Charlie Mike

by Leonard B. Scott

If war may be said to bring out the worst in governments, it frequently brings out the best in people. This is a novel about some of the very best. Some led. Some followed. Some died. Meet Sergeant David Grady, Sarah Boyce, Major John Colven, Lieutenant Le Be Son...in the great Vietnam war novel, CHARLIE MIKE.From the Paperback edition.

Genres: Fiction, Military Fiction, Historical Fiction, War, Military History, Action, Novels

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Leonard B. Scott (Col. USA ret.) is also the author of the acclaimed novels Charlie Mike, The Last Run, The Hill, The Expendables, The Iron Men, and Forged in Honor. Scott retired in 1994 as a full colonel after a twenty-seven-year career in the United States Army, with assignments throughout the world. A veteran of Vietnam, he earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Colonel Scott devotes all his time to researching and writing his novels. He and his wife have returned to their home state of Oklahoma, bought their dream house, and declare they're never moving again.

Reviews

[Supratim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had purchased the book long time back but never got around to reading it. A few weeks earlier I saw the movie – Tropic Thunder (an enjoyable one by the way) on TV and it reminded me of this book.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book has a rating of 4 plus, and that too when the number of ratings is more than 900.

The novel is centered on an US Army Ranger Team 2-2, the Double Deuce, deployed during the Vietnam War. The team is led by Sergeant David Grady, a perfectionist who was fiercely dedicated towards his duty and his men. I enjoyed reading about the camaraderie in his team: how they stood by each other and endured inhuman adversities in order to protect each other. There are quite a few likable, if a bit cliched characters – one I would like to mention is Rock: a man who bluffed about his achievements to his friends while fighting with his inner dreams. There were a few obnoxious characters as usual.

The author, Leonard B. Scott, has done a good job of writing a war novel which reads like a military thriller. There is action and suspense which will keep you turning the pages. But, more than that I appreciate how the author had portrayed the fighters from both sides – there were heroes on both sides, they had their fears, dreams, hopes and faced immense danger while discharging their duty or trying to protect their friends. If the author has glorified war as something which brings out the best in some people, he has also shown the dehumanizing effect of the horror it perpetrates.
One interesting fact I learnt from the book is that the stone used for building the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC was quarried in Bangalore, India.

Overall, a decent read. I am giving the book a rating of 3.5

[John Podlaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I've overlooked this fantastic novel all this time! The author's prose took me back to the jungles of Vietnam. I was so fixated by the story that when I stopped for a break, I was momentarily disoriented, surprised to find myself sitting in my favorite chair back home. It's that realistic!

"Charlie Mike" is a riveting tome and difficult to set aside. Readers are introduced to well-rounded likable characters, making it difficult to choose a single character to care about. A second story line story follows the exploits of a group of North Vietnamese soldiers, offering readers an opportunity to get into the head of the enemy and learn something about their strategy, tactics, and secrets. Both sides will clash time and time again. Many will die on both sides, tears will fall, prayers said and reinforcements arrive before doing it all over again.

There is something for everyone in "Charlie Mike": a love interest between two of the Rangers and a couple Donut Dollies as well as a Ranger officer and the nurse who took care of him after he was wounded and became famous for landing the aircraft, Officers more concerned about public opinion than the lives of their own men, Con artists and money-making schemes and of the brotherhood shared by men who continually place themselves at risk. Taking a line from the Big & Rich song - The 8th of November - "Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his
brother".

Highly recommended! I have just downloaded another of of the author's Vietnam War books and hope it is just as good as this one. Thank you Leonard B. Scott for an entertaining read! Also, thank you for your service and Welcome Home! Charlie Mike, sir!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as I don't often read war novels, however, I have lately become more interested in vietnam. I found I could not put this book down. I fell in love with the characters! I am still thinking about them and probably will for a long time. This book is about Army Rangers and their missions and most importantly their ties to each other and their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their country. Its very touching in a few places and sad in others, which actually made me cry a couple of times. Its easy to understand the bonds of war
between men in this book and the horrible consequence of post traumatic stress disorder. Loved this book!

