Writing and Wife’s Love Helps Heal Vietnam War Veteran: Herman Renfro
Indie Author Insights Featured Author Series
From Black Mountain to Blue Skies is more than a war memoir—it's a story of transformation, resilience, and the power of love.
's journey from a small farm in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, to becoming a published author and successful real estate executive embodies the American story of resilience and growth. Through his experience as a Staff Sergeant with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam where he earned two Purple Hearts, Herman shares insights about war, resilience, and the power of love to light the way home. With unflinching honesty and hard-earned wisdom, Renfro shows us that while the shadows of war may never fully fade, they can lead us to unexpected brightness.After returning home, Renfro built an impressive career in commercial real estate, rising to Senior Vice President at Simon Property Group. During his seventeen-year tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing landmark properties, including the Indianapolis Circle Centre Mall, before founding his own successful development company.
His debut memoir, "From Black Mountain to Blue Skies: A Soldier’s Journey Home, weaves together his experiences as a soldier, businessman, and man of faith. Initially hesitant to share his story, Renfro found that writing about his journey helped not only his own healing process but also offered hope and understanding to fellow veterans.
Renfro is currently working on his second book, drawing from his extensive experience in the shopping center industry. He lives with his wife Sharon in Fishers, Indiana, where he continues to write and speak about his experiences.
What inspired you to write your memoir about your military experience in Vietnam?
I avoided thinking about Vietnam for most of my life. Everything changed after a near-death experience during surgery in 2018. While recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, I unexpectedly started talking about Vietnam when my friend Jack visited. He suggested I write my story, though I didn't actually begin until the pandemic in 2020 kept us all home.
Your book takes us from being drafted to serving in Vietnam to returning home. What was the most challenging part of revisiting these memories?
Remembering and reliving these experiences was difficult, but ultimately therapeutic. Writing helped me understand myself better, forgive myself for actions I was trained to take but felt conflicted about, and finally find a measure of acceptance.
The Black Mountain—Nui Ba Den—features prominently throughout your book. What did this mountain represent to you during your service?
The mountain dominated our area of operations—a 4,000-foot peak rising dramatically above the rice paddies. U.S. troops controlled the top, while the North Vietnamese Army held the middle with its extensive cave network. We faced almost daily firefights at its base. It was an ominous, ever-present reminder of the conflict we were in.
Who influenced you most during your time in Vietnam?
Sergeant Terry Trobough, without question. He was serving his second tour and had abandoned any illusions about "winning" the war. His sole focus was keeping his men alive for those 365 days. "It's just a timed exercise," he'd remind us. "Get through today." That pragmatic approach saved many lives, including mine.
How did you approach remembering events from decades ago while writing?
Fortunately, I discovered that the quarterly operational reports from the 25th Infantry Division had been declassified. Reading those documents triggered memories that had grown vague over time. They provided the framework, then the emotional details began returning.
You describe transforming from a reluctant draftee to a staff sergeant. How did that experience shape who you became after Vietnam?
I arrived at the Oklahoma City induction center with a terrible attitude. A woman processing my paperwork gave me life-changing advice: "Not wanting to go doesn't change anything. You're going. Make it the adventure of a lifetime and be prepared." For the first time, I gave every task my best effort—through basic training, advanced infantry training, and in Vietnam itself. That mindset transformed everything and stayed with me in civilian life afterward.
What role did your wife play in your healing journey and the writing process?
Sharon has been my rock—supporting, encouraging, and yes, putting up with me through everything. When she read my earliest drafts, she gave crucial advice: "You're not just reporting on the war. Write how you felt and thought—your first day in the field, your first firefight. That's what matters." That completely changed my approach.
What do you hope readers take away from your story?
I hope they're inspired to believe in themselves even when facing seemingly impossible situations. Look for support, accept it when offered, and trust that you have the inner resources to persevere.
Who did you envision as the audience for this book?
Initially, just family—perhaps my grandchildren or future descendants who might want to know my story. But as I wrote, I began thinking about fellow veterans and eventually the broader public who might find value in this journey.
Did anything about writing this memoir surprise you?
What truly surprised me was how many people—some who knew me very well and others who had only worked with me briefly—told me they understood me better after reading it. I've even reconnected with old friends I'd lost touch with who reached out after reading the book. Those unexpected connections have been incredibly meaningful.
How can readers connect with you and purchase your book?
The ebook and paperback are available on Amazon. You can connect with me on Substack, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Book Lovers & Indie Authors
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There is no charge for author features thanks to the generous support of Indie Author Association members, patrons, and founders: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis, Bonnie Lieberman, Herman Floyd Renfro, Jill Ebstein, Leland P. Gamson, Lloyd Mullins, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Sarah Styf, and Teresa Keefer. Thank you for supporting indie authors. We appreciate you!