring the cultural pressures and social demons that weighed on his family and community, Ramirez offers an unflinching look at the fall and redemption of one Mexican American veteran.
"Ramirez has given us a rather unique and clear-eyed view inside the life and times and thoughts of a young Chicano who joins the marines and goes to Vietnam to find his destiny. . . . Fascinating reading."--Joseph L. Galloway, author of We Were Soldiers Once . . . And Young .

190 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kathia · Rating 5 out of 5]

insane how atrocities committed by USA will never be hidden or forgotten. loved learning about the realness of war and the return to civilian life. the mexican family stories were relatable and perfectly depicted the struggles of assimilation. juan has a tender, reflective and honest approach. this book is a gem!! protect all my latino men from alcoholism

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most honest depictions of going to war, combat and the hard transition back to civilian life I've ever read.

[kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had been wanting to read a history of Vietnam for awhile. This was convenient accident to have on the 2012 anthony challenge. The writing wasn't amazing, but it wasn't supposed to be. It was honest, humble and insightful. Maybe it wasn't the exhaustive political and sociological history and explanation of the Vietnam War but it was a lovely and sad portrait of one man's experience, both in Vietnam and in America before and after the war.

[Charlie Miksicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping autobiography of a Vietnam survivor.