Vietnam War Memoir Brings Humor and Humanity to Military Medicine

Crescent Spring, KY, USA – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, July 22, 2025

In his candid and often humorous memoir, “Mirth, Medicine and the Military: A Vietnam Survivor’s Memoir with Poetic License,” Dr. Eugene Edynak takes readers on a journey through his unexpected military service. Drafted before completing his first year of surgical residency, Dr. Edynak traded a traditional medical path for a role in the Airborne-Special Forces. His unforgettable experiences as a field doctor during the Vietnam War offer a fascinating blend of resilience, ingenuity, and levity under pressure.

Through richly detailed anecdotes, Dr. Edynak shares how he navigated military bureaucracy with humor and resourcefulness, including flour-bombing an instructor, creating an impromptu trauma unit for Special Forces mercenaries, and trading “authentic” Viet Cong flags for vital medical supplies. From surviving jungle warfare to earning the respect of indigenous Montagnards, his story captures the grit, sacrifice, and camaraderie of wartime service.

About the Book
“Mirth, Medicine and the Military” recounts the journey of a reluctant doctor who found himself in the heart of war. Despite the harsh conditions, Dr. Edynak’s quick thinking and sense of humor shaped a unique and effective approach to military medicine. His account highlights the extraordinary measures required to care for troops in a combat zone, as well as the bonds forged amidst adversity.

With poignant reflections and vivid storytelling, Dr. Edynak provides a deeply human perspective on his wartime experiences. From hilarious pranks to the heavy responsibilities of saving lives, the book offers a remarkable window into the life of a Vietnam-era military doctor.

About the Author
Capt. Eugene M. Edynak, M.D., is a board-certified surgeon and former military physician. Drafted during his surgical residency, he served in Vietnam as a field doctor for Special Forces mercenary troops, earning widespread recognition for his dedication and ingenuity. One of the most decorated medical draftees to return from Vietnam, Dr. Edynak went on to serve as an academic surgeon at several universities. His memoir reflects his commitment to medicine, humor, and his fellow servicemen.