'Flying Death': Civil Rights and Vietnam War Era Give Rise to Discrimination, Questions in New Memoir

WATERBURY, Conn., Oct. 10, 2007 - Samuel K. Beamon's new memoir, "Flying Death: The Vietnam Experience" is a story of experiences - and the questions they give rise to - during the '50s and '60s. These are the memories of a black boy who matures into a young man and deals with the issues of that time, including some of the discriminatory practices in civilian and military life.

The Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement were taking center stage. Uncertainty and agitation ruled the day. Basic questions did not yield to easy answers: What kind of country was America? What did it mean to be an American? It is in this environment that Beamon began to understand himself.

Enlisting in the Marines after high school in 1965, Beamon is transplanted from his home in Waterbury, Conn., to boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. The culture shock provides an education in race relations, and the tough lessons continue. A childhood friend is killed in the war, and soon afterward Beamon is deployed to Vietnam.

There have been many stories of those who served in Vietnam - from combat units to battles to pilots shot down and captured - but "Flying Death" gives a different perspective:
The troops on the ground would hear the sounds of a helicopter coming into their area. Looking up, they saw this complex flying machine blowing sand and dust all around. The chopper brought in anything and everything that the troops needed. The wounded and dead were evacuated. Reinforcements were delivered and the troops were brought back to their camps ... This story is the memories of a Combat Helicopter Crew Chief doing what was necessary to accomplish the mission of supporting the troops.
Upon returning home, Beamon is confused and angered to learn that America has turned its back on the Vietnam veterans, an act of discrimination that further cements the friendships he developed in combat.

Samuel K. Beamon served as a helicopter crew chief in Vietnam for 19 months. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1969. Beamon recently retired after 28 years of service in the Waterbury Police Department, having attained the rank of lieutenant. He is a licensed private pilot and lives in Waterbury. Beamon has two children, Samuel Jr. and Susan Shapiro. (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com) (ERN)