[Pop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have the words to describe the greatness of this novel. The author, a career Army Ranger officer, nailed this one, describing the brotherly love between soldiers in the Hell that was the Vietnam war. I seldom read about Vietnam until I finally visited the Wall a few years ago. I was enlisted Army in Vietnam, not the Infantry, but not a REMF either. I cried when I finally made it to the Wall and I cried when I finished Charlie Mike.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the only thing available to read during a two week Army training exercise, underway, on a tugboat in 1993. Went into it unenthusiastically, but was immediately drawn in. The characters still live in my heart- 20 years later. An extremely powerful novel.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a U. S. Army Ranger Platoon and the six member teams that it consists of during the Viet Nam war. The author, a Silver Star medal holding career Army man, has a couple of writing weaknesses but they don't include character building and descriptive prose. He forces the reader to get to know the characters well and puts you in battle sequences so vivid you may wish you weren't there. You know that what you are reading is authentic and written by a man who has lived the life. In case you are interested, Charlie Mike is military speak for Continue Mission. Thank you Jim.

[Ed Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I was in South Vietnam from July, 1969 to July 1970. While I was trained as light weapons infantry (11B) I did not serve in that capacity because of other training I had prior to entering military service. From the training I did have I understood the terminology and followed the story line easily. It was truly a "page turner" filled with all of the elements a great novel should have: great characters, accurate descriptions, thrilling story). I intend to read other novels written by Col. Scott.

[Dale Manolakas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one great novel. Col. Scott portrays realistically war in an elite unit. He shows both sides and the craziness of "leadership", the horror of the front, and the combat brotherhood that only those who have been in it could understand. It is poignant and stirring. Well written with wonderful characters, realistic scenes, and war life with great detail. Anyone bothered by formatting or the occasional period is really missing the point. I am so tired of reviews that talk about how great books are and drop them a star because of a few typos. This is a great book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten how good a book he wrote. Of course leading men in the US Army is a good basis for writing a military book, and he was a Colonel. The action is good, but the people; ah the people come alive. The bond that is between them is so strong. I have re-read this book and will continue to. I have recommended the books he has written and given books as presents. There are some happy endings, but its realistic also. It introduced me to what REMFs are and that we all need to Charlie Mike.

[HL Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how it was.

I was there in 65. Full of snafu,s and bs, Not the book but the war. But those of us who, they say survived, will never forget those who didn't. I am now 71 years, I have been old since 65. Read this book and know how it really was. When someone asks , how it was, I say "a walk in the park". It wasn't. Read this book.

[Riayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was about 12 or 13 (way too many years ago) and I've probably read it at least ten times since then (I had to replace my original copy, as it completely fell apart). (Which reminds me, I need to go dig it up from wherever I have shelved it so I can read it again.) Two of the things I really remember about this book is that I was immediately drawn to the characters (Grady and Thumper were probably my favorites, though I liked them all) and that Scott's writing painted itself across my mind, every thing about this book just came alive, and vividly so, for me. The scene that stuck with me the most, the one I immediately remember first about this book, is the Oreos in the blood. Even as a kid that image struck me as incredibly poignant for some reason.

[Carol Free · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings the essence of the times

No....I wasn't a soldier, but I lived in the vietnam war era.....and there was no one who lived then that Vietnam didn't scar. This book brought smiles as well as tears. It is a fitting tribute to those who served. It made the war real, the victories real, and the suffering real. Thank you to all our military for your service.

[Wayne Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard Scott's books are good read. His focus isn't about whether war is good or bad. Sure some of his characters, like Meeks in this book, are in the 'Nam for some sort of honor reason. But the rest are just trying to get home alive, and to save as many of their freinds as they can while they do it.

[DJ Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book lying in my rack on a ship, I feel so hard into the story that I didn't sleep that night. The story took me to a world far gone from the now and I enjoyed every moment of the journey. By the end of the cruise I read the darn thing 3 times and still couldn't get enough. Simply put; outstanding.

[Robert C. smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best, Most Comprehensive Vietnam Novel

Scott leaves nothing out as the reader journeys with the Special Forces into the worst hell imaginable. Informative and even entertaining, this account of the war involves the reader emotionally with graphically clear understanding. Well worth reading just to feel some degree of what our service men and women feel in war.

[Craig Schoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put this on the must read list. Very good from start to finish. You can feel the success and failures of the characters as they move through there lives. I was moved by their ups and downs and felt part of the story. I love a book where it motivates me to do more, to be better than I was yesterday, to be great today.

