Silver Star & Purple Heart

The two types of combat related medals which the author earned during the Vietnam conflict. He actually earned two Purple Hearts; the first for a minor wound to his hand, and the second for the life-changing injuries he received from a land mine explosion.

The Riviera

The name of a dangerous stretch of swamp ground in Vietnam where most of Puller's men were injured picked off by; enemy snipers, booby traps, and land mines.

Stubbies

The foreshortened artificial limbs which Lewis Puller, Jr. was taught to use while convalescing in the hospital, before he was given a permanent, custom-made set.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A large, compelling black granite structure which lists the names of every American killed in combat during Vietnam. Completed in 1982, it provided hope and a long overdue sense of appreciation to many Vietnam vets, Lewis Puller included.