About The Book
5 YEARS AND 8 MONTHS
is the remarkable true story of Lt. Col. Wayne Waddell, a United States Air Force pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967. Captured and held as a prisoner of war, he spent more than five long years in captivity. During that time, he faced extreme hardship, isolation, and uncertainty, yet his spirit remained unbroken. His courage, faith, and discipline helped him survive and eventually return home to his family in 1973 as part of Operation Homecoming.
When Wayne came back from Vietnam, he wanted to make sense of what he had lived through. He began recording his thoughts on a set of cassette tapes, speaking in his own calm and steady voice about life as a POW and the strength it took to endure each day. Those recordings became a deeply personal reflection of survival, sacrifice, and hope.
Many years later, his son Greg discovered those tapes. Listening to his father’s voice brought the past vividly to life. It was as if Wayne was still teaching, guiding, and sharing lessons about courage and perseverance. Inspired by what he heard, Greg decided to preserve his father’s story so that others could experience it too.
This book is more than a historical account. It is a deeply human story about love, resilience, and the power of one voice to cross generations. Through his father’s words, Greg invites us to reflect on what it means to face adversity with dignity and strength.
About The Author
Greg Wadell
Greg Waddell is the son of Lt. Col. Wayne Waddell, a United States Air Force pilot who spent more than five years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Growing up, Greg knew his father had lived through something remarkable, but like many veterans, Wayne rarely spoke about the details of his experience. His strength and humility were evident, but his full story remained a mystery for many years.
Everything changed when Greg discovered a box of old cassette tapes his father had recorded after returning home from Vietnam. When he played them, he heard his father’s calm and steady voice sharing memories of courage, faith, and survival. Those tapes revealed a side of his father that Greg had never truly known. They were honest, emotional, and filled with the wisdom that comes from living through unimaginable hardship.
Through this project, Greg hopes to keep his father’s memory alive and to remind others of the courage and endurance that define those who serve. His work is not just about one man’s story, but about the love between a father and son, and the lasting power of hope, faith, and family.
Available Now On Amazon
5 Years and 8 Months is now available for readers everywhere. Experience the powerful true story of Lt. Col. Wayne Waddell, an American fighter pilot who spent over five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Told through his own voice and brought to life by his son Greg, this book is a moving journey through courage, faith, and survival. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, hope can endure.
rder your copy today and be part of a story that continues to inspire generations.
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Testimonials
What Our Readers Says
“A deeply moving and beautifully told story. Hearing Lt. Col. Waddell’s experiences through his son’s eyes made me feel the strength and sacrifice of an entire generation.”
“This book stays with you long after the last page. It’s not just about war, it’s about family, faith, and never losing hope.”
Get In Touch
Feel free to ask any questions
Thank you for visiting 5 Years and 8 Months. Whether you’d like to learn more about the book, share your thoughts, or inquire about interviews and speaking events, Greg would love to hear from you.
Every message matters, your stories, reflections, and feedback help keep this legacy alive. Please use the form to get in touch, and Greg will do his best to respond personally.
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