A Year in Hell

Memoir of an Army Foot Soldier Turned Reporter in Vietnam, 1965-1966

This memoir relates the author’s experiences during his year-long tour of duty in the early days of American involvement in Vietnam. Serving in Bravo Company of the 1st Infantry Division, Ray Pezzoli provided protection for engineers constructing the deep water port in Cam Ranh Bay. From July 11, 1965, through June 22, 1966, he dealt with the ever-present threat of Viet Cong guerilla attacks, never knowing whether the Vietnamese natives he met might be friends or enemies. And as an Army reporter, he recorded some of his experiences in print and photographs. From guard duty to bathing practices, Pezzoli describes the daily life of soldiers with the keen eye of a journalist while also questioning the wisdom of extensive media involvement during wartime. Unique to his story is the dual perspective of infantryman and journalist; Pezzoli never forgot his military objective, and tallied at least 11 kills. The memoir provides a moving narrative not only of his service but of his culture shock on returning to America. An appendix provides additional information about Vietnam, including its history before and after American involvement. The author’s photographs from the time are included.