Thunder in the Night      
A Sailor's Perspective on Vietnam - by Raymond S. Kopp
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Feedback and Reviews for "Thunder in the Night"

 

 

 

 

Author's award and
review from the
Military Writer's
Society of America

   

From: Peggy Amidon - M.ED Counseling Psychology, Temple University
Executive Director R.I.SK Seminars Inc.
  Having spent much of the 70s counseling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in veterans, Kopp’s book disquietingly returned me to memories of those days and feelings of fear, anger, frustration and hopeless inadequacy; some of these feelings shared by client and counselor alike.

Thunder in the Night reminds us that we, as a society, cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that led to such widespread emotional turmoil. Today I counsel the children of those vets, many struggling through a quagmire of drug, alcohol and physical abuse and I can’t help but think these generations are related in ways that are poignantly illuminated in this book.

Peggy Amidon - M.ED Counseling Psychology, Temple University
Executive Director R.I.SK Seminars Inc.
www.risk-it.org


From:

Brigitte Sullivan - MSSA, LSW

        Ray, I have read your book and wanted to tell you how impressed I am . You give a very honest account. I like your writing style and am absolutely amazed at the fine details that you remember. You shared very clearly in your book when you had to shut down in order to protect yourself and maintain what was required of you. I also was fascinated by the detailed account of the tactical maneuvers in that bay. Hey - I now also know what a cruiser is - at least I think I do.

     I can not imagine what it must have been like to be in Vietnam at the ripe old age of twenty. Let alone finding the courage to share your experience years later. I have great respect for your accomplishments. I also gained a much better understanding about that war.

     Interestingly enough PBS had a program last night about the Vietnam War. I also wanted to let you know that this is the first book that I read all the way through that discusses war. I usually break down (don't ask me why) and then can not finish.

Hugs,
Brigitte Sullivan - MSSA, LSW


From:

Robert Leverone, Captain, USN (retired). the Executive Officer of the USS Newport News (CA-148) during the period my book was written about. Captain Leverone is the senior-most, (living), member of the naval officer staff present for that deployment.

 

Dear Ray,

  Just finished reading your book. Congratulations on capturing and expressing the pressures caused by the constant high tempo of operations almost always under the gun. This is an important addition to naval history.  

Best regards, Bob Leverone (Captain Leverone now lives in Vero Beach, FL.)


From:

Bill Firman - USS Newport News Crew member. M.ED

 

 Ray   
     I finished reading your book for the first time (I know that I'll be reading it many more times) a few weeks ago and am somewhat delinquent in following through with my intention to congratulate you on a very impressive piece of work and to thank you for documenting what is both an important piece of history and what remains a very important part of  so many personal lives.

     I served on Newport News as a Fire Control Technician (FTG2) from 1966-69 and had responsibility for the Main Battery plotting rooms, fire control computers and radars for both of the first two Westpac cruises.  Because my responsibilities there were a little different than yours, my perspectives on the experience differ from yours in some respects -- but, taken as a whole, I saw myself in your 2nd person "Ray" on almost every page of your writing.  This, most especially, as regards "Ray's" innermost feelings both during his Vietnam experience and after he returned to a less than receptive homeland.

     You've made an important contribution to all your shipmates and I can't thank you enough for the gift you've given us all.

Forever Your Shipmate,
Bill Firman


From:

Lt.Cmdr. Joal C. Stroud.
Communications officer of the USS Newport News during the 1972 deployment to Vietnam.

 

 Hi Ray,

     Just finished reading your book; "Thunder in the Night".  Enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the nice comments. I borrowed the book from Kristie Abretski. She had purchased the book with the hopes of reading something about her father, Paul (Ski)Abretski, who served aboard the Newport News when we did. He was the ship's repair officer - later damage control officer. She didn't realize the book was written from a radioman's perspective. Regardless; she enjoyed the book. Her father died several years ago.

     I left the "News" in December 1974 and went to the Fleet Training Center in Charleston, SC, where I retired in June 1975 as a Lieutenant Commander after 28 years. Enjoyed them all; especially my tour on the Newport News. Had a good bunch of RM's working for me.

     Ray, I go through Cape May at least twice a year on my way to Atlantic City (money wasting time), by virtue of using the Cape May ferry. Don't know how far you live from the ferry landing, but maybe we could meet there on one of my trips and engage in a little "Newport News" conversation.

     Even though I read your book, I would  like a copy for my library. I placed my order just a few minutes ago on your website.

