"For the Love of Vietnam" now available

August proceeds were donated to The Maui People's Fund to assist victims of the '23 fires

Happy Birthday to me! (▰˘◡˘▰)

In a stroke of good timing, my Vietnam story is available today—my birthday—as both a Kindle ebook and a paperback.

Another note on timing: Just 10 days before this release, my childhood home of Maui suffered from wildfires on many parts of the island and destroyed the entire historic town of Lahaina. Like many, I feel nearly helpless in the face of despair. One small way I can help is to donate the initial proceeds to Maui assistance funds.

Book description:

It is a beautiful area and so quiet and peaceful (by day). By night it is war. ~ letter home, Nancy L. Welch, February 1975

It’s not often that a family moves to a war zone. But in 1974, Saigon was supposedly safe. The U.S. government had declared it so after the Paris Peace Accords the year before. CIA officer James E. Welch certainly believed it to be so.

So when his family joined him after two long years of separation there were high hopes for good times. However, it wasn’t long before the truth crept in. As the family struggled to maintain a normal routine–visiting the zoo, going to the beach, taking river cruises–myriad threats thrust themselves into their everyday lives–violent demonstrations, Viet Cong scares, and the sound and sight of artillery fire. 

By March 1975, things were truly falling apart. Soon the family would flee, but what of Mr. Welch and his work? A confirmed company man, he stayed behind to do his duty. Soon, however, he was torn between following orders and abandoning his South Vietnamese partners or striking out on his own . . . 

Using his expertise in psychological warfare and a heartfelt dedication to doing what's right, he orchestrated the evacuation of 1000 people despite the U.S. Embassy's lockdown. 

Filled with warmth, insight, and a thrilling last-minute escape, this telling of the evacuation of the  CIA’s “ultra-secret” propaganda radio station is the one Vietnam story you won’t want to miss. 

The author and her father on Vung Tau Beach, 1974

In Praise of For the Love of Vietnam:

Kat Fitzpatrick’s For the Love of Vietnam is simply a great read. The final scene, reminiscent of the ending of Schindler’s List, is sure to leave readers with tears in their eyes.

~ Paul Block, author of Song of the Mohicans and 15 other historical novels

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Kat Fitzpatrick brings readers a fresh perspective. Through personal letters, poignant memoirs, family photographs, and published material, she constructs a compelling narrative through which readers will better understand the scope of the Vietnam problem.

~ Karen Kaiser, author of Saigon Diary (publication pending), librarian for Saigon’s Phoenix Study Group School, 1974-75

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Kat Fitzpatrick was a child in Vietnam during the last years of the American occupation. In this gripping story, she gives factual, conversational, and rare glimpses into aspects of the American War in Vietnam to all those who dare to know.

~ Nanson Serrianne, MSE  

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Reminder: Proceeds from sales of both the ebook and the paperback in August 2023 will be donated to a vetted Maui organization.

Please consider sharing this post. I am particularly interested in connecting with teachers and librarians who will host me as a visiting author or speaker.

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If you’d like to take a meditative moment for the island, see Dan Rather’s essay for Maui. The video featuring Keali’i Reichel’s song Maunaleo is exquisite and moving.

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For general situation details, visit Maui Information Guide, Fire Updates.

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