Cat Lo was awarded the 2009 Gold Medal for memoir by the Military Writers Society of America.

Cat Lo honored with "Editor's Choice," February 2009 at the Writer's Conference, San Diego State University, nominated by the Senior Editor at St. Martin's Press, New York.

Cat Lo awarded "Best Unpublished Memoir" by the San Diego Book Awards, May 2009

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We have heard so much related to the swift boat war in Vietnam from political groups which only served to alienate at least half of America. But for me, it turned out to be a much different experience when I picked up a copy of "Cat Lo: A Memoir of Invincible Youth". It was an honest pleasure to read from those who really were in that phase of the war. While I was busy flying overhead in my Huey, these brave young warriors navigated some of the most dangerous brown waters of the world! Author and swift boat veteran, Virg Erwin, captures the spirit and the flavor of those experiences as it has never before been done.
It is an exciting and emotional ride along the rivers and delta in search of the enemy who quite possibly lurked behind every bush or tree unseen. Having taken a small boat in 2002 up those same rivers when I went back to Vietnam, I could only image what went through their minds. Those narrow water passages were ever so close to shore - where an enemy could toss a grenade, or open fire with his automatic weapon seconds before you could react to it. Very scary stuff indeed! I got a real sense of what they went through there. What is interesting is how the author captures those feelings and emotions in his story telling. You really get to know the men and how they felt. It is a very well written accounting and feels as close to the real experience you can get without going off in those boats to some war.
The book is gripping and entertaining and has some insightful passages and thoughts throughout the story telling. Written by an old sailor looking back and capturing his youthful experiences in war. Erwin is a talented writer and story teller. He is a man who has been there and done that and has lived to tell about it! I totally recommend his book. It is worthy of FIVE STARS on any rating system!

- W. H. McDonald Jr. Author of: A Spiritual Warrior’s Journey
Swift Boat Memoir, August 7, 2009

I was there with Virg and am mentioned in his book. He was nervous about my reading his words; his recollection of the impact of a year in Swift Boats. Writing a good book cannot be easy and the difficulty must multiply with a memoir. I have trouble remembering the details from Vietnam which in my mind are painted in broad strokes. Virg has captured it all, from the concern in the beginning that a Viet Cong lurks behind every tree to questions at the end as to why we were there. He writes well and captures the fear inspired equally by the monsoon seas and Viet Cong ambushes.
He paints his comrades and crew with a fine brush - Taylor, one of his crew, seems almost to be an allegorical character from Joseph Conrad. He has found his voice in writing Cat Lo and Virg is the central character, growing and surviving during his year in Vietnam. His recollections are honest and straight forward and allow the reader to track his evolution. Lieutenant John Kerry even appears briefly but the book is about the grit and nobility of Swift Boat duty; not the attempt at political assassination in the name of Swift Boats during the 2004 election that degraded the service of all Swift Boat veterans. Virgil Erwin's book is well worth reading and should help to re-establish the reputation of the sailors who served the country so well on Swift Boats in Vietnam.

-Kellogg Fairbank

Virg: I just finished your wonderful memoir and the memories just keep rolling along! I was at Cat Lo. I so agree (then and now) with you about Ensigns being assigned to Swift duty immediately after commissioning.
I wrote to Commander R. L Schreadley [author of From the Rivers to the Sea] and among other things pointed out our complaint. He wrote in return, "Your comments concerning the detailing of fresh-caught ensigns to OINC duty on Swift boats point out an interesting phenomenon in the war. After Tet in 1968, Vietnam ceased being a ticket that had to be punched for one seeking a successful career. I suspect there just weren't enough experienced officers willing to take the risks on a Sea Lords Swift or on a PBR division staff. The more promising officers began to maneuver away from participation in the war, and many were successful in doing just that."
Forgive me for enjoying the fact that you hit a reef marked on the chart. I can say so having hit the Jamaica Bay whose location was not only marked on the chart but was well known by all, myself included. I always wondered if my transfer to An Thoi flowed from that event. Nothing came of it other than Commander Streuli just shaking his head after he heard my story.
You mentioned so many names of fellows I both remember and had forgotten (or at least forgotten their names) that I want to thank you for the memory prod. I remember Doug Martin being high and dry for I was there. I must have been in an adjacent patrol area or something as I remember seeing it.
I agree with you that Commander Streuli was the finest commander I ever had. Again, thanks for the memories.

Clay Stuckey

Virg, I finished your book on the plane home. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I got angered at Yost's incompetence as I was angered right after hearing of that sad occurrence. And the comment about Ensigns after Doug drove his boat into the rice paddy bugged me. But I remember the incident and recall the kidding he got. However you redeemed yourself when you recounted your grounding off the mouth of the Bassac. And Doug's "offer of help". I also remember the saying: "if you haven't been aground you aren't patrolling very aggressively."
You recounted Matt D'Amico turning over his boat to become the division Exec. It was the 37 boat and he turned it over to me, along with his crew that had about 4 months left. As a newbie, I was fortunate to get them. By the end of their 4 months I felt as though I had been thoroughly and properly broken in.

-Bill Lannom

I literally couldn’t put it down. Great writing—an unbelievable story.

-George Burmeister

Virg, our daughter told us about Cat Lo. Both my wife and I read and completely enjoyed your book. While reading we could place ourselves with you. What an experience and something to be proud of as well as representing our country admirably. You must be very proud of the experience and the writing of the book. Well done.

-Jack