Compelling History from a Vietnamese American

After reading Backtracking in Brown Water, a friend now serving in the military suggested that I read the book A Thousand Tears Falling by Yung Krall. It is a book I should have read many years ago. If you served in the Mekong Delta during the War, you will find it hard to put down.

Yung Krall, A Thousand Tears Falling

Krall grew up in the Mekong Delta where her father was a leader in the Viet Minh which ultimately became the Viet Cong. Some of her earliest memories were of ducking for cover when her village was being strafed by French aircraft. Her village was described as a “liberated zone” which meant that the French no longer controlled it.

When she was a small girl, her father left to represent the South with the Viet Minh in the North. She didn’t see him for 18 years. Ultimately, Hanoi’s fight shifted from the French to the Americans. Krall and her sisters were raised by their mother. A brother followed his father north to Hanoi. It is a classic story of how families get ripped apart in a civil war. A hundred and fifty years ago, had she lived in a border state like Kentucky, the same kind of thing was happening in this country.

To make a long story short, she couldn’t support the communist approach to governing and the dictatorial way they approached those who lived in the Delta. She eventually moved to Saigon, worked for the Americans, married an American and eventually moved to the United States. Though she loved her father, she couldn’t accept his political decision to leave the family and move to the North. She met him finally in Paris after the war was over, where he was serving as a diplomat for the new Vietnamese government.

When we think about Vietnam and the sacrifices made by those who served there in the U.S. military, we sometimes forget about what happened to the Vietnamese who supported our efforts. This is a good book about that. It was written in 1995 and can be purchased “used” online. I found it to be a compelling and powerful narrative, and would recommend it to Vietnam veterans. It helps “fill in the gaps” of what our own experience was all about.

Rolland Kidder

A Navy Man Reconnects / USS Surfbird ADG-383

"Though we only spent a relatively short time together in the Navy, that common experience continues to be the catalyst for maintaining long term friendships."

In writing the book, I referred primarily to my Navy experience on PBR’s in Vietnam. However, prior to going to Vietnam, I had served as Operations Officer on a ship, USS Surfbird ADG-383, which was home-ported in Japan. 

In writing about my R & R trip back to Japan, I mentioned this ship (p. 172) and this week, out-of-the blue, got an email from an old, fellow sailor, Bruce Stevens. To be honest, I can’t remember a lot of the names of men I served with on that ship. However, he had signed his email: “BM 3, 67-70.” That meant he had been Boatswains Mate 3rd class in 1967-1970.

When I responded to his email, I asked him if we had served together, and he sent me a wonderful letter naming various people we had both served with on that ship. He has maintained his friendship with them over many years. Bruce said that he had read the book and “enjoyed it very much.” But, of course, our correspondence dealt primarily with our old comradeship on the USS Surfbird.

One of the benefits of writing a book comes when it helps resurrect old friends and old memories. This reconnecting also is indicative of Navy men. Though we only spent a relatively short time together in the Navy, that common experience continues to be the catalyst for maintaining long term friendships. I am sure the same thing goes on today for those who serve on ships in the Navy.

Rolly Kidder

>> See the real Surfbird: Calidris Virgata

French "Dinossaut" Riverine Craft

For those who served on the Mang Thit River, 1969, these were the type of boats that were operated by the South Vietnamese Vinh Long Battalion. Captain Bob Olson, who died during this operation, and Mike Paluda both operated as Army advisors with this outfit. The boats were reliable but slow and made a lot of noise. The Vinh Long Battalion was associated with the PBR effort here to open the Mang Thit to commercial activity. The VC had closed the waterway, primarily by taxing boat traffic, and the U.S./Vietnamese effort here was successful in reopening the river to commercial traffic.  This note below is repeated from Mike Harris, of the Mobile Riverine Force Association.

Rolly Kidder

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Hello Everyone, 

First, allow me to pleasure of wishing you all a very good 2015! 

Rich Lorman (T-152-6 — 7/68 to 6/69) sent me the query on this photo:

Here's a photo of a totally new version of Riverine craft I hadn't seen before: 

It is actually an altered version of the old French Dinossaut (STCAN/FOM) craft. The bow has been cut off as you will see below. Probably due to damage. These are like the one that I spotted sanded in on the shore in Northern Laos in the mid-90’s (see below). I just found this model on the Internet. There were two sizes. 8 meter and 11 meter: http://fieldsoffireonline.freeforums.org/stcan-fom-boats-t1873.html 

Here’s an image that I found on the Internet years ago. I believe that it is in Ed Marolda’s “By Sea, Land and Air”. I seem to recall that LT. Meyerkord received the Navy Cross Medal earlier in the 60’s as a Naval Advisor on these boats. 

