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Semper Cool: One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam
Semper Cool is the wrenching, sometimes hilarious and always thought-provoking true story of a mischievous teenager who enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps seeking adventure and his father's approval and finds both, plus more danger than he ever could have imagined. With its vivid imagery, Semper Cool thrusts readers into a grunt's-eye view of the blood, guts, tears and laughter of war, as told by a Marine who returned home a man and a patriot. Be prepared to laugh and cry and ultimately thank God for the men and women willing to risk their lives for the freedoms that so many Americans enjoy.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 11, 2010
I'm the author!
February 7, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog: http://www.knittingandsundries.com/20...
About the Cover Photograph
Author Barry Fixler holds the skull of an North Vietnamese soldier at an outpost near the DMZ. The Marine to his right was killed shortly after this photo was taken. The Marine to his left lost both legs in battle.
When reading this book, there were times when I FELT the jungle and it's heat around me and the weight of the gear the soldiers had to carry. Mr. Fixler's unapologetic look at the time he spent in Vietnam has moments of machismo, but after all, he IS a Marine. I don't know ANY Marines who don't rightfully puff out their chests a bit when speaking of their military experience. Heck, even getting through boot camp is a lesson in discipline. As part of Echo 2/26, fighting in the Siege of Khe Sanh, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War, Mr. Fixler has good reason to be proud of his service.
This memoir is about a skinny Jewish kid from Long Island, who, rather than heading straight to college after high school, enlists in the Marines and goes off to fight in the Vietnam War. He tells the story of Vietnam with the cockiness of a fighting man, with little fanfare, just the bones and guts. He was fortunate to come back in one piece, without physical or emotional scars, and his fighting experience came in handy during an attempted robbery at his jewelry store many years later.
While many Vietnam vets were traumatized by their experience, both during the war itself, and by the unwelcoming reception they received when they returned, Mr. Fixler was fortunate enough to come back stronger, and ultimately pshaws PTSD (a position I personally don't agree with, but I can understand how someone who hasn't experienced it might feel that way. I felt that way about depression until I went through my own bout for a few years after my little brother was murdered in a random act of violence. Some things you just have to experience yourself to know that they're real).
After hearing about a particularly heartrending case of a returning Iraq veteran who was severely wounded and languishing in a V.A. hospital, Mr. Fixler took up his cause, and was able to get him transferred to a private hospital. Through a prolonged fundraising effort, he was also able to donate $100,000 to his family for the ongoing care that our government would not provide.
As a result of this effort, he is committed to the cause of veterans, both those returning and those who won't return, and 100% of the profits from this title will go to wounded combat veterans and their families, as well as to children of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Interspersed with photos from the war, this title is a must-read for those of us who grew up in the generations after the Vietnam war. I have heard many accounts of the war from Vietnam vets that I personally know, but none were delivered in such a matter-of-fact, realistic fashion.
QUOTES
But for all of his bravado, Mitch was never a tough guy. He never went looking for fights, and he had no business ending up in Vietnam.
Upon arriving in Vietnam, when getting orders for assigned units:
If you were alive, that meant your unit was in one of the less dangerous places in Vietnam. If you were a basket case, your unit was in a pretty bad place. If you were dead, that meant you were headed straight into the deep sh_t. Your unit was in the middle of the worst of the worst combat.
The infant knew how to beg before it knew how to walk.
Someone could have shot at me and wouldn't even have been able to react, I was so engrossed in that thought: The child couldn't even walk yet, but already knew how to beg.
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Sensitive reader: It's a book by a Marine .. a Marine who fought in Vietnam ... there's cursing and the violence of war.
About the Cover Photograph
Author Barry Fixler holds the skull of an North Vietnamese soldier at an outpost near the DMZ. The Marine to his right was killed shortly after this photo was taken. The Marine to his left lost both legs in battle.
When reading this book, there were times when I FELT the jungle and it's heat around me and the weight of the gear the soldiers had to carry. Mr. Fixler's unapologetic look at the time he spent in Vietnam has moments of machismo, but after all, he IS a Marine. I don't know ANY Marines who don't rightfully puff out their chests a bit when speaking of their military experience. Heck, even getting through boot camp is a lesson in discipline. As part of Echo 2/26, fighting in the Siege of Khe Sanh, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War, Mr. Fixler has good reason to be proud of his service.
This memoir is about a skinny Jewish kid from Long Island, who, rather than heading straight to college after high school, enlists in the Marines and goes off to fight in the Vietnam War. He tells the story of Vietnam with the cockiness of a fighting man, with little fanfare, just the bones and guts. He was fortunate to come back in one piece, without physical or emotional scars, and his fighting experience came in handy during an attempted robbery at his jewelry store many years later.
