From Classrooms to Claymores: A Teacher at War in Vietnam

This excellent memoir features a non-professional’s firsthand view of war. Ches Schneider was one month shy of his 21st birthday and a schoolteacher (like Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan ) when he was drafted for Vietnam. From 1969 to 1971, he served with two combat units: the 1st Infantry Division and the 1st Air Vietnam. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star for Valor, and an Army Corps Conduct Medal for 25 combat assaults. This is Ches Schneider’s story.