The Corps and Vietnam Remembered

The Corps and Vietnam Remembered documents the memories of Marine Frank James Michael's Costanza's four years of service in the United States Marine Corps. The book discusses his decision to join the Marines, basic training, Navy schools, two tours in Vietnam, and his decision to muster out. The book closes with his difficult reentry into civilian life and somewhat tumultuous entry into the University of Maryland as an undergraduate Electrical Engineering student. It has some very graphic observations on war's effects on young servicemen.

Frank started compiling this book from notes and observations he had written over the years after his youngest son, Anthony (Tony), questioned him on Father’s Day 2008 about his time served in Vietnam. Since his dad didn't talk much of his time in Vietnam, Tony wondered if he had any disturbing stories about Vietnam. Half way through Frank’s response, Tony stopped his father and said what he was relaying was very hard to listen to.

The 2008 conversation served as the impetus for Frank to gather his notes and memories and put them to paper, which resulted in an unpublished book for his family, friends, and children to read as a glimpse into his formative young adult years.

The unpublished book has stirred many interesting conversations over the years and has helped Frank deal with many issues that he kept hidden within for decades. The process of putting strings of internal thoughts and emotions to paper has been very cathartic. Several readers have encouraged him to publish it more formally. The book you have before you is a product of that encouragement.