While many Vietnam vets were traumatized by their experience, both during the war itself, and by the unwelcoming reception they received when they returned, Mr. Fixler was fortunate enough to come back stronger, and ultimately pshaws PTSD (a position I personally don't agree with, but I can understand how someone who hasn't experienced it might feel that way. I felt that way about depression until I went through my own bout for a few years after my little brother was murdered in a random act of violence. Some things you just have to experience yourself to know that they're real).
After hearing about a particularly heartrending case of a returning Iraq veteran who was severely wounded and languishing in a V.A. hospital, Mr. Fixler took up his cause, and was able to get him transferred to a private hospital. Through a prolonged fundraising effort, he was also able to donate $100,000 to his family for the ongoing care that our government would not provide.
As a result of this effort, he is committed to the cause of veterans, both those returning and those who won't return, and 100% of the profits from this title will go to wounded combat veterans and their families, as well as to children of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Interspersed with photos from the war, this title is a must-read for those of us who grew up in the generations after the Vietnam war. I have heard many accounts of the war from Vietnam vets that I personally know, but none were delivered in such a matter-of-fact, realistic fashion.
QUOTES
But for all of his bravado, Mitch was never a tough guy. He never went looking for fights, and he had no business ending up in Vietnam.
Upon arriving in Vietnam, when getting orders for assigned units:
If you were alive, that meant your unit was in one of the less dangerous places in Vietnam. If you were a basket case, your unit was in a pretty bad place. If you were dead, that meant you were headed straight into the deep sh_t. Your unit was in the middle of the worst of the worst combat.
The infant knew how to beg before it knew how to walk.
Someone could have shot at me and wouldn't even have been able to react, I was so engrossed in that thought: The child couldn't even walk yet, but already knew how to beg.
Writing: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Reading Immersion: 4 out 5 stars
BOOK RATING: 3.75 out of 5 stars
Sensitive reader: It's a book by a Marine .. a Marine who fought in Vietnam ... there's cursing and the violence of war.
February 28, 2011
*Rated 3.5*
The thing with memoirs is that it's all real (Duh!). You can't tell yourself - "This is just fiction, not true. " So everything that happens or is described in a memoir tends to affect you more.
Semper Cool is the story of author, Barry Fixler's experiences during the Vietnam war. The memoir starts right from the time he enlisted to his homecoming after the war. Barry Fixler was just a teenager when he joined, a mere boy and by the end of it, he was a "grown-up", a man who had seen too much. You get to live the Vietnam War through the author's eyes.
Semper Cool is a humourous and heartbreaking account of the war. At the same time, it's so inspiring and forces one to ponder on the value of freedom. By the end of it, I was completely in awe of the author as well as others who are willing to risk their lives and their futures for the sake of their country. The author's passion for his country, his patriotism, almost radiates off the pages of the book.
Despite being a war memoir, Semper Cool is not just a bleak depressing depiction of the Vietnam War. The author portrays both the good and the bad - the horrors he experienced as well as the happy moments alongside his fellow marines. The author's sense of humor will make you laugh. At the same time, it will make your teary-eyed.The numerous photographs add to the vivid image of what it must have been like to be so young and right in the midst of a war. The pictures make the memoir more absorbing and real.
As I finished reading the book, I was even more respectful and admiring of the Vietnam War veterans as well as all those brave soldiers around the world.I have never been a patriot, but reading Semper Cool made me realize that all of us who sit at home safe and secure do not, perhaps, realize the true value of freedom and how that freedom has been fought for.
I have not read many memoirs. After reading Semper Cool, I plan on reading more of them. I was one of those people who dread non-fiction. But this book reads like a gripping story, albeit a true one. The writing style is simple and straightforward, yet it's enjoyable enough to pique your interest.
Semper Cool is a unique memoir. I applaud the author for writing down his experiences, so that others can appreciate such brave men more.
Overall:
Inspiring portrayal of one marine's experiences during the Vietnam war
Recommended?
Yes, if you are interested in memoirs, especially true war accounts.
The thing with memoirs is that it's all real (Duh!). You can't tell yourself - "This is just fiction, not true. " So everything that happens or is described in a memoir tends to affect you more.
Semper Cool is the story of author, Barry Fixler's experiences during the Vietnam war. The memoir starts right from the time he enlisted to his homecoming after the war. Barry Fixler was just a teenager when he joined, a mere boy and by the end of it, he was a "grown-up", a man who had seen too much. You get to live the Vietnam War through the author's eyes.
