A Plainville veteran has contributed a history segment to a compilation of Vietnam combat stories published this summer.

John Puzzo knows firsthand about his subject matter: In 1970, he served with the 4th Infantry Division, K Company, 75th Infantry, Army Airborne Rangers, an elite group of 220 men who over the course of several years served in long-range reconnaissance patrols that were dropped deep in enemy territory. The soldiers, who were in four- or five-men groups, quickly bonded to successfully carry out dangerous missions to provide military intelligence with essential information to protect thousands of troops. "The K Company personally exacted a heavy toll against North Vietnam soldiers, keeping many from their task," Puzzo said.

Puzzo, 58, was one of numerous contributors to a book by Reuben H. Siverling, 69, who lives in Kansas City, Mo. with his wife Bonita. The idea for the book of recollections by Airborne Rangers developed when Siverling first began organizing a large reunion to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Airborne Rangers.

Siverling, who spent 39 years in the U.S. Army, was the first commander of the Airborne Rangers.

He recalled the negative treatment soldiers received when they returned to the United States from Vietnam. "We got crapped on pretty good when we came back. I thought they (the veterans) deserved more," Siverling said, in a telephone interview.

The book, "Reflections," finally provides long-overdue recognition, he said. Writing the book was "one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," Siverling said.

Puzzo arrived in Vietnam after Siverling left and heard the stories about the legendary commander, including him being the first person to fly a Huey helicopter into the country. "In 1968, it was my privilege to put on an Army uniform. That was my ticket for a ride that has lasted nearly 40 years, taken me across five continents and helped me earn two degrees," Puzzo said.

Several years ago, when Puzzo started working on Siverling's biography, he contacted the former commander and went to Kansas City to interview him. "Reuben set in stone the standard operating procedures for the long-range companies that were adopted," Puzzo said. "He did them because he wanted to keep us alive and the mission profile to be successful."

As a result of Siverling's procedures, "We were highly successful. We saved a lot of American lives. The enemy paid a very high toll," Puzzo said. "He's probably the reason so many of us survived."

In late June, Puzzo traveled to Kansas City for the Airborne Rangers' three-day reunion, which concluded with the annual worship service at Northland Cathedral to honor veterans. "On Saturday, 41 men said they would come to church. On Sunday, 119 came. Heads were bowed and tears rolled down cheeks. Many were finally able to let go that day," Siverling said.

When he began inviting veterans in February to the reunion, Siverling put out the word that he was looking to do a commemorative book. The e-mails began rolling in from the former soldiers recalling their experiences.

Puzzo's contribution to the book was valuable in that he is very detailed-oriented, Siverling said. "I ran his part past unit historians. They could find no fault. I was very pleased with John's contribution," Siverling said. In his inscription in Puzzo's copy of the book, Siverling wrote, "Thank you for your many contributions to this project and your continued patriotism."

Puzzo documented veterans' experiences when he created the Vietnam War Veterans Oral History project, originally funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities. In interviewing, he strives to examine the childhood and experiences that shapes each soldier, he said. The compilation is archived at the Connecticut Historical Society. He has appeared as a guest on CNN's "Larry King Live" and "Crossfire" on subjects related to the Vietnam and Gulf wars. He served in Iraq for 18 months in 2004-05 as a Department of Defense private military contractor. He is now a financial consultant with offices in Connecticut and Florida.

"Everything that I am today was shaped by being a ranger," Puzzo said.

"Reflections" was not intended for public distribution but because of the demand, Siverling is applying for an International Standard Book Number and it may be for sale in the future, he said.

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