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Edward F. Mosey, known by his pen name Edward Aegidius, was a writer who had a unique perspective on modern warfare. His experiences as a combat officer in Vietnam provided him with firsthand knowledge of the futility of war, which he articulates eloquently in his debut novel, ""The Sound of a Shot."" Mosey's journey to becoming a writer was unconventional. In 1968, he left a Catholic seminary and voluntarily enlisted in Infantry Officer Candidate School, eventually commanding a platoon in Vietnam for a year. After his military service, Mosey pursued a Master's degree in Journalism at the University of Oregon, which led to a long and flourishing career in news and public affairs, including stints with The Oregonian, the Associated Press, the Bonneville Power Administration, and his own public relations firm. Mosey's pursuit of knowledge did not end there. He returned to academia to study theology at the University of Portland and Gonzaga University, earning his Master's degree in 2003. Despite his extensive experience in non-fiction writing, Mosey's passion for storytelling led him to write his debut novel. Edward F. Mosey's personal life has also shaped his writing, with his wife as his great motivator. He resided in Portland, Oregon, where he was close to two daughters and a son. Recently widowed after 51 years of marriage, he drew strength from the time spent with his beloved wife, his beautiful family, and his faith. Mosey's late wife provided him with unwavering support and encouragement, which fueled his passion for writing. Her steadfast presence was a source of inspiration for Mosey, Holding a doctorate in theology, she encouraged him to take on subjects of cultural and spiritual significance. Despite her passing, Mosey's wife's love and support continued to serve as a beacon of light, guiding him to fulfill his dreams. The name ""Aegidius,"" which he used as a pen name, has Greek and Latin origins, meaning ""wearer of goatskin,"" perhaps referencing a holy man who did good works. On December 29th, 2023, just weeks after completing The Sound of a Shot, Mosey was struck and killed by a vehicle at a crosswalk in Astoria, OR. Edward F. Mosey wrote primarily on spiritual, moral, and environmental subjects. His debut novel, The Sound of a Shot, is a demonstration of his belief in the futility of war and his desire to shed light on its horrors. Through his writing, Edward F. Mosey encourages readers to consider the cost of conflict and the importance of finding peaceful solutions.
War leaves its veterans and their families with deep wounds. We have learned that these wounds, spiritual, mental and physical, are life-changing. The Sound of a Shot, based on the author's experience in the Vietnam War, may well be one of the most important books to emerge from the Vietnam War period. War is itself traumatic, but when soldiers know that they are risking their lives for no reason, the scars left behind are lifelong. Edward Aegidius captures the frustrating dilemma faced by combatants when they know their war is ending in futility. Veterans of our most recent wars will find in it echoes of their own experience as they ask the same question Vietnam vets still ask: Why? The irony of combat is that its senseless misery can be redemptive, especially when survivors share their lives with one another and their families. Vietnam veterans came home not to public celebration, but to suspicion and even accusation. They carried their wounds silently because the psychological impact of the sacrifices they made was under-appreciated, and there was little therapy available to help them. This book lays painfully bare the experience of combat in a war that cost thousands of lives and accomplished nothing of what was intended. Let this be a warning about the quicksand nature of modern wars. Once in, it's difficult to get out, and the costs are great. - Richard Berg CSC, PhD, psychologist, author, professor and founder of the Scars Project, a program and film designed to assist those who are counseling and working with veterans and others suffering with post-traumatic stress.