Semper Cool is a humourous and heartbreaking account of the war. At the same time, it's so inspiring and forces one to ponder on the value of freedom. By the end of it, I was completely in awe of the author as well as others who are willing to risk their lives and their futures for the sake of their country. The author's passion for his country, his patriotism, almost radiates off the pages of the book.
Despite being a war memoir, Semper Cool is not just a bleak depressing depiction of the Vietnam War. The author portrays both the good and the bad - the horrors he experienced as well as the happy moments alongside his fellow marines. The author's sense of humor will make you laugh. At the same time, it will make your teary-eyed.The numerous photographs add to the vivid image of what it must have been like to be so young and right in the midst of a war. The pictures make the memoir more absorbing and real.
As I finished reading the book, I was even more respectful and admiring of the Vietnam War veterans as well as all those brave soldiers around the world.I have never been a patriot, but reading Semper Cool made me realize that all of us who sit at home safe and secure do not, perhaps, realize the true value of freedom and how that freedom has been fought for.
I have not read many memoirs. After reading Semper Cool, I plan on reading more of them. I was one of those people who dread non-fiction. But this book reads like a gripping story, albeit a true one. The writing style is simple and straightforward, yet it's enjoyable enough to pique your interest.
Semper Cool is a unique memoir. I applaud the author for writing down his experiences, so that others can appreciate such brave men more.
Overall:
Inspiring portrayal of one marine's experiences during the Vietnam war
Recommended?
Yes, if you are interested in memoirs, especially true war accounts.
June 20, 2011
This book was a gift from my Uncle Larry who served with the author in Vietnam. It was a great insight to what went down among the ranks of the soldiers that fought in that war. Gritty. Rough. Brutal. The brave men that fought never have gotten the credit they deserved and some of them have suffered for the rest of their lives because of it.
The author has pledged 100% of the profits from this book to aid and assist those veterans that never got enough aid from the government. A very noble cause.
Not my normal fare of reading material. But I enjoyed this very much.
The author has pledged 100% of the profits from this book to aid and assist those veterans that never got enough aid from the government. A very noble cause.
Not my normal fare of reading material. But I enjoyed this very much.
May 13, 2014
Not for the faint of heart. Semper Cool: One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam is probably the single best book yet to come out of the Vietnam War. Unlike, many others, Semper Cool: One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam doesn't address that much maligned war from the perspective of the officers or senior noncommissioned officers who served, mostly in career enhancing support roles, it lets the reader into the mind of the American teenagers who fought that war—-the men who served in the trenches doing the killing and dying. With all it's rough language, the type of language someone would expect in the highly intense atmosphere of a combat zone, Semper Cool: One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam speaks of what it feels like to live through a year long combat tour, to endure numerous horrific experiences to include the violent loss of close friends with whom you shared your hopes and dreams for the future, then to come home and get on with a successful life and career. Barry Fixler is a good personal friend with whom I shared many of the experiences of which he writes. He does an excellent job of describing what we experienced, but more importantly, what we felt, all those years ago. Read it, you won't be sorry. ~~ Semper Fidelis!!! . . . Larry McCartney; Master Gunnery Sergeant of Marines (Retired): 1967 - 1997
July 8, 2010
I loved this book! I was amazed at the author's ability to immerse himself in the Viet Nam War and come out totally unscathed, physically and mentally. He is a truly uinque man, worthy of our honor and respect!!! The book doesn't come out until November. I was lucky enough to meet Barry Fixler at the Book Expo in New York City and he signed a copy of his book for me.
December 29, 2011
Great book by a great American.
December 12, 2018
Great read
This is a book that vividly describes the highs and lows of war and written by an American patriot and hero
This is a book that vividly describes the highs and lows of war and written by an American patriot and hero
July 30, 2017
Outstanding book, supporting an important cause
Thank you Cpl Tucker for sharing your amazing story and more importantly what you are doing for our veterans. Even tho the book is available to me free thru Amazon Prime I felt the need to pay full price to support the fund raising.
HM3 Hawksley, 3rd Mar Div, 2nd Bat, 4th Marine Reg Okinawa 12/77 to 12/78
Thank you Cpl Tucker for sharing your amazing story and more importantly what you are doing for our veterans. Even tho the book is available to me free thru Amazon Prime I felt the need to pay full price to support the fund raising.