Sincerely,
Joal C. Stroud
Virginia Beach, VA
 


From:

Judy Carter for William E. Carter ret. US Navy

 

     I have just became widowed by one of your readers, William E. Carter. he served 2, 1-year terms in Viet Nam and was a 21 year retired veteran or the US Navy. He read your book and loved every word of it. He praised your work and wanted more of it. I must tell you these words because he wanted to and died before he got the chance. He was military through and through. Anyone that wrote about it and praised it, he applauded them. In his memory, I ask you to continue the good work.

Judy Carter for
William E. Carter ret. US Navy
 


From:

 Newt Robinson, Chief Interior Communications Electrician, USN, Retired

    USS Newport News Interior Communications Leading Petty Officer

 

     Wow! "Thunder in the Night a Sailor's Perspective on Vietnam" is a must read for all Newport News-men, and anyone that stood off-shore and fought for the freedom of South Vietnam. Mom and Dad, you should read this book before it's too late to finally understand what your son has been trying to tell you for the past thirty odd years.
     From the time I picked the book up, I couldn't put it down. The vivid images that Ray brought to life recalled dormant memories of that eight-month long "Summer of '72". Ray conveyed feelings that lay dormant for over thirty years, and explained things that previously had been a mystery. He saw Newport News operations from an Operations Department perspective, one involved directly with the operation of the ship. As a "Snipe", I saw operations from below decks, and relative to the Engineering Department.
     I consider "Thunder in the Night a Sailor's Perspective on Vietnam" to be the best historical record of the "Real" Navy's contribution to the Vietnam War effort. It accurately portrays how the U.S. Navy turned the war around during the "Summer of '72". Thanks Ray! You have done more to bring closure for the mistreatment that Vietnam era Navy Veterans have had to endure than anyone has ever attempted. I would like to see this book become part of the "Historical Record", and be placed in school curriculums nation wide.
    "Freedom is not free"! America's youth should be taught that fact before it's too late.
    Newt Robinson, Chief Interior Communications Electrician, USN, Retired
    USS Newport News Interior Communications Leading Petty Officer
 

From:

JJ Ott

 

     As a member of the 72 WestPac crew, I could not put the book down once I started reading it. The memories it brought back, and particularly the fateful Oct 1st night. Its difficult to tell those stories to people I know, and thats why I bought two books. One to lend out and one to keep and cherish. I wish you much success on your next books and look forward to reading them.
JJ Ott
 

From:

Judie Simmers

 

Dear Mr. Kopp
      First I want to say, as a mother, wife, daughter, woman back in the 70's when you and others were off fighting an unpopular war, THANK YOU! My brother was on the Newpy News during your days there also. He bought your book and loaned it to me to read. I have never really hugged him and thanked him in all these years for his efforts on that ship. I will now!  For thirteen years I worked at a crisis call in center. I spoke to many Vietnam vets that were in so much hurt as you were.  I shed many tears for both the one I listened to and our country at the end of our conversations.  I am not quite sure why I felt compelled to write you.  Reading your very well written book, it put into perspective what my then 19 year old brother must have gone thru. When the USS Newport News rounded the Chesapeake bay on that infamous Christmas Eve...I was there in person to welcome my brother home....home at last. Again Thank you so much for what you did then and for writing a wonderful book
Judie Simmers....Newark Ohio
 

From:

CHARLIE HURD (CA-148 crew member)

 

READING THUNDER IN THE NIGHT SHOOK ME TO THE BONE, March 16, 2005

    "As Second Division Officer so many years ago (1967), one of my responsibilities aboard Thunder included the 8" guns and ammo as well as the men who manned the turrets and magazines. Your description in Chapter 20, "Chaos and Calm" and in Chapter 21, "The Dead and the Demoralized" which describes in detail your personal memories of the explosion in Turret No. 2 which killed 20 shipmates shook me to the bone. Although I had left NN 4 years prior to the accident, I knew only in brief terms what had transpired. Your well written account gave me, for the first time in all these years, the opportunity to read in detail about what actually happened. What a horrible experience you lived through but were able to write about!
    As a result of that accident, the names of the NN dead are now engraved on the Vietnam memorial wall (dedicated to USN and USCG killed) which was recently completed and is located next to COMNAVSURFPAC HQs, U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA. Due to my present San Diego navy ship repair related work, I have visited the memorial on several occasions and have read the names of the Newport News souls who died aboard our ship on that fateful day in 1972.
    I have recommended your book to both ex-navy and civilian friends as well as to members of my family. I realize your writing the book was mentally tough and I can personally ID with the nightmares you experienced after leaving Newport News and the navy. You have written a fine book which, I believe, will be remembered as an important historical account of the naval battles in which the Newport News was engaged. I state with sincerity.......well done!"

