Saving Lives: the Stories of Corpsmen, Medics, Dustoff Pilots, Nurses, and Doctors Who Served During Vietnam War

Honoring Vietnam War medics, nurses, doctors, corpsmen, and dustoff pilots, the narrative interlaces personal interviews into a vivid tapestry of bravery and sacrifice. Firsthand accounts of life-saving heroism reveal the enduring legacy of those who risked all amid wartime chaos. Dr. Harry J. Kantrovich retired from the Navy after 23 years of service as a Command Master Chief. Harry is an award-winning actor, director and playwright who has been involved with theatre for over 50 years, working in college, community, and professional theatres throughout the United States and Europe. Harry’s first two original plays SHOAH (in cooperation with the Claude Lanzmann family and his estate) and The Greatest Generation Speaks (in collaboration with renowned journalist Tom Brokaw) have been nationally and internationally acclaimed. His third play, co-written by Major Bruce “Doc” Norton, USMC (Ret), Voices From Vietnam, had its world premiere in November 2024, and a companion book was released simultaneously. Saving Lives will again be released simultaneously with the play of the same name’s world premiere. Saving Lives is a tribute to the “life savers” during the Vietnam War: the medics, corpsmen, nurses, doctors, and dustoff pilots who not only rescued but tried desperately to repair the estimated 200,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines, and civilians who were sick or wounded during that war. The stories contained in these pages are “in their own words” from interviews conducted many years later with these incredible men and women. Their stories of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication will never be forgotten.