VIETNAM -- 1967
PROLOGUE
The following story is a combination of memory and Sexual fantasy!
There are elements of Vietnam(and Bangcock), that must not be forgotten.
WhenAmerican forces arrived in the Mekong delta, they didn't know whatto do. The Navy examined its archives, and studied how the Northcontrolled the Mississippi during the Civil War. They came up withthe "Swift Boats." At first, they modified World War II HigginsBoats (Landing craft). Later the Navy combined the Higgins LandingCraft with the design of WW II "PT" boats, and the result was the"Swift Boat". It is details like this that must not be forgotten,thus the details on "Hooches" and Bangcock in 1967. Ordinarily,those details would be edited out, but they must not be forgotten!
There were no "MagicChemicals" in 1967, and NO AIDS/HIV.
Itwas NOT necessary to use condoms to prevent deadly diseases in 1967. At that time, the major Sexually Transmitted Diseases were Syphilisand Gonorrhea, which could be treated by a visit to the doctor. Afterthe experiences of WW II, solders were not punished if they got aVenereal Disease, but were treated by Army doctors with no chargesentered on military records. There were rumors (in Vietnam) of VDs that did not respond to drugs.
In1967, it was a "Draft" Army. The Government sent to Vietnam, men,some of whom, did not want to be there! As you had to be of legal ageto be drafted, the depicted sex was between adults! In 1967, therewas no "legal age" in Bangcock. Those who were sexually mature,began an active sex life regardless of chronological age; thus thesex with Saravit/Jonathon was legal in Thailand. Likewise, theOriental attitude towards sex was different than in America. InThailand (then), homosexuals were viewed as part of the HumanCondition, and integrated into the community with no negativeconnotations. "SEX WORKERS" was an honorable profession (in1967). Many women worked as sex workers in their youth, andaccumulated a dowry. They then married and became members of society.That was in the `60s, I hope the attitude (there) has not changed!
Inmy writings, stories are most important! I have had my fill ofdisappearing clothing and the magical appearances of condoms, and theloosing track of things. I have tried to be as realistic as possible,even in the fantasy parts! I am also a very opinionated person, and Ihave attempted to keep my personal beliefs out of these stories.Unfortunately, that has not always been possible!
Anyway, the stories of"Vietnam -- 1967" is a combination of my memories of Vietnam in1967; my trip to Bangcock; and sexual fantasies. The sex in thisstory did not take place; it is a product of my imagination combinedwith some wishful thinking. Some incidents did happen, such as themovement of JFK's body; the "hooches" in Vietnam, and thetourist activities in Bangcock; along with other activities!
Whatfollows is essentially a memory story, except I tell it as I wishedit to have happened, not as it actually happened.
Idiscovered that writing a story is not easy! You have to get beyondthe "he said" stage, and decide what should be dialogue, and whatshould be narrative; letting the mind of the reader "fill in theGaps" and keep the time line straight. The writer must also decidewhen to give details of an incident, and when details are notnecessary.
Idecided to include in a lot of details that would normally be editedout. I have left them in for the sake of authenticity. This is astory from my memory of 1967. I tell the story from the viewpoint of"Looking Back", to a time when word usage was very different.There were no "Gays" in 1967, but there were "Queers". Beersix-packs were made out of die cut cardboard, not formed plastic, andbeer was sold in glass bottles with caps that had to be removed witha "Church Key". When I have used modern terms, they are enclosedin quotation marks. Because of my inclusions of 1967 details, it is along story. My biggest transgression to standard grammar is that Itend to Capitalize important words; a tendency which I hope I caughtall. I consider myself to be primarily a story teller, and the sex inthe story can be quite perfunctory!
Thisstory must have the usual warnings. If you are under 18, do not read.Likewise, if your community has made this material illegal, do notread. It goes without saying, please send a donation to Nifty to keepthis site
"Up"and free.
Enjoy my memory story!