Escape From Nam

A semi-autobiographical, fictional memoir based on a journal that Armand A. Ruhlman kept in Vietnam during his tour of duty as a U.S. Army Private, from January 1970 to December 1970. He was assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company, II Field Force, III Corps, a compound on the far edge of Long Binh Army Base. The protagonist of the story, Private Murphy, is a former draft-dodger who has been drafted – almost lifted out of his couch potato existence down in New Orleans, as he was waiting for the next Mardi Gras. Private Murphy finds himself in a non-combat but occasionally dramatic environment – serving as a clerk typist in the Office of Awards & Decorations– very much in the rear echelon. The fictional piece portrays the yearlong day-in and day-out routine of Private Murphy - as he lives for the moment when he can escape from Nam.