John Podlaski “served in Vietnam during 1970 and 1971 as an infantryman with both the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division and the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division.  He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.  He has spent the years since Vietnam working in various management positions within the automotive industry and has recently received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. 

John now works in sales and logistics for a Belgian company that supplies gears and shafts for transmissions and diesel engines.  He is a member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and lives with his wife of 37 years, Janice, in Sterling Heights, Michigan.  They own a 1997 Harley Davidson Heritage and are both members of the Great Lakes Chapter of Southeast Michigan Harley Owners’ Group.”  John Podlaski is the author of Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel

Cherries : A Vietnam War Novel John Podlaski  More Info

According to the book description of Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel, “It's 1970 - they're 18 years old - drafted and trained by the Army Infantry for five months - sent to Vietnam with others their age to fight in an unpopular war - dubbed "Cherries" by their more seasoned peers - nothing had prepared them for this nightmare - forced to become men overnight - working hard to learn the ropes and earn the acceptance and trust of fellow soldiers. Once they come under fire and witness death firsthand, a life-changing transition begins. This eye-opening account offers readers an in-depth look into the everyday struggles of these young infantry soldiers. You'll feel their fear, awe, drama, and sorrow, witness the bravery and sometimes laugh at their humor. In Vietnam, battles weren't just fought against NVA and VC soldiers - personal battles occurred daily as these teenagers had to fend off the many crawling, flying and scurrying insects, rats, snakes, spiders and other creatures that lived in these dense jungles. Some were magnificent - most were deadly! Buy "Cherries" and read about it for yourself!”