“When I turned Nineteen” by Glyn Haynie is a touching story that dives into the author’s personal journey throughout the Vietnam War. Haynie, an American veteran, recounts his harrowing experiences with much detail and reflection. Within this story not only does he go through his chronicles of the war, but also a deeply personal exploration of the human spirit during the war. The author's purpose in writing this memoir is multilayered; he wants to honor the memories of those who served alongside him, and to provide insight into the realities and hardships of the Vietnam War to future generations. I chose this book because I was very interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, having very little prior knowledge I found that I was constantly
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He lives in Mississippi and enlisted in the Army in 1968. Haynie was eighteen when he enlisted, and his military career spanned over 20 years, retiring in 1989. Throughout his military career Haynie served with the American (23rd) Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, he then went onto serve as a Drill Instructor, a first sergeant, and finally as an instructor for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). During his 20-year service Haynie was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, French Commando Badge, Drill Instructor Badge, and Army Recruiting Badge. Haynie wrote the memoir using no sources and just his previous memory of the war, many times throughout the story he excerpted letters that he, and other soldiers within his platoon sent home. As well as short stories written by different soldiers that explain their point of view of different events. Due to this, I find Haynie very qualified to write this story since it is a memoir, and it is based on his personal life through his …show more content…
The memoir follows Haynie’s journey from his rural life in Arkansas to his deployment in Vietnam, where he is forced to face the harsh realities of the war. Through descriptive storytelling and reflection, Haynie shares the challenges, hardships, and moments of profound personal growth he finds on the battlefield. During his 12 month tour he shared every pivotal moment; some of these being descriptive stories of his battles, going on R&R while showing his experiences during it, and the letters he would send back home and receive. After reading the memoir, I found “When I Turned Nineteen” to be an entertaining, well-structured story. Glyn Haynes thesis in writing his memoir was to honor the memories of those who served alongside him, and to provide insight into the realities and hardship of the Vietnam War to future generations. Throughout this memoir, Haynie endeavors to pay homage to the sacrifices and bravery of his fellow
He lives in Mississippi and enlisted in the Army in 1968. Haynie was eighteen when he enlisted, and his military career spanned over 20 years, retiring in 1989. Throughout his military career Haynie served with the American (23rd) Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, he then went onto serve as a Drill Instructor, a first sergeant, and finally as an instructor for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA). During his 20-year service Haynie was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, French Commando Badge, Drill Instructor Badge, and Army Recruiting Badge. Haynie wrote the memoir using no sources and just his previous memory of the war, many times throughout the story he excerpted letters that he, and other soldiers within his platoon sent home. As well as short stories written by different soldiers that explain their point of view of different events. Due to this, I find Haynie very qualified to write this story since it is a memoir, and it is based on his personal life through his …show more content…
The memoir follows Haynie’s journey from his rural life in Arkansas to his deployment in Vietnam, where he is forced to face the harsh realities of the war. Through descriptive storytelling and reflection, Haynie shares the challenges, hardships, and moments of profound personal growth he finds on the battlefield. During his 12 month tour he shared every pivotal moment; some of these being descriptive stories of his battles, going on R&R while showing his experiences during it, and the letters he would send back home and receive. After reading the memoir, I found “When I Turned Nineteen” to be an entertaining, well-structured story. Glyn Haynes thesis in writing his memoir was to honor the memories of those who served alongside him, and to provide insight into the realities and hardship of the Vietnam War to future generations. Throughout this memoir, Haynie endeavors to pay homage to the sacrifices and bravery of his fellow