Publishing November 10, 2026 | Hardcover, paperback, and e-book | 198 pages
What are you going to do? Send me to Vietnam?
At just twenty-two years old, after leaving college to join the US Army, Marc Lawrence boarded a flight with no idea what awaited him in the jungles of Vietnam. Assigned as an artillery officer to an infantry unit, he spent weeks on the front lines in the Plei Trap Valley, directing artillery fire against North Vietnamese forces while facing constant danger. Whether confronting enemy fire at close range or surviving a North Vietnamese Army mortar attack, Marc often wondered if a guardian angel was watching over him.
A year later, carrying home the memories of combat and several decorations for valor-honors he insists simply reflected a soldier doing his duty-Marc returned to Florida determined to build a new life. He resumed his education, earned two degrees in geology, and embarked on a successful forty-year career in applied geophysics. His work took him around the world and, in a remarkable full-circle moment, back to Vietnam-this time as a civilian seeking opportunity rather than survival.
Still Standing is more than a Vietnam War memoir. It is a story of resilience, per severance, leadership, and redemption. The lessons forged in combat became the foundation for overcoming setbacks, embracing new opportunities, and building a meaningful life. Forever changed by war, Marc discovered that survival was only the beginning. The greater challenge-and greatest victory-was learning how to keep moving forward.
MARC LAWRENCE was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in the country near Grove City. At the age of nine, his family moved to Gainesville, Florida, and then to Lake Santa Fe, near Melrose. He and his dog, Tawny, explored the swamps and marshes for miles all around. He entered the University of Florida in 1964, but after struggling academically for two and a half years, he dropped out and joined the US Army for a three-year study break. He became an artillery officer, serving in Vietnam from 1968-69. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and several other medals of lesser consequence.
He reentered the University of Florida upon his return to the real world, discovering the science of geology and diving into it headlong. He graduated with both BS and MS degrees and began his career immediately, working with three different engineering companies over four years. In 1977, he joined Fairfield Industries, beginning a long career in the applied science of geophysics. He rose to senior vice president and became a member of the board of directors. He retired from Fairfield in 2010 and immediately joined Global Geophysical. In 2014, he formed his own company, RosettaStone Exploration Consulting. During his career, he was highly involved with industry trade groups such as the National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) and the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC), where he served as chairman of the board for two years. He continues to be on the board of directors for In-Depth Geophysical. His work has taken him to over forty countries across the globe.
He is married to his wife, Karen, who has been his support during the five years it took to write this book.