U.S. Marine Vietnam Sacrifice

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

U.S. Marine Vietnam Sacrifice is a memoir by Raymond Isaac Lindsey, a Vietnam veteran, of his experiences after the war, written by his wife, Crystal Mary Lindsey. At nineteen, Raymond (Ray) fought in the Vietnam War against children recruited by the Viet Cong. The experience left him with physical and mental injuries. His therapy and treatment in Japan caused more harm, and when he returned home, he experienced symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Despite having a loving family and friends, Ray felt like he was in another world most of the time, which affected his relationships. He could not sleep because of his narcolepsy, and when he finally closed his eyes, he had nightmares. Ray eventually met Crystal, an Australian nurse whose father had experienced PTSD. The two fell in love, and she brought light into his dark life and helped him confront his demons.

Ray’s story is an emotional tale that raises awareness about PTSD. The book highlights symptoms of PTSD, which include anxiety, mood swings, depression, and sensitivity to sounds and smells. Ray experienced all these and more but did not let them defeat him. U.S. Marine Vietnam Sacrifice is non-linear, but it is easy to follow. It contains flashbacks from Ray's life before the war and the circumstances that led him to join the military. His sense of adventure and freedom was short-lived, and I felt terrible for him. I loved his diligence in trying to recover. He tried many activities like motorcycling, painting, playing golf, and joining singles groups to cope with his trauma. Most people experiencing depression and anxiety fail to try and end up committing suicide or being consumed by the darkness. The book is well written and organized, with pictures of Ray and a consistent format. The picture of the military boots and helmet at the beginning of every chapter was a nice touch. Crystal Mary Lindsey wrote passionately, and I appreciate her sharing Ray’s story with the world.

“By this, we know love because He (Jesus) laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” John 3:16.
This story revolves around a young country boy named Raymond, who grew up in a small rural town in Tennessee.
Ray is a patriot and has always dreamed of serving his country.

In 1968 he was conscripted and joined the Marines to go and fight in Vietnam.
At first, he is excited to go, but soon he experiences war horrors. He witnesses death and destruction daily and is forced to participate in brutal combats that leave him emotionally scarred. As Ray’s tour of duty progresses, he begins to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
He struggles with flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety and finds it difficult to adjust to civilian life when he returns home. Ray’s PTSD affects every aspect of his life, and he has trouble sleeping and maintaining relationships.
He becomes withdrawn and isolated, using alcohol and medical