A painfully accurate description of the life of a combat infantryman serving in the jungles of Vietnam. For those who never served, it’s an eye-opener. For those who did, it serves as a reminder of that life long ago. "Cherries" presents an unvarnished account, and upon completion, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the trials these young men faced throughout the year. It's a narrative that grips the reader throughout. In 1970, John Kowalski was among many young, inexperienced soldiers sent to Vietnam to fight in a war that was already controversial. Referred to as “Cherries” by their veteran counterparts, these recruits were thrown into a brutal reality. Most were unprepared to handle the intense mental, emotional, and physical challenges of combat. Facing enemy fire and witnessing death firsthand sparks a deep, irreversible change. The author excels at storytelling. Readers will cringe, weep, laugh, shudder, and feel this whole story as if they were there, and not want to set it down. Don’t miss this riveting war story by award-winning author John Podlaski.The Third Edition now includes thirty-eight personal photos.

Amazon #1 Best Seller in its category for several weeks. 2020 Rave Review Book Club Awards: BOOK OF THE YEAR John Podlaski tells a military story like few others can. He is a gifted writer and will make all of your senses come alive. Written with great attention to detail, putting the reader solidly in John’s shoes. Cleverly Written, Dynamic Story Telling An amazing story that brought a night of terror into perspective. Step into the shadows of the Vietnam War and join two young soldiers, alone in a listening post (LP), in the pitch-black jungle of Vietnam. The night seems to go on forever, and during times when nothing is happening, John  Kowalski’s mind wanders back to memories of frightening situations he and his friends experienced growing up. innocent but equally terrifying at the time. As kids, we instinctively run fast to escape imaginary or perceived danger. In childhood, there are imaginary monsters in the dark. In war, the monsters in the darkness are real. Thirty enemy soldiers stop for a break just a few feet away from them. If they run…they die. If they fight…they die. They must confront their fears and find the courage to stand their ground. A gripping tale of survival and bravery.