They Swam with the Fish

They Swam with the Fish

by Bob Loewer

"A Phoenix Advisor's Pictorial Memoir: The Vietnam War and Its Aftermath"

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They Swam with the Fish

They Swam with the Fish by Bob Loewer

Details

War:

Vietnam War

Military Unit:

US Army

True Story:

Yes

Biography:

Yes

Region:

Asia

Page Count:

286

Published Date:

2021

ISBN13:

9781736673904

Description

Main Themes and Topics

"They Swam with the Fish" by Bob Loewer offers an intriguing dive into the complexities of wartime intelligence and personal resilience. The central themes revolve around the intricacies of counterintelligence operations during the Vietnam War, the cultural interactions between American soldiers and Vietnamese allies, and the psychological toll of combat. Loewer's memoir sheds light on his role in the Phoenix Program and delves into his firsthand experiences with the Vietnamese Intel squad and the US 2/60 Recon platoon. The book also touches on his post-war life and career, including his work in software development and white hat hacking. A prominent aspect is Loewer's candid discussion on living with PTSD, providing a raw and personal reflection on his ongoing struggles and triumphs over fifty years later.

Writing Style and Tone

Bob Loewer employs a straightforward, yet deeply evocative style that draws readers into the heart of his experiences. His narrative is characterized by stark honesty and vivid descriptions, painting a picture of life in the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War. The tone is reflective and occasionally somber, as Loewer recounts not only the strategic and tactical elements of his assignments but also the emotional and psychological impacts they imparted. His approach to storytelling is direct and unflinching, providing an authentic recounting of real-world conflicts and their enduring legacy on those who lived through them.

Brief Summary

"They Swam with the Fish" serves as an open window into Bob Loewer's service during the Vietnam War as a counterintelligence special agent. The book narrates his experiences in the Mekong Delta, where he worked closely with the Vietnamese Intel squad and the US reconnaissance platoon. Beyond recounting military strategies and operations, Loewer shares his journey of adapting to life after war, transitioning into a career in software development and hacking. Significantly, the book discusses his development of the controversial Carnivore packet sniffer and his ongoing battle with PTSD, offering insight into the lasting effects of combat experiences on personal and professional life.

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