HM3 Hawksley, 3rd Mar Div, 2nd Bat, 4th Marine Reg Okinawa 12/77 to 12/78
June 14, 2018
A Good Marine and a Great Man
Barry tells it like it was. The war as experienced by a Marine grunt in Nam...brutal, tragic, nonsensical, miraculous and sometimes humorous. Marines were told before deploying to Viet Nam, "One third of you will die, one third will be wounded, and one third will be unscathed." But all will be forever Marines.
Barry tells it like it was. The war as experienced by a Marine grunt in Nam...brutal, tragic, nonsensical, miraculous and sometimes humorous. Marines were told before deploying to Viet Nam, "One third of you will die, one third will be wounded, and one third will be unscathed." But all will be forever Marines.
May 9, 2017
Besides a good read, this is a powerful book.
Besides being one cool guy, Barry is a true Marine & American.
The story is gritty, loving and beautiful. Well worth reading and supporting. God bless you, Barry!
Besides being one cool guy, Barry is a true Marine & American.
The story is gritty, loving and beautiful. Well worth reading and supporting. God bless you, Barry!
May 20, 2017
Vietnam Made Clear
Great insight of what the Vietnam war was like through Barry Fixler's experience. He speaks in a language and tone that pulls you into his life as a Marine. It was a recommended read to me. I recommend it to others.
Great insight of what the Vietnam war was like through Barry Fixler's experience. He speaks in a language and tone that pulls you into his life as a Marine. It was a recommended read to me. I recommend it to others.
August 2, 2017
Great writing by a Vietnam Vet. A crazy young guy becomes a true patriot .
Barry Fixler takes you onto the battlefield of Vietnam in a way you will never forget. You too will become patriotic.
Barry Fixler takes you onto the battlefield of Vietnam in a way you will never forget. You too will become patriotic.
July 1, 2017
Not quite what I expected but very entertaining. Provided good insight as to who these Marines were and what they endured. Good read.
January 18, 2018
Excellent Book. Some people didn't like Fixler's portrayal of the Vietnam experience but I suspect they are unfamiliar with what we Vietnam vets experienced
February 7, 2023
I thought I had a clue as to who this man Barry Fixler, was. A pilar in the community, a man with television ads mom and I do share a laugh over at times. Well I have personally never been more happy I got off my rump, and finally drove to Barry's Estate Jewelry store to get my copy of his book. I finished in a matter of days. It drew me in instantly when I laughed at the language and realized this is not your average tough guy perspective, it is just a young boy trying to make his Father proud who became a Marine and Hero to many in our community. His selfless service is still being recognized and I could never have predicted some of the stories Barry shares in his book. Fond memories well I guess I still have to swallow the heartbreaking stories read first, and try to remember those moments in the hell experienced he might consider fond. Yes, another look at the hell of war and once again a look at the impact combat has on our many Veterans. Maybe it is simply not meant for a civilian like me to know. Maybe I missed his meaning but all I know is I owe this man another extension of my gratitude. Just when you think you know someone's story you come across a fine, detailed, illustrative book such as Semper Cool and it leaves you asking what can I do?
July 20, 2021
An outstanding memoir
I've always found stories of Marine Corps veterans to be informative and while I didn't ever serve in combat , the comparison of our service experience is interesting. The story of Mr Fixler's experience is great. He provides insight into his own Vietnam experience and as a Khe San survivor, a battle that is on many levels compared to the battle of Chosen reservoir or Iwo Jima.
As I previously wrote, I never served in combat but I agree with the author and his fear of losing an extremity. That aside, I also really appreciated the story of what he has done to support Marines after he left active duty.
A great story, with good flow and entertaining at times.
I've always found stories of Marine Corps veterans to be informative and while I didn't ever serve in combat , the comparison of our service experience is interesting. The story of Mr Fixler's experience is great. He provides insight into his own Vietnam experience and as a Khe San survivor, a battle that is on many levels compared to the battle of Chosen reservoir or Iwo Jima.
As I previously wrote, I never served in combat but I agree with the author and his fear of losing an extremity. That aside, I also really appreciated the story of what he has done to support Marines after he left active duty.
A great story, with good flow and entertaining at times.
April 26, 2019
Like many memoirs, this book is not a great piece of literature. It can be repetitive and somewhat disjointed.
But those flaws are easily overlooked if you want to know about life as a marine in Vietnam. Fixler offers his war stories in episodic fashion, and there are many of them, all told matter-of-factly. Since he survived the Battle of Khe Sahn, his personal narratives can be grusome as, truly, any war is.
The book ends with the author's work with wounded veterans. Hence the author is donating all of his royalties from Semper Cool to physically wounded combat veterans and the families of our fallen warriors.
