WAR IS NOT ALL HELL

About the Book

As strange as it may seem, there is a lot of room for humor and laughter in a war zone environment. Maybe the reason is that when so much sadness and danger is all around, one seems to welcome anything that is remotely funny. During my two years in Vietnam, I oft en felt that humor and laughter were the major factors that contributed to having a positive attitude.

I talk about a number of the people, places and very meaningful events that have proven to be extremely monumental in my life and my desire to make a difference, at least in my mind. It is dedicated to those that have served and are currently serving in our military forces, and especially to those comrades in arms who paid the full measure. To be sure, our many freedoms, our opportunities, and our safe living environment in the USA did not and still do not come without a price.

This story is for friends, comrades and any others that have had similar experiences. I hope to shed a bit of a different light on the subject of war with an emphasis on the humor that oft en happens, which I believe is what gets us through. I have cherished this time and know that it had a great deal to do with developing the positive attributes of my character that I may have and the way I approach and live my life.

About the Author

William R. Covington was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, the eldest son of Ralph and Juanita Covington, two of the most loving parents that anyone could have. He played and lettered in baseball, football, and basketball at Rockingham High School. Upon graduation, he was awarded a baseball scholarship to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He received his BS degree in Physical Education in 1962 and entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant, Medical Services Corp. While stationed at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, 1st Lieutenant Covington applied for and was accepted for Fixed Wing Flight Training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Upon graduation in 1965, 1st Lt. Covington attended and graduated from the Rotary Wing Qualification Course at Ft. Wolters, Texas in May of 1965. After course completion, he was assigned to the 498th Air Ambulance Company, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas as a Medical Evacuation Pilot. Among other awards, the author received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart, Air Medal with 23 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star, Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Korean Mung Tu for services performed during his two years in the Republic of Vietnam. After a 25-year career in the U.S. Army, Lieutenant Colonel Covington worked as a Mortgage Banker, a PGA Golf Tour caddy and as an Aviation Manager in the anti-drug program for an American contractor in Bogota, Columbia. He is now retired and resides in Florida.