The Perfect War

by Sam L. Pfiester

The war in Vietnam was conducted in three distinct topographic along the rugged Annamite mountains next to Laos and the DMZ; in the jungles of the central highlands; and, most alien of all, along the extensive network of rivers and canals stretching from the Cambodian border to the Ca Mau peninsula. The Perfect War is the story of the riverine warfare, where Vietcong and American supported counterinsurgency forces meet in a deadly struggle for control of the watery avenues. More than a tale of war, The Perfect War describes the experiences of American advisors who, isolated from their own countrymen, live within and ultimately adapt to the Vietnamese culture. Readers will find The Perfect War an intriguing addition to the genre of books about the Vietnam War.

256 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2012

About the author

Sam L. Pfiester was born and raised in Fort Stockton, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Plan II. In 1968 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving two tours in the Vietnam War. The second tour he was senior advisor to a river patrol group operating in the Ca Mau Peninsula along the Cambodian border, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. Later he wrote The Perfect War (by Sam Lee) about his experiences. In 1971 he was hired as a petroleum landman for Clayton W. Williams, Jr., an independent oil operator. He worked for Clayton Williams for ten years, eventually becoming exploration manager. Since 1982 he has operated his own exploration company, Pfiester Oil and Gas. He and his wife Rebecca have three grown children and reside in Georgetown, Texas.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the author has categorized this book as fiction, it's my sense that this book is mostly his own story. Maybe writing in third person gives him the freedom and distance he needed to shape the story of his own experience as an senior advisor in the Vietnam War. The story takes place in 1971, and the first published in 1990, so twenty years later. Maybe he wrote it to sort through his memories, make peace with the events, and gain a perspective.
It's well written, and straight forward. I believe Sam tries to hold onto his truth rather than yielding to the dogmas created by those who didn't walk in his boots fifty years ago.