Personal Narrative: My First Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War between the North Communist and South Republic, my father served in the Air Force Base in DaNang. Being in the military family, we had to move frequently. My parents felt it was not safe for all of us to stay at the military post when war escalated 1975. My parents decided that my mother would take us back home first, and he would meet up with us later. My mother asked my grandmother and aunts caring for us while she waited for my father in the city. Everyone seemed panic and waited for the loved ones. We did not hear anything from my father. My mother went to ask around, but it seemed like everyone was in the same boat. All the road and airport were closed so no one could go in or out. It was an anxious moment …show more content…
And how terrifying boat people suffered while at sea and pirates. It was so crowded inside the flimsy boat that carried around 100 people. On the third day at sea, we ran out of food and water. Most people suffered from sea sickness, hunger, and thirst. It was a desperate time. We were so happy when a boat appeared from afar. We thought they were fishermen and asked for help. They jumped over the boat with big knives and hammers and started searching for gold and jewelry. They took all valuables and left. At night time, we were attacked again by a second group of pirates. We so scared and tried to get away but could not outrun their bigger, faster boat. It was fearful. They were more violent and demanded everyone to take out their valuables or they would kill us all. They got mad because they did not get more valuables since the first group took most of it, and threatened to sink our boat. So they made a signal to pull the boat apart. No one had the energy to fight back or had weapons to defend ourselves. We did whatever they commended. I remember the feeling of dread when I heard adults yelling, “They are going to sink the boat and kill us all!” or “Beg them for mercy.” My fear grew while looking for my mother, little sister, and cousins. Everyone was scared and cried. We begged for our lives. My limbs were flaccid out of fear then my mind went blank. We did not know what would happen next. There was no hope. I could not

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