By: Lisa Patrick
In a gripping memoir that echoes the sacrifices of countless servicemen, Bill Lindsay invites readers into his world in ‘Suicide India,’ a compelling account of his experiences as a Marine lieutenant during the Vietnam War. With the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon on the horizon, Lindsay’s book serves as both a tribute to his fellow Marines and a raw exploration of the emotional scars that linger long after the battle is over. In this interview, Lindsay discusses what inspired him to share his story, the dual challenges of recounting his wartime experiences and navigating civilian life afterward, and the profound significance behind the title of his memoir. Join us as we delve into a narrative that illuminates the complexities of war, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood.
What motivated you to write ‘Suicide India’ and share your personal experiences from the Vietnam War after all these years?
This next year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, and the end of the war. In thinking about that, and remembering my experiences as a Marine lieutenant, I felt the true story of what the war was like had to be told.
The men with whom I served were exceptional: all volunteers, from across the entire country, with varied backgrounds, but all committed to serve their country as their fathers and grandfathers had before them. None received the recognition they deserved for their dedication and service. I felt that their story had to be told so that people might gain a better appreciation and understanding of those veterans.
Your book traces both your time in Vietnam and your life after returning home. Which part of your story was more difficult to write: the war itself or the aftermath of rebuilding your life?
Both parts of my experience were difficult to write about, but remembering that time in O’Hare airport, talking to the gate agent as I tried to complete the end of my travel home, still brings tears to my eyes. The agent was very busy but took a moment to acknowledge me. She told me that she had lost her son, also a Marine, in Vietnam two years prior, and she made a point of saying, “Welcome home, Marine.”
Meanwhile, those around me only stared at me as if I were some alien form of life. No one talked to me or even acknowledged my presence. That gate agent’s welcome represented such a contrast to where I had been for the past year and the experiences I had. Re-entry into a civilian-dominated world where people blamed us, the warriors, for the war and not those who created the circumstances causing and extending the war was very difficult.
The title ‘Suicide India’ is striking. Can you explain the significance behind this title and how it reflects your experiences during the war?
Captured enemy soldiers told their interpreters they gave our unit the name Suicide India because we were so aggressive in battle. The aggressive nature of our attacks surprised them. They felt that we were actually trying to commit suicide by the way we operated.
Our rifle company was very well led and we operated thoughtfully but in a very aggressive manner. Those tactics were necessary. After all, we were both the hunters and the hunted. The nickname is thus appropriate and sets the stage for the stories included in the book.
You enlisted in the Marine Corps while still in college. What drove you to make that decision, and how did your perception of the war change from the time you enlisted to the moment you were deployed?
I grew up in a military-oriented household. Both of my parents served in WWII. Although they were no longer in the service, their patriotic nature and values encouraged me to enlist and serve in support of our country, as they had done.
I joined the Marines because of their reputation of being fierce fighters. I felt that if I was to be in combat, I wanted to be with others who were fighters!
My idealism was shattered when the bullets started flying. There were occasions when I caught myself asking “What I had done?” by volunteering. But, looking back, I would do it all over again.
‘Suicide India’ is a deeply personal book. How did you feel when it was finished? Did you celebrate?
Writing the book was actually cathartic for me. It enabled me to rethink many of the things that occurred and the decisions I had to make. Writing caused me to organize my thoughts about that entire experience, and that was helpful.
I did not celebrate the completion of the book, but I did feel a true sense of relief upon its completion. Many of those memories had haunted me for 50 years, and once the book was finished I was at peace with myself.
Grab your copy of “Suicide India“ on Amazon and experience the gripping memoir that everyone’s talking about!
Published By: Aize Perez