This is the one in Northern Laos. I wish that I could have initiated a salvage of the craft, but it would not fly in communist Laos. FYI, the boat in the background was very unique. It had a 4 cylinder car engine and very little keel. We were given motorcycle helmets and looked like we were on a Shuttle launch the way our facial skin pushed back due to the speed of the boat. They slid around bends so the driver had to really know the boat. 

Here is a nice article I just found on the Dinossaut boats. Click on any underlined craft and scroll through photos of all of the different boats. We all saw many of these craft still in operation when we were there. Interestingly several of them had 20 MM weapons as well: http://indochine54.free.fr/cefeo/dinassau.html 

Here’s an old video of a “French Commando Raid”. Looks pretty staged though: http://www.britishpathe.com/video/indo-china-french-commando-raid 

Warm Regards, 

Mike Harris

A Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours

Christmas is a great time around our home, and we hope it also is for you.

Two years after returning from Vietnam, I married Jane Dawson and ever since we have celebrated what we call the “Dawson Christmas.” It is held a few days before Christmas so that all of the Dawson’s can drive in from places like Rochester and Cleveland. This past Sunday we had about 35 of us together at our home here on Chautauqua Lake. When Santa came, the place erupted with all of the grandkids cheering his arrival! If you play this short video, you will get a sense of what it was like.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Rolly Kidder

New Revisions now in effect for Backtracking in Brown Water

As I stated in the Acknowledgements chapter of my book, book-writing can take on a “complexity of its own.”

There were two factual changes that I needed to make to the book and several grammatical improvements that make it better. Our editor, Ruth Fairbank Chiama, helped me in getting this done. She also sent me a copy of some comments made by Charles Krauthammer in his book Things That Matter.  Many of his chapters were adaptations of prior newspaper articles. When he put them into book form he made some changes, minor in nature but focused on “allowing me to exercise my petty punctuational prejudices, most importantly, my war on commas.  They are a pestilence and must be stopped.”  But, he assured the reader that “they change no meaning…. It stands on the day it was first published: imperfect, unimproved and unapologetically mine.”

That, in essence, describes these most recent changes to Backtracking in Brown Water.  If you have already read the book, you need not purchase another copy.  But, for those first-time readers or potential readers, I think this “tweaking” makes the book better and, at least, puts the author’s mind at ease that it better passes muster from a grammatical and punctuational point-of-view.  If you haven’t yet read the book, now would be a good time to purchase it!

Rolland Kidder

Return to the Mekong Delta

This map traces my journey back to South Vietnam which inspired Backtracking in Brown Water

Natural Gas Advocacy

In addition to my interest in veteran’s affairs as witnessed in Backtracking in Brown Water, I have for many years been involved in the energy business and specifically in natural gas as an energy source.  My son, Bart, co-author of this blog, has suggested that some of our readers might be interested in my views as they relate to current policy in the State of New York which has shut-down the natural gas drilling business. 

Because of my concerns about what I view as a short-sighted energy policy, I have written a few articles advocating on behalf of natural gas as a clean-burning resource which should be developed in our state.  The following article is one of a series that were sent to daily newspapers across New York State.

Who Will Supply New York with Natural Gas?

Today, new technologies for unlocking natural gas have revolutionized the industry.   A half-century old process called hydraulic fracturing combined with a relatively new ability to drill horizontally in shale formations has made America more energy independent than it has been in fifty years.  The Marcellus Shale, conveniently located here in the Northeast, has become one of the biggest international energy stories emerging in the past five years.

Yet, New York has decided to “opt-out” of participating in this economic opportunity.    That does not mean that our state does not like to consume natural gas.   According to statistics published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2012 New York consumed 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.   Statewide, 29% went to heat homes, and 40% was consumed to make electricity.  

So what has New York decided to do about it?   We have decided to say “No” to this new technology.  The State has essentially shut down the natural gas producing industry through a “moratorium”, a decision to not issue permits for the production of shale gas within the boundaries of New York State.

This produces a conundrum for those of us who live in this state.  We need natural gas.   We expect it to be delivered to our doorsteps, to our apartments, to our businesses… and especially to our plants that produce electricity.   We like the clean-burning, environmental benefits of natural gas, but we apparently don’t want the inconvenience of producing it. 

