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Proud to be a Grunt Corpsman Delta Co 1st Bn 5th Marine RVN 1969-70

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Dedication

"Corpsman Up" tells the story of men at war from a unique perspective; that of a medical specialist assigned to a Marine combat platoon.  Imagine what it is like to be the person charged with the job of exposing yourself to murderous enemy gunfire to run to the aid of an injured Marine.  Then, as bullets explode all around kicking dirt up into your face, concentrate on saving the young man’s life, even though often times wounded yourself

It was 1969; Hospital Corpsman Mike Lombardo arrives in Vietnam a patriotic, idealistic medic determined to follow in the footsteps of his dad and grandfather in war. He quickly discovers there is nothing glamorous or heroc about war i“Corpsman Up” is not a typical war story.  It is a tale of the men whose only job in combat is to save lives not destroy them.  It is the story of the molding of an ordinary young boy into a hardened combat veteran, who must obtain the respect of his Marines the old fashion way – he must earn it and in the process try to hold on to the values that he believed in growing up.  The reader will quickly realize there is more fact then fiction as they witness the terror of the surrealistic world of daytime patrols, and nighttime ambushes.  Throughout the story,  "It don’t mean nothin," becomes a common thread to the men of Delta Company.  A saying.  A way of life.  A Philosophy    “Corpsman Up” takes you on a journey into a living hell and through Mike's eyes you experience the thrills and horror of combat, the agony of the wounded and dead and see foxhole relationships develop between blacks and whites, farm boys and city kids.   "The Arizona" to Marines was no longer a State; it was a territory, a “Badland” that changed their lives forever.  Feel the compassion and blood on Mike’s hands as he treats an 18 year old boy stuffing his sausage like intestines back into a gaping hole in his stomach while calling out in pain.  Experience the anguish, and concern with Mike, when friend after friend is wounded and he knows that their lives are in his hands and then wonder for the rest of his life if he did the right things.

This book is available for purchase at www.lulu.com, the world’s fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books. Click on either link and it will take you the ordering page www.lulu.com/content/187464 or www.lulu.com/FMFCorpman

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BOOK COMMENTS

"Doc Buzz was one of the Corpsman assigned to my battalion.  His book tells in emotional detail some of the day to day combat events of Marine Grunts and Corpsmen.  Although written as a novel the book brought back memories of actual events."                                                                                                                         LtCol Joseph Griffis USMC(Ret)                                                                                                                  CO 1st Bn 5th Mar, Vietnam 1969-70 "You definitely get 'two thumbs way up' from me.  Your descriptions of the horrors of booby traps was extra powerful for me."                                                                                                                                       George Lemon USMC                                                                                                               D Co 1st Bn 5th Mar, Vietnam 1969-70 "I truly enjoyed the book.  I don't have to tell you what a Corpsman means to Marines.  All I can say is, thanks Doc and Semper Fi."                                                                                                                                          Larry Odono USMC                                                                                                                                              Vietnam 1969-70 "After 25 years 'Doc Buzz's book Corpsman Up has done me more good than he will ever know.  Thank You."                                                                                                                   M/Sgt Carlton Upchurch, USMC(Ret)                                                                                                                B Co. 1st Bn 5th Mar, Vietnam 1969-70 "Outstanding book.  The story saddened me, gladdened me, and more importantly caused my chest to swell with pride."                                                                                                                          Scott  "Doc" Chobot, Corpsman                                                                                                                          Vietnam 1969 - Double amputee "It brought back some ghosts, but it is extremely well written and accurately portrays the Corpsmen who served with 1/5 as the best and bravest group of men I have ever known."                                                                                     A.J. Alexander MD, Battalion   Surgeon 1st Bn  5th Marines "The most factual book I've read on Vietnam.  I was propelled back to the Nam."                                                                                                                              Bill "Doc" Cloonan, Corpsman                                                                                                                 B Co. 1st Bn 5th Mar, Vietnam 1969-70 "It tells the Corpsman's story accurately.  His quotes from 'Henry V' say so much.  Tears, laughter, pain and healing."                                                                                                                          "Doc" Jeff Lippincott, Corpsman                                                                                                               G Co. 2nd Bn 5th Mar, Vietnam 1969-70 "The book Corpsman Up reflects the quiet heroism of FMF Corpsmen heretofore known mainly by Marines.  The book accurately depicts the actions and emotions of combat Corpsmen.  It is greatly appreciated by those of us who are still alive."                                                                                                                     Tom "Doc" Lindenmeyer, Corpsman                                                                                                            L Co 1st Bn 9th Marines - Vietnam 1967-68

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