The Twins Platoon

On August 9-13th, 2006 USMC Combat Helicopers Assoicaton (Popasmoke) held its reunion at the Fort Worth convention center in Fort Worth/Dallas, Texas. There were more than 2,000 members in attendance. At the request of the Association member HMM 362 a book signing was held for the “Ugly Angles”, whose gallant and historic actions are written about in the book. Twins Platoon member, Joe Siedler was also on hand to sign books. (Photos provided by Papasmoke & USMC PIO Photographers)

I’m sorry I have taken so long to finish your book. I was in the middle of several 3 part trilogies this spring and didn’t get past the opening pages of your book until last week. I can’t tell you how moved I was by your stories. It was hard for me to read and more graphic than I had ever imagined it would be. It was compelling and disturbing and very worth reading. I have insights now into the war you experienced that those of us who were home in the USA the whole time never could have imagined; even though we saw gruesome video every night on the 6:00 news! Thank you for bringing it all to the surface again for us. I pray that there is an appreciation for the sacrifice and suffering of our troupes now that was not common at the time. I must tell you I had no idea of the isolation and shame and loneliness that so many experienced upon their return. I could barely see the pages of the last few chapters through the tears that flooded my eyes while trying to read. So moved was I and angry at the insensitivity of our culture. And the beauty of the story as you finally began connecting people from the twins platoon with others and family members of soldiers who were killed was overpowering. Read the rest of this entry »