Circle of Helmets: Poetry and Letters of the Vietnam War

by Rick St. John

Circle of Helmets is a poignant account of one infantryman's tour in Vietnam --told through his letters written just hours after actual combat, coupled with raw and intense poems about those experiences written by that same man thirty years later.

111 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Rick St John --- story-teller, poet and historian --- has authored a wide range of creative works, from light-hearted, children’s stories to poetry of the Vietnam War. In his latest book, Tiger Bravo’s War, he returns to Vietnam to chronicle the exploits of a company of young paratroopers in the 101st Airborne Division during some of the war’s heaviest fighting. A story he knows only so well, as he was one of those paratroopers. With two successful careers behind him, retiring as a US Army Colonel in 1993 and as a Group Executive of a global, financial transactions processing company in 2012, Rick is now working on his “bucket list” - - - teaching and writing. He lives and writes in the woods, by a small lake, in South Georgia.

Reviews

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Helmets is a poignant and very personal portrayal of the Vietnam War. Rick St John recounts his experiences through notes, letters, and vivid poetry. I was deeply moved by St John's story and have a much better understanding of a soldier's daily struggle. Highly recommended read!

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching and emotional read.

[Mary Nee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book and shared with my friends.

[Matt Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very unique perspective on combat and the life of a soldier. St. John mixes poetry and storytelling into a literary work that draws the reader back to that era and makes you feel the emotions as he describes them.