Where do we want to get our energy?  Do we want to go back to importing more oil from the Middle East?  Do we want to become an energy-starved country like Japan which needs to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from other countries?   We do want to be known as the most environmentally enlightened state in the Union.   We say we are for renewable energy, yet are unwilling to support production of the natural gas required to back it up and insure its reliability on the electric grid.    In short, New Yorkers seem to have an attitude that “we can have our cake and eat it to.”  Let someone else worry about our natural gas supplies.

The most recent statistics from EIA indicate that about 34% of the natural gas being consumed in the country today is coming from shale formations.  This energy cannot be produced without these modern technologies which, in essence, release the gas that is trapped in the rock. Though we New Yorkers are sitting on billions of cubic feet of shale gas, we are unwilling to produce it.

Albany needs to “change its tune.”  Our State should be a producer, not just a consumer of this clean-burning energy. During this year’s cold winter, even the most ardent opponents of natural gas in New York were being kept warm by it.  The fact that over a third of the energy heating our homes was coming from shale gas reservoirs in neighboring states seems to be over-looked.  Where would we be without it?  Who, in the future, will supply the natural gas that we need?  Shouldn’t New Yorkers be a part of the solution?

Book Signing at Chautauqua Institution this Weekend!

Rolland Kidder, author of Backtracking in Brown Water,  will be signing books at the Chautauqua Institution Bookstore on

Sunday, July 20^th from 12pm - 2pm 

Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 and is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in upstate New York.  Originally founded as an educational retreat center for the Methodist Church, the Institution has become one of the premier summer cultural centers in the United States.  Over a 9 week season it offers programing in theater, opera, lectureships and music.   It also hosts a Symphony Orchestra which regularly performs twice a week.   The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Club is one of the oldest book clubs in America.  Its a beautiful setting with many things to see and do.

Gate passes to the Institution are free on Sundays.  The Chautauqua Bookstore is located on Bestor Plaza at the center of the Chautauqua grounds.  The public is invited to the book signing, we'd love to see you there!

View Larger Map

Endorsement from a Non-military Voice

Two weeks ago I received a wonderful letter from an old friend about the book.  She is an author herself, had purchased the book primarily out of wanting to support a friend, and had set in on a shelf.   When she started to read it, she wrote that “she couldn’t put it down.”  

I have received many letters of support from those who have served in military, but thought that her comments were especially poignant as being one of the many who were affected by the Vietnam War while not being directly engaged in it.  With her permission, I have copied her letter for inclusion on this blog:

Dear Rolly: 

Just had to let you know that I’ve had your latest book for some time but had postponed reading it.  I didn’t really think it would interest me but wanted to support you. 

Instead, I couldn’t put it down! I was glad to learn so many details about your experience in Vietnam, both 40 years ago and more recently.  That was where so many of my classmates found themselves.  My high school love, President of the 1960 Class of Kenmore West, totally disappointed me when he chose West Point over Princeton.  Shortly thereafter, I opted out of our lengthy relationship—a lifelong neighbor committed neighbor committed suicide upon his return stateside.  As you know, it was a time of disillusionment for all of us. 

However, I thoroughly enjoyed your book and your informative, yet personal, writing style.  I found it a page-turner, to be honest. 

You’ve done a great service to your Navy buddies and their families, to be sure.  And, I hope you have a great sense of satisfaction for completing this daunting project. 

The book was quite an eye-opener and I appreciate your taking all of us readers  backtracking with you! 

Sincere congratulations, 

Kathy Crocker

A Book Review from the U.K.

Those who have read the book have seen a photograph of Thu Trung Van, myself, and Gordon Johnston on the Vinh Te Canal. (p.221)

Gordon is an old friend from the U.K. and accompanied Thu and I on our trip back to the Mekong Delta in 2010.  Though not an American, Gordon was moved by the history of the trip and the opportunity he had of comparing Vietnam today to the war years of 1969 and 1970.  Here is what he recently wrote:

“Hello Rolando,

Just to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed your book.  For me it brought back memories of our interesting trip to Vietnam.  I can appreciate that for you the experience must have been much more intense. 

Congratulations on a successful project! 

Gordon”

His comments caused me to reflect that though we often refer to books that we like as having “enjoyed” them, it is difficult to “enjoy” this book in the conventional meaning of that term.  There are a lot of sad stories in it, which can make enjoyment difficult.  

In response to his email, I said that one of my hopes in writing the book was that the reader better understand and appreciate what the 1960’s and 70’s were like living in the United States during the Vietnam War.  If I could convey accurately and with some passion the lives and deaths of some friends I knew, along with an analysis of the war I experienced as an observer and participant, then I would view the writing as worthwhile and meaningful.  

In other words, if those who read the book “enjoy” it in the sense of developing a better understanding of what the Vietnam War was all about and what it was like for those who participated in it or were affected by it… that would fulfill my expectations and hopes were in writing it.

Rolland Kidder / author

Jamestown Naval Reserve Chiefs' and Officers' Mess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  On May 31, 2014, I was privileged to address the annual dinner of this organization.  Forty years ago, after returning from active duty in Vietnam, I drilled at the Jamestown Naval Reserve Center.  In those days, we required to stay involved in the reserves for about three years upon conclusion of our active duty commitment.

Though this Reserve Center has been closed now for over ten years, those who became friends during the days it was open, continue to meet annually through what is called the “Chiefs’ and Officers’ Mess.”   Last Saturday night I spoke to the group about the book Backtracking in Brown Water.

I received a wonderful reception and also renewed some old friendships.  It has always amazed me how common experiences serving in the military live on in organizations like this.  It is a tribute to a camaraderie which develops and which is not easily explained unless you were a part of it.

Rolland Kidder

Gaspe' Quebec / Canadian Connection

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  Eldon Tozer’s niece, Sandra Thompson, sent this “Letter to the Editor” to the The Gaspe’ Spec, and I thought that it would be of interest to those have read the book or who knew Eldon Tozer during his life.   The letter was published on March 5, 2014.   The newspaper’s office is located in New Carlisle, Quebec.

Letter to the Editor:

My uncle Eldon Tozer of Cullen’s Brook served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 until November 1969. On November 20^th, 1969 he was killed while serving on a River Patrol Boat in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam.  A funeral service was held in Bonaventure with internment in the Riverside Cemetery in Cullen’s Brook.

Four years ago, Rolland Kidder from Ashville, New York USA contacted my mother Frances Tozer.  He told her that he would like to make a trip to Cullen’s Brook to visit Eldon’s grave and to interview her.

He wanted to write a book about his trip back to Vietnam—and about Eldon and two other men who lost their lives in Vietnam.  He also interviewed two of Eldon’s daughters who live in Michigan.  It was a very emotional time for everyone.

The book—“Backtracking in Brown Water,”  by Rolland E. Kidder is available in hardcover and paperback editions at Amazon.com.  Mr. Kidder journeyed back to the rivers and canals of South Vietnam.  He recounts life aboard Patrol Boats in the heart of the Mekong Delta and interviewed the families of three of his friends lost in the fighting back in 1969.

Mr. Kidder was appointed to the American Battle Monuments Commission by both President Bill Clinton and President Obama, and was a member of the original World War II Memorial Site and Design Committee.

Mr. Kidder is a Navy Vietnam War Veteran who served as a Patrol Boat Officer with River Division 535 in 1969-70. 

We feel very honoured to have Mr. Kidder visit our area and include our loved one in his book.  Eldon’s memory will live on.

A blog was created about the book.  It can be found on the internet at: http://rollandkidder.blogspot.com.”

Sandra Thompson

Flatlands, New Brunswick

WWII Memorial 10th Anniversary Celebration

It was a fabulous event on a gorgeous day in Washington, DC!

Below is a photo of the Members of the American Battle Monuments Commission’s World War II Memorial Site and Design Committee at the Memorial’s construction site in 2001, and again today (May 24, 2014) at the 10th anniversary celebration.  This is the first time the group has been together in a long while, and it was a very special moment.   

From left to right: 

Frank Moore, Dr. Helen Fagin, Ambassador Haydn Williams, Friedrich St. Florian (memorial designer), Rolland E. Kidder, Brigadier General Pat Foote, USA (Ret.).

Book Review : David Daly

An Insightful Chronicle of Mekong Delta Operations

By 

David Daly

This review is from Amazon: Backtracking in Brown Water: Retracing Life on Mekong Delta River Patrols 
(Kindle Edition)

 

What happens when Rolland Kidder (a former N.Y. state farm boy, theological seminary graduate, U.S. Naval Patrol Boat River (PBR) officer, N.Y. State Assemblyman, oil and gas executive ) writes about the lives and deaths of three of his military friends? I believe the result is a story told with the insight of a “weathered thinker.” We learn how young military leaders take care of their troops. We, also, find the long term impact of the deaths on the families. The daily Mekong Delta events reinforce the author’s observation that “war is no way to solve our problems.” Kidder’s story provides meaning and honor to the fallen men’s lives and deaths. I found the book rewarding and insightful. This book has the substance and perspective of a caring historian.