From press release materials
Meet the Author, Wed., 10/12, Noon, Fairhaven Senior Center, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven. Come early for lunch, and stay for the presentation. Call 508-979-4029 by 10 a.m. on 10/11 to let us know you’ll be having lunch. Voluntary donation of $2 is requested.
Bill Comeau, a New Bedford native his whole life, has been recognized as a “Distinguished Member’ of the United States 12th Infantry Regiment. He was also awarded the Order of St. Maurice Medal by the National Infantry Association for his efforts promoting the U.S. Infantry legacy.
Bill will be presenting his book “Duel with the Dragon,” which begins with his childhood experiences in New Bedford in the 1950s and 60s. This will be followed up by his wartime training and serving in Vietnam, including his participation in the Battle of Suoi Tre. That battle has the distinction of producing the highest number of enemy deaths of the entire Vietnam war in a one-day battle (638 KIA).
Bill will also talk about Donald Evans, his close friend who earned the very first Medal of Honor posthumously for a Medic and also for the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Today, Evans Community Hospital is named in his honor at Fort Carson, Colorado. The auditorium where all Medics receive their Graduation Certificates at Fort Sam Houston is also named after him.
Bill will read short excerpts from the book, then answer questions before putting the book up for sale. All books will be personalized and autographed.
“Duel with the Dragon” chronicles the story of the members of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division from their Basic Training days in early 1966 through their fighting as a unit in Vietnam.
It includes stories about the soldiers who led during that year and other soldiers who came, served, and went home to lead normal lives.
Two stories stand out. One is the story of Donald Evans, the first 4th Infantry Division soldier (and Medic) to receive the Medal of Honor (posthumously) for Vietnam service. His story is told from long before he was drafted and illustrates the many tributes he has received since his untimely and heroic death in Vietnam.
Also inside is the story of the notorious 9th Vietcong and their crushing defeat on March 21, 1967, when they challenged the 3rd Brigade of the 4th ID at the Battle of Suoi Tre. It was an amazing team effort to achieve that great American victory.
The bravery and determination of American soldiers who refused to lose, even against overwhelming odds, is a story you must read.
“Duel with the Dragon” is 551 pages and includes more than 100 photos and dozens of maps. Price for this limited run, luxury edition is $30 and only available directly from the author.
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