But those flaws are easily overlooked if you want to know about life as a marine in Vietnam. Fixler offers his war stories in episodic fashion, and there are many of them, all told matter-of-factly. Since he survived the Battle of Khe Sahn, his personal narratives can be grusome as, truly, any war is.
The book ends with the author's work with wounded veterans. Hence the author is donating all of his royalties from Semper Cool to physically wounded combat veterans and the families of our fallen warriors.
December 23, 2021
I’ve known Barry since 2016. Just a short time. I liked him right away, there’s just something very cool about him. He’s old s-cool! reminds me of my father, my great Uncle Thomas Army Staff Sergeant WWII, Old friends, New York guys.
I never have much time to read and told myself I’d read it. He’s my friend. And his book is always on display at the store.
We’ll I read it, read it in about 5 or 6 hours.
I loved every bit of it. It’s well written, conjures every emotion, respectful and makes me proud to be an American. I have that much more respect for our Veterans.
This is a great man and I thank God he came home alive and “in one piece”.
Proud he calls me his friend.
I never have much time to read and told myself I’d read it. He’s my friend. And his book is always on display at the store.
We’ll I read it, read it in about 5 or 6 hours.
I loved every bit of it. It’s well written, conjures every emotion, respectful and makes me proud to be an American. I have that much more respect for our Veterans.
This is a great man and I thank God he came home alive and “in one piece”.
Proud he calls me his friend.
April 26, 2020
Hits Home
A great book which tells the story of a US Marine during his time in Vietnam. The flow of the book is great and the accounts that are told are interesting to read and make it difficult to put down. It is also great to see that the proceeds from purchases of this book go towards former USMC Marines who have been affected by recent conflicts. Overall, a must read to gauge the Vietnam War from an ordinary American who experienced it first-hand.
A great book which tells the story of a US Marine during his time in Vietnam. The flow of the book is great and the accounts that are told are interesting to read and make it difficult to put down. It is also great to see that the proceeds from purchases of this book go towards former USMC Marines who have been affected by recent conflicts. Overall, a must read to gauge the Vietnam War from an ordinary American who experienced it first-hand.
July 29, 2019
This is a good read where he did his duty and found sucess on his own merits and he has helped out his fellow vets who need the help that the V.A failed to do and I feel his outrage in this regard. I thank you for your service Barry Fixler.
December 21, 2025
great narrative
This book proves that truth is more exciting, and captivating than fiction. I am a veteran of army, but never went to Vietnam Nam. I am in awe of those that did. Thank you Barry
This book proves that truth is more exciting, and captivating than fiction. I am a veteran of army, but never went to Vietnam Nam. I am in awe of those that did. Thank you Barry
May 27, 2017
Awesome
This book is awesome and taught me a lot of life lessons and the book is really inspirational. If his book becomes more popular it can motivate a lot of people.
This book is awesome and taught me a lot of life lessons and the book is really inspirational. If his book becomes more popular it can motivate a lot of people.
April 15, 2018
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July 18, 2019
Real, gritty, not for children. Very good.
September 13, 2019
Excellent
Great book. I've read many books about Marines in Vietnam and this book is definitely in the top 10 best
Great book. I've read many books about Marines in Vietnam and this book is definitely in the top 10 best
December 29, 2020
Engrossing
The type of book you can't put down,read it in a couple of days which is very quick for me,fascinating story of being a marine,and the Vietnam war.
And the also of Barry's relentless quest to raise money for the wounded and sometimes forgotten soldiers.
The type of book you can't put down,read it in a couple of days which is very quick for me,fascinating story of being a marine,and the Vietnam war.
And the also of Barry's relentless quest to raise money for the wounded and sometimes forgotten soldiers.
April 13, 2021
An absolute must read
I found this account of the Vietnam war honest and insightful. The author is a truly remarkable man.
It's a must read book.
I found this account of the Vietnam war honest and insightful. The author is a truly remarkable man.
It's a must read book.
October 9, 2021
Wonderfully Told
I don’t know many books I’ve read on VN but this is one of favorite. So many times we forget that without sorrow there can be no joy.
I don’t know many books I’ve read on VN but this is one of favorite. So many times we forget that without sorrow there can be no joy.
May 7, 2025
SemperFi Brother
Great book I can relate to your experiences. I was with echo 2/7 1st Mar Div in 1969-1970 as a grunt. SemperFi Brother and Welcome Home
Great book I can relate to your experiences. I was with echo 2/7 1st Mar Div in 1969-1970 as a grunt. SemperFi Brother and Welcome Home
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews