Remembering the many faces of Vietnam

Thursday, March 25, 2004
Nancy Malcom/Daily Mail Ivan N. Pierce with wife Gail, both have busy schedules since the recent release of his first book, "An Infantry Lieutenant's Vietnam," which is available online and at a variety of local outlets. The book is a collection of Pierce's experiences during the Vietnam War.

By Nancy Malcom

In 1998, Ivan N. Pierce of El Dorado Springs was deathly ill. He had always been an active man and found himself only able to work for half- hour increments. Seeing his father's frustration with the inactivity, his son suggested he write about his life.

The question, "Dad, what did you do in Vietnam?" prompted him to start writing about his war experiences.

"I started just writing what I remembered," Pierce explained. "Then I looked at my slides, and wrote a bunch of small incidents, what I remembered from the pictures. I had a big pile of notes and photos and had to organize that, that was a long process."

Pierce's father was an avid photographer and Pierce had been packing a camera everywhere he went since he was young. "I always had it with me, and took pictures all the time." Even while at war in Vietnam.

The writing process got him through his physical problems and kept him busy. His wife, Gail, remained patiently supportive through it all. "I did a lot of quilting," she said, "and left him alone to write." Pierce laughed, "She helped a lot with the editing too, particularly about one point." She shook her head and said, "There was one thing I still don't like, I tried to get him to leave out the part about an animal that makes a sound like a disgusting word, the worse word in the world. We had a battle over that, but he said the people who had been there in Vietnam wouldn't believe he had been there if he didn't put it right."

After four years of writing, he sent the finished book to a literary agent. "That was a mistake," he admitted. "I got discouraged with the cost and the process. I took it back and laid it aside and started working on something else."

A year later he decided to give it another try. After more than a year of eight- to 10- hour days reconstructing and editing his draft, he was ready to publish.

"I decided to self publish," Pierce said. He checked several local printers because he didn't want to pay freight to have the books shipped from other states. After having his book lost when one printer's computer crashed, being told his format wasn't compatible with another's system, he finally found a publisher to fit his needs in Fort Scott.

"If you decide to self-publish, do your research," Pierce advises authors. "Absolutely check out all your options for self publishing. I found price differences up to $5,000 for 1,000 books."

Pierce remained very involved in the publishing process. He edited three galley drafts before agreeing on a final one. Like the writing, the publishing was a family project.

"My son-in-law and I designed the front cover," Pierce explained. "The back cover was done by emerging graphic artist Chris Wurlich, in exchange for an autographed copy of the book. He also helped with preparing the photos."

Gail added, "His youngest son works at a barber shop at Ft. Leavenworth and arranged for a book signing there."

Writing the book was more than something to do. Like many warriors recounting war stories, the telling often opens old wounds.

"Looking at the photos called up the memories of the different incidents," Pierce said softly and became silent for a few seconds. Then he said simply, "I had lots of sleepless nights while writing this book."

Although he never imagined himself a writer before, he now has another book in mind. "I have a novel nearly completed."

But his own next book may have to wait a while longer. "My oldest son is just back from Baghdad and wants me to help write a book about the differences between Vietnam and the Middle East. He's an Air Force Critical Care Nurse, I am so proud of those guys." Pierce's smile broadened into a grin.

"When he went overseas I told him to keep notes on everything. When he came back he had a four-inch notebook of notes from his time in Afghanistan."

With the possibility of more books from himself and his son, Ivan Jr., Pierce has started his own publishing house Web site. Like everything else, the Web site is a family effort.

"My son-in-law designed my logo," Pierce explained. "It's on the inside cover of my book. I got out of Vietnam as a captain, then retired from active duty as a master sergeant, that's how I came up with the name."

After serving in several areas of the military most of his life, Pierce had thought he might spend more time fishing.

"It's been two years since I went and I'm ready to go. I got all the equipment, I just don't have the time now with this book out." "This book is different than any I've read about Vietnam, and I've read most of them."

Pierce said about his book, "An Infantry Lieutenant's Vietnam," "The book is factual and is written from a different perspective," Pierce added. "It's not political and not vulgar ..." Gail interrupted, "Except for that one word."

"An Infantry Lieutenant's Vietnam" can be ordered from the Web site http://capsarge.com or found locally at Healy Computers, J.B. Luster Realty, Krisie's Barbershop and The Sun in El Dorado Springs and at Cavener's Office Supply and Book Store in Nevada.

Pierce will have several of his photographs on display April 3 at the Main Street Nevada Art Show at 115 West Cherry in downtown Nevada.

He also plans to conduct book signings at the Stockton Library Book Fest May 1 in Stockton, and at Branson for the VVA State meeting June 5-7; at Shipsewana, Ind., June 24-27 for his infantry reunion; and at Branson again July 14-17 for his Fourth Infantry reunion.

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