They Called Him "Ski": Death Before Dishonor
By (Author) Stan Pypniowski
BookBaby
BookBaby
1st May 2020
United States
General
Non Fiction
Paperback
166
Width 152mm, Height 228mm, Spine 10mm
263g
When the author's brother, Larry Pypniowski or Ski, enlisted in the military in June 1968, he was a spirited nineteen-year-old, filled with hopes and dreams and eagerness to explore life and what was in store for him as a soldier. At first, his letters to his family reflects the excitement of his military training period despite the hardships and challenges. Things, however, took a sudden turn when Ski was sent to Vietnam. With Ski far from home and constantly exposed to the dangers of the war, the excitement was gradually replaced by a soldier battling not just the enemy but also his personal issues, the problems within the chain of command, and longing for his family. Ski died in combat in September 1969, more than a year after his enlistment, putting an end to his hopes and dreams he had once he returned home, which he shared with his loved ones through his letters.
The author is the older brother of Larry Pypniowski (Ski). He is also a Vietnam Veteran, and served in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968. He attended a two year junior college and Florida State University on the G.I. Bill. He spent the majority of his working life in the corporate world. He is married and has two children. He is retired and lives with his wife Janis in South Jersey.