“Call Me Sergeant Rock” by Dan Rodgers Is a Gritty, Unflinching Journey From College Dreamer to Vietnam War Hero

In “Call Me Sergeant Rock: How a Boy Becomes a Man in Vietnam,” author and Vietnam veteran Dan Rodgers delivers a raw, gripping memoir that takes readers deep into the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War.

From his days as a young college student with dreams of professional baseball to his transformation into a battle-hardened squad leader in the midst of one of the most intense conflicts of the 20th century, Rodgers tells a story of survival, sacrifice, and unshakable faith.

Drafted into the Army just two days before marrying his wife, Sue, Rodgers left behind his studies, sports ambitions, and racecar driving dreams for the uncertainty of war. In Vietnam, he became a sergeant and squad leader, directly participating in the 1968 Tet Offensive—a brutal and costly campaign where his company lost 126 men in less than two hours.

Amid the chaos, Rodgers earned the Silver Star for heroism after rescuing five soldiers trapped in an armored tank. He was wounded twice, earning two Purple Hearts, and faced the daily mental and physical toll of combat. Through vivid detail and unfiltered honesty, “Call Me Sergeant Rock” chronicles not only the physical battles but the psychological ones.

Rodgers writes about the moral challenges of war—navigating the pressure to abandon values, the emotional strain of recording the names of fallen comrades, and the haunting weight of survival. The memoir also captures moments of extraordinary faith, including his encounter with a real-life guardian angel in the heat of battle. This moment solidified his belief in divine intervention.

The book began as a personal outlet—a way for Rodgers to manage the lingering effects of PTSD. Encouraged by doctors, he organized his scattered notes and memories into a chronological narrative. The result is a compelling account that moves from his California upbringing to the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam. Readers are invited into the intimate details of his journey, from near-death experiences to the bonds formed with fellow soldiers under fire.

More than a war memoir, “Call Me Sergeant Rock” is a testament to resilience, leadership, and unwavering belief. Rodgers explores the limits of human endurance, asking how much the mind can bear before breaking, and showing that faith—both in God and in one’s comrades—can be the difference between life and death.

“Call Me Sergeant Rock” is available now in both print and digital formats through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and other major outlets. Readers seeking a powerful

firsthand account of the Vietnam War, told with humility and grit, will find Rodgers’ story unforgettable.

About the Author

Dan Rodgers, writing under the pen name Danny E Rodgers, was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, serving as a squad leader and sergeant during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

He earned the Silver Star for valor, two Purple Hearts for combat wounds, and carries the memories of the men he fought alongside. Originally a college student studying pre-med, a skilled baseball player, and a race car driver with NASCAR ambitions, Rodgers’ life changed forever with his draft notice.

Today, he lives in Magnolia, Texas, with his wife, Sue, and their family of three children and eight grandchildren. In addition to “Call Me Sergeant Rock,” Rodgers has authored “Infinity Stops Here.” Outside of writing, he enjoys racing cars and jet boats, and remains deeply connected to his community of readers and veterans.

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