"Vietnam, No Regrets" Author J. Richard Watkins on the Sunbury Press Books Show Artwork

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"Vietnam, No Regrets" Author J. Richard Watkins on the Sunbury Press Books Show

January 21, 2025

While numerous films, TV shows, and books have been written about Vietnam, J. Richard Watkins offers a personal tale of his military experience, and how this shaped his life, in "Vietnam, No Regrets -- One Soldier's Tour of Duty."

Watkins pulls no punches in this interview with Sunbury Press Founder Lawrence Knorr. He discusses growing up in Brockton, Massachusetts, and how his decision to join the US Army out of high school and his request for combat assignment were easy. Watkins discusses details only fellow soldiers would know, such as the identifiable report of the AK-47, why the bandages Watkins and his fellows carried were meant to be for them alone, and sage advice an officer gave him about leaving what he experienced on the battlefield.

J. Richard Watkins served in the 25th Infantry Division during his tour in Vietnam, rose to the official rank of Specialist Four, and won 16 Service Medals. A constable for the City of Brockton until his retirement in 2001, Watkins serves as a Eucharistic Minister and is active in veterans' organizations, including the VFW, DAV, and ITAM.