In Jungle Warriors: An Old Soldier's Story, J. L. "Pete" Peterson, US Army Special Forces, takes a straightforward approach toward relaying his personal experience in the Vietnam War. He brings history to life, sharing the secrets and encounters that surviving soldiers hold close to their hearts.
SFC (P) Peterson's stories detail the tough life of a private soldier in the early sixties, and his training and selection into the Army Special Forces-an honor only a few out of a hundred would ever receive. From there, the narrative follows his joining the Fifth Special Forces Group in the Republic of Vietnam, their retraining of indigenous troops, and cooperating with them on combat missions. Jungle warfare, tactics, and close combat situations combine with photos from his personal collection to illustrate an Army Special Forces soldier's daily life during the war.
For the world, the war ended, but for those who served and survived, the sights and sounds are etched into their hearts and minds to this day.
About the Author: J. L. "Pete" Peterson was born in Bradford, Pennsylvania, into a family with a long history of patriots, warriors, and service to their country. Now known as SFC (P) Jerald Peterson, MOC 11B4SLA, infantry intelligence operations specialist, Peterson served in the US Army Special Forces from February 1962 to November 1982, with a short break to attend college. During his military career, Peterson served in five groups-the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and tenth-including operations in the Vietnam War and the Salvadoran Insurgency.
He then began what would be a twenty-two-year career, working as a HUMINT intelligence officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency.
SFC (P) Peterson earned many service awards, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Wings, RECONDO Badge, Jungle Expert Badge, Bronze Star Medals with "V" device, two Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Bolivian Ranger Badge, and Vietnamese Parachute Wings.
