John Podlaski
Let's take a moment to celebrate an extraordinary individual, a true American hero, and a member of the iHEART Veterans Hall of Fame, John Podlaski. His tireless efforts to educate people about the Vietnam War have made a powerful impact on our understanding of that pivotal time in history.
John Podlaski is not just a historian; he's a veteran who served with valor 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, 2 Air Medals, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His experiences formed the basis of his first book, "Cherries — A Vietnam War Novel," a memoir of his time as an infantry soldier. Published in 2010, the book has been warmly received, with over 380 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars.
After Vietnam, John embarked on a successful career in the automotive industry, holding various management positions and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2002. He's a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154 and resides in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with Janice, his wife of 48 years. Now retired, they cherish their time with their 3-year-old granddaughter, and enjoy the open road on their 1997 Harley-Davidson Heritage whenever they can.
John's literary journey didn't stop with his first book. In 2016, he published "When Can I Stop Running?” — a gripping tale that follows two soldiers during a terrifying night in the jungle. In 2020, he penned two short stories, "Unhinged" and "Unwelcomed," based on his experiences living in Detroit. Most recently, in 2021, he released "Death in the Delta," a sequel to "When Can I Stop Running?" that continues the riveting story.
In addition to his books, John manages a website, CherriesWriter, featuring weekly articles, stories, movies, videos, and photos about the Vietnam War and its warriors. The site attracts 2000 visitors a day, a testament to John's dedication to preserving and sharing this important part of American history.
We wholeheartedly recommend all of John's books. They are not just stories; they are living history, told by someone who was there. They are, without a doubt, must-reads. Here are the links to all 5 of John’s books:
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
Death in the Triangle: A Vietnam War Story
John Podlaski's life and work remind us of the power of storytelling in understanding our past and shaping our future. Let's honor his contributions and continue to learn from his experiences.
