Debut Novel Out Now
On Dixie Station
by Michael R. Taylor
Three young naval officers experience challenges they never envisioned. Battles, horrific crimes, and coming of age... this story is a dramatic picture of life in a war zone.
“As a lover of historical fiction, I found this book compelling from an historical standpoint and the mystery involved. The author has a great sense of character development.”
— Lawrence Caniglia
About On Dixie Station
After Tet in 1968 and the Draft Lottery of 1969, the Vietnam War drags on. In 1970 three young naval officers begin their careers; one as a CIS investigator the two others serving aboard the destroyer first running with the combined fleet conducting bombing raids on the North then moving South to the DMZ to support Marine infantry along the border of the two Vietnams.
On Dixie Station is about their experiences as new naval officers. It is an adventure story that includes sea battles, a murder, corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, and race relations. The quick moving story begins with how each of the main characters joined the Navy, their duty stations in Vietnam, and how they grew as individuals in war-torn Southeast Asia. It’s a must-read for everyone interested in personal growth, wartime dangers and the politics of 1970 Vietnam.
“On Dixie Station is an accurate and compelling visit to a troubled time in our history. The descriptions of the ships and places are detailed, specific and authentic putting the reader in the scene, or in some of our cases, back in time. The heat and humidity and incessant downpours and the smell of crowded cities and war all come off the pages. Readers from that era, like myself, recognize the characters and their thoughts, challenges and struggles. All in all an immensely enjoyable read.”
— Daniel Deja
“On Dixie Station is a compelling account of three young naval officers and their service during the Vietnam Conflict. Their fictional story is woven seamlessly into a detailed historical account of actual events. By necessity, the novel is brimming with military terms and references, yet the author’s crisp, conversational language keeps the story highly accessible to all readers. As a plus, the narrative is laced with aphorisms for life that provide memorable takeaways: “While the Towers was a fine ship with a good crew, time and fatigue can take the best out of any group of men or vessel.” I have proudly gifted On Dixie Station to many who lived through the trauma –charged days of the Vietnam War. For those from another era, On Dixie Station will transport you there.”
— Beth Brecker Plunkett