CHARLIE HURD
 


From:

Pete Martelly

 

      Ray:  just returned from a much needed vacation in Hilton Head. I finished the book in 2 days and couldn't put it down. I remember you guys! We used to watch the big 8's unload during gunfire missions. I'll never forget the sight. I was on the Buchanan (DDG-14).  I also remember the Turret #2 tragedy.  We took a hit during a day-time raid on Haiphong Harbor. My friend Davis died.  He was sitting right below where the incoming hit the 01 level. Spooky part was that I was supposed to be sitting next to him. Let me know if you have time or are interested in that story, I'll be glad to write back with it. My Navy career (5 1/2 years) was a bit unorthodox, to say the least.
     The book is great. You've done all of us a great service that can't be repaid.  You've honored all those who sacrificed so much. I know you've had a few bumps along the way, I wish you a long, healthy and happy life going forward. If you're ever in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts, let me know, maybe we could grab a coffee and a few sea stories.
Pete Martelly
 

From:

Bernie Ditter

 

     Raymond S. Kopp was a key member of the communications engineering crew on the heavy cruiser USS Newport News (CA 148) AKA Thunder during the closing months of the Viet Nam War. A Task Unit had been formed with two smaller cruisers and two destroyers to deploy to an area around Haiphong to begin heavy off shore bombardment of North Viet Nam installations. Previously their mission had been to support the troops on the ground in their engagements.
     From early May 1972 until December the unit conducted 68 strike raids against North Viet Nam expending more than 50,000 rounds of eight and five inch artillery and hundreds of support missions in the south.
     Ray gives us a first hand account of the toll that this experience took on the crew and himself. While receiving incoming rounds during each of the raids in North Viet Nam the "Thunder" and her crew were spared any losses from this threat. As they occasionally took shrapnel they began to wonder when the big one might hit. They knew that a direct hit could destroy the ship and at best leave the survivors in shark and snake infested waters a couple of miles off the coast of North Viet Nam. The continued at risk situations had an impact on the crew and following an explosion in  turret two resulting in the loss of twenty men the Captain persuaded  Command that the crew was so demoralized as to question their operational readiness. They were sent home.
     What sets this book apart is the fact that it this was the first major naval engagement of its kind in more than two decades. Also it clearly expedited the end of the war as it drove the North Viet Namese to the bargaining table and peace talks resumed resulting in the peace accords ending the conflict.
     Ray's knowledge of his engineering crews' role and the equipment that they operated was impressive. His stories of shore leave in Subic Bay and in Hong Kong will certainly resonate with veterans of Korea if not with those of WWII. I am pleased that he has found his life again. --Reviewer: Bernie Ditter
 

From:

Milton Avidreader

 

   Until I read this book, I had no idea that Vietnam era sailors participated in this type of up close action with the enemy. Great book, well written, entertaining and informative. I would recomend this book to anyone who wants to know more about naval operations in Vietnam and the emotions of the sailors who experienced these battles -- Milton Avidreader, NJ
 


From:

Harold L. White

 

     Ray: I received your book safely in the mail. I wanted you to know that I went on board the Newport News the same year as you did February 3rd 1970 and thanks for signing my copy. I started my time on the N.N. checked into 4th division while in dry-dock in Portsmouth Va. and transferred to S-3 Division where I made my rate as 3rd class Ship Serviceman. I operated the dry cleaning plant in the same compartment with the
tailor amidships across the passageway from the gedunk. I remember our Wes-Pac to Vietnam and our many nights of general quarters with vivid memory I really never got over the experience. I also stood watch in CIC next to a radioman by the name of Cooper for a period of time.  I noticed that you gave credit to Walsworth Publishing Co. our cruise book was published in my hometown of Marceline Missouri. My picture is on page 153 with S-3 Division. I am so elated that you have taken time to tell our story
of the brave young men who served proudly and gave their lives in service of their country.
Thanks Again Shipmate,
 Harold L. White
 

From:

Neil R. Gordon

 

Thanks Ray.  I was reading the book again this weekend. Service on USS Newport News is not complete until you’ve read Thunder In The Night.  (Sure, go ahead and quote me!)
Regards,
Neil R. Gordon
Waltham MA 02451

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