Born and raised in the ‘barrio’ of San Antonio, Texas, Raul Herrera had an all-Catholic school education. He opted to enlist for four years in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school in 1965. He intended to pursue a career as a draftsman, but instead chose to go to the fleet as an undesignated Seaman and was assigned to Patrol Craft, Fast (PCF) – Swift Boats. Mr. Herrera describes, in great detail, life as a Swift Boat crewman in Vietnam and Operation MARKET TIME, including a highly publicized engagement with a North Vietnamese fishing trawler that occurred July 11-14, 1967. The trawler was designated by the Navy as “Skunk Alpha.” Herrera describes smells, sounds, and music that trigger flashbacks to Vietnam. His best day was the day he received a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry medal personally from the South Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Cao Kỳ. Herrera mentions 50 Swift Boat crewmen were killed in Vietnam, and he speaks candidly about being haunted by a shipmate killed while the crew conducted a “wandering soul” psychological operation – his worst day in Vietnam, December 6, 1967. He has been an active member of the Swift Boat Sailor’s Association, including serving as secretary, vice president, and president.