Thomas Owens was 17 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he volunteered for Vietnam. For his patriotism he was rewarded with a trip to the psychiatrist, who declared him fit. He notes that when he returned from Vietnam, the psychiatrists were no longer interested in talking to him. While waiting for deployment (one had to be 18 years old to go by that time), he recalls a tour bus in San Francisco breaking down in Haight-Ashbury. Half his fellow Soldiers on the bus deserted. Upon arriving in Vietnam, Owens was sent north as a specialist in ground surveillance radar. He remembers the dangers; the rocket attack at Charlie 2 (and helping fill 30 body bags), Operation LAM SON 719, the mines at Con Thien, the failure of leadership, a typhoon, terrible living conditions, the giant rats, mongoose, cobras, and Texas-sized mosquitos. He also recalls great friendships, beautiful stars, and Donut Dollies.