It was 50 years ago this year that the Vietnam War ended, but for many veterans, the memories of this war are still vivid. One of these veterans, a local man named Joe Grafius (Harry Joseph Grafius), has decided to write down his memories of his experiences of this war in a new memoir he has written called Letters from Long Binh: Vietnam 1968-1969.

Grafius said the book/memoir arose from his interest in family genealogy. During his family research, he discovered that some of his forebears were veterans of various wars going back to the Revolutionary War and researched their stories and background.

“I decided it was my time to tell my story while I’m alive. I completed my memoir in 2018 based on my memory and some research. This was healing for me. Then, I discovered a box of letters in my closet that I had written home to my family and my mother had saved,” Grafius told Webb Weekly.

He continued, “I compiled these letters to chronicle my time in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969. With a lot of help from my wife, Sandy, I was able to complete a short book, including photographs I had taken to correspond with the letters. This was meant to be Christmas presents to my brothers and my children this past December.

“When other people heard what I had done, they were interested in having a copy of my book. They convinced me that my story was history that people should read. So, in March 2025, I added an additional 10 pages to my book and ordered 50 more books from the publisher.”

Grafius is involved with the Williamsport Vet Center, which offers an art class. Most of the class is comprised of Gulf War veterans (Iraq), with him being the only Vietnam veteran. He said they, as a group, did an art project last year and won first place in Pennsylvania. They then went on to win second place in the nation. A recognition ceremony took place at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center on May 1, 2025.

“Surprisingly, to me anyway, when these veterans heard about my book, they wanted to buy a copy. From there, I visited local American Legions and the VFWs and found an additional audience receptive to wanting to read my story,” stated Grafius.

He then introduced himself to John Shableski at Otto Bookstore and showed him his book. He thought it would be a good addition to put on their local author’s shelf. Since then, Grafius has participated in one Podcast, and another is in the works.

“I was stationed on the largest military base in Vietnam, Long Binh Post. We drove off base every day to build roads, airports, observation towers, etc. Most of the time, we didn’t have anyone riding ‘shotgun.’ We were by ourselves. No one to talk to. Only your own thoughts to keep you company. Counting down the days until you can go back home in the ‘World,’” stated Grafius

“Even though I wasn’t in a fighting unit, it didn’t prevent the war from finding me. This occurred during the outbreak of Tet 1969. That encounter changed my life forever.

“Most vets don’t share their experiences with family or civilian friends. They can talk with other vets because they will understand. There is no judgment. I’m hoping my book can give some insight into the daily life of most veterans by presenting humor, absurdity, and sometimes terror. At the least, I hope my efforts in sharing my story, Letters from Long Binh: Vietnam 1968-1969, might lead to some meaningful conversations,” concluded Grafius.

Grafius is part of the seventh generation of the Grafius family, who settled in Williamsport in 1795. One of Joe’s most fulfilling accomplishments was spearheading a campaign to erect a monument for Michael Ross, Williamsport’s founder, in the Williamsport Cemetery on Washington Boulevard.

In the fall of 1967, he joined the United States Army. After a twelve-month tour in Vietnam, he spent another year and a half at Fort Gordon, GA. Joe then enrolled in the Williamsport Area Community College (WACC), the forerunner of Pennsylvania College of Technology, in 1970 and received an associate degree in 1974. Furthering his education, he earned a BA in Social Work from Lock Haven University in 1977.

He spent 25 years as a caseworker for abused and neglected children, retiring in 2010. He is married with three children.