[Ryan Feltman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author fought in the Vietnam war with the Army and tells the story of the Ranger platoons actions during the war. He doesn't get into the politics of the war but instead focuses on the participants. I've read plenty of books describing war and battle but it is completely different when written by someone who has lived through that life. Worth the read

[Ó Ruairc · Rating 3 out of 5]

LTC Scott was my commander in Army Airborne School. I could kick myself in the ass for not getting the book signed by him after completing the course. I read 'Charlie Mike' a long time ago, so the rating I gave it is probably deficient a star or two; I need to read the book again.

[Hd Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most gripping books I've ever read. Have read this book three times and would still, read it again ! I highly recommend this book, it's a must read if you're interested in the history of The 75th Ranger Bn. And it's mission during the Vietnam war !

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! I know it's fiction but it is so realistic. I am recommending this to all my Vietnam Veteran friends. I will read the other Leonard B. Scott books! Good Job, Sir!
I recommend "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" by Ben Finney. Forward by Lem Shepherd, General, USMC (Ret).

[Robert Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Excellent war story of men and women who served their country and each other as comrades in a war the public disliked. Wonderful characters and I really enjoyed the book

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Vietnam, war and those who were there. The author does a great job bringing an era in history to life.

[Thomas R. Winscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Great account of a nasty time in our history. This is well written and shows the up and down side of being the best during a war no one wanted.

[Michelle H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago and it blew me away. It didn’t quite hold up to a re-read. Scott uses far too many exclamation points. And his dialogue felt stilted. But what he does well is tell the story of men who fought a war with brotherhood and with pride. His characters jump off the page. At first glance, they seem like “types” - college baseball player who earns the respect of his men - that sort of thing. But the nature of the Army Rangers means that there is a general type there, and the more you read, you realize that Scott manages to lay out the good and bad of all his characters. You’re going to roll your eyes at times, sure, there’s a machismo to 1960’s men written by a guy in the 80’s that can grate. But you’re going to bleed with them too.

[Gregory Andis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated with the Vietnam War. Probably because I remember seeing the black and white images on television before I went to kindergarten and went I got to kindergarten in 1970, I proudly took my Sergeant Uncle (my mom's brother) to show and tell and showed him off, as the war hero that he was. Medals and all.

This novel does an excellent job of making the reader feel like he is right there with the Rangers as they navigate the jungles of Vietnam. Even when the battle action slows down and the Rangers are back at base camp, Colonel Scott allows them to enjoy their fraternity and some of the soldiers even find love.

Highly recommend, especially if you are intrigued by this period of American history.

[Bob Gustafson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is supposed to take the reader into the nitty gritty of the Viet Nam War. It does that and does it well. It describes the American incursion into Cambodia. (Personally, I had a student deferment at the time and a 182 in the draft lottery after I graduated. I had a friend who served in a medical ship off-shore and another friend who served a non-combat assignment.)

I read the Kindle edition and didn't know there was a glossary until the end. Peruse the glossary before you start reading and you will probably give the book four stars.

[Robert B. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this book a five because I enjoyed the novel and the characters he created. I served in VN as a grunt but not a recon... I could have become a tracker and be trained in Burma, but foolishly turned down the opportunity. Was in VN a year before the Cambodian incursion, but spent a lot of time in and around the border. I was in fire bases on the border put there to entice the NVA to attack and the did. Wolfhound of the 2/27th, 25th Division. Robert Bell Williams

[Janice Frye · Rating 5 out of 5]

1974

I had the awesome privilege of working in an Army Nov club and then in an Officers Club on a reserve training post. During the summer of '74 I worked at Officers club and got to know many who had just returned from Nam. The best months! Was a willing eat for their memories. Many were guests in my home and even tho I haven't had contact with them the memories will last.

[Frank Lassen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great story told as it really is in the military when men go through all kinds of tough times an survive !

I really enjoyed this book but it brought back memories of some rough times in the military, when you go through those times, some you try to forget but they are never forgotten nor the people you were with at those times

[Travis Castleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read , poor editing and scenetransition was lacking. Character development left alot to be desired as well.

Good story, weak character development
Would read other stories by this author just to see if there was improvement,.
Story did carry a bit long as well.