Through the Water and the Fire: A Swift Boat Sailor's Story

Veteran Charles Hunt, author of Through the Water and the Fire: A Swift Boat Sailors Story, shares his experience of being a young man who joined the Navy in 1969 to avoid close up combat in Vietnam but ended up being a floating target deep in the most remote areas of the Mekong Delta and Ca Mau Peninsula. From his many letters he sent home and his personal memories, he tells the stories of life and death aboard a fifty-foot patrol boat. He shares his emotions as the months of boredom are highlighted by moments of fear and adrenalin. His feelings about freedom, family, and the war protests back home are intermingled with his countdown to when he can go home.

The Vietnam experience did not end for many veterans when they returned home. Petty Officer Hunt's story continues with his readjustment to civilian life, his emotional reactions to the trial of Lt. Calley of the Mi Lai massacre, his participation in the relocation of Vietnamese refugees, his involvement in the 2004 Presidential election, as well as the effects of his exposure to Agent Orange.

Hunt's book is not only a true war story but also a history lesson, an autobiography, and a testimony to the love and grace of God as he shares how the prayers of a faithful pastor while Hunt was in grave danger eventually led to his decision to accept Jesus Christ.