Submitted by: Jim Squadrito

Category: Books

Dance of the Chameleon, a Vietnam Medic's Story is an eye witness account of both heroic and shameful events occurring during the Vietnam War. Decorated medic, Jim Squadrito, served in three venues in Vietnam where the experiences he recounts in the book were far too common. Rampant drug use among soldiers, sex trafficking of Vietnamese women as young as twelve and thirteen years old on and off base, ill trained officers, and woefully prepared medics including myself were common realities during the war. Jim tells of incidences of soldiers he had to patch up who had shot themselves to get home, of dead soldiers who were shot by friendly fire in retaliation for their attempts at troop discipline, and racial infighting that mirrored the conflicts of the civil rights movement stateside. Arms trafficking and drug and artifact smuggling were standard crimes perpetrated by soldiers and officers.

Fortunately, these and other inglorious moments were counterbalanced by self-sacrifice and heroism, Jim, who, chameleon-like, changed his colors from the spoiled frat boy to a productive citizen, recounts his personal journey of growth from cynicism to spirituality. After leaving the service and left scarred by his experiences, he would talk with other Vietnam soldiers at vets gatherings. These sessions were cathartic for him and provided a motivation to write this book, which he hopes will be a source of healing for his comrades who still haven't recovered from the ravages of the Vietnam conflict.

There are over one hundred thousand medics in the United States who walked the tightrope of saving lives and being pulled into actual combat when enemy troops ignored the Geneva Convention protocols. This book is a tribute to them who put their lives of soldiers first above their own.

About the author:

Jim Squadrito is a decorated medic and a successful businessman. He was honorably discharged following his service in the Vietnam but suffered nightmares for many years. He gradually confronted the events during his tour that caused him unrest. His journey brought him from the brink of despair to the ultimate reintegration of his ideals after a long struggle to adjust to daily life back in the United States. He now is active in veterans groups and charities. He lectures undergraduates frequently at Bryant University and acts as a volunteer liaison with alumni groups. He is inducted in the university's Athletic Hall of Fame.