Force Recon Diary, 1970

by Major Bruce H. Norton

"The quiet of the night was again shattered by the thunderous roll of incoming artillery shells, spaced five seconds apart, ripping the jungle to pieces, as huge chunks of earth and vegetation blew skyward under the brilliant flashes of orange and white explosions . . . The possibility of encountering more NVA troops moving through our area was high, as we had pushed a very great stick into their nest. But our demonstrated ability to find the enemy and wait for the most opportune time to hit him, while remaining totally undetected, gave us reason to be pleased. It also gave the NVA reason for concern.

In Force Recon Diary, 1970, Bruce "Doc" Norton offers a harrowing sequel to his best-selling Force Recon Diary, 1969, continuing the true story of a navy corpsman who became a Force Recon Team Leader behind enemy lines in the jungles of Vietnam. In the midst of a war set deep in the jungle, the Force Recon Marines often found themselves lacking food, drinkable water, explosives, or even enough radio batteries. Armed with only their own courage, skills, and loyalty to their brothers in arms, the Marines used stealth and cunning to survive in the harsh conditions of Vietnam, where one mistake could prove fatal not just for an individual Marine, but for the entire unit."

240 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 23, 1992

Reviews

[Dan D Van Buskirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic account of the great courage, mental tenacity, and skill it takes to function as a Recon Marine in war with an equally determined enemy.

[a.t.m.]

Marine force recon in the Nam

The book was slow starting at first and you have to be patient with Mr Norton because he spends several chapters qualifying himself. The book took off when his team went out on a mission and the lieutenant in charge did everything wrong. The ego's at the leadership level in our beloved corps have cost many American boys their lives and I sensed his bitterness. great job, great book.

[Brad Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

66/67 Marine Veteran of Vietnam


As an 0311 Marine with a purple heart from combat NOTHING in my resume comes even close to what these FORCE RECON Marines experienced.
My hats off to everyone of you.
Great book, brought back my own tears and memories.

[Charles E. McFatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engrossing and informative

Difficult to stop to do requirements of family life. Recommend any book Bruce Norman writes in the future after reading two of them about US Marines recon in Vietnam.

[Ray Savarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, details of a couple excursions into the bush after Vietnamese. I think he has a Force Recon 1969 that probably has more "action"...

[Tim Frye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started a little slow, got great by the end

[Malcolm O'Dea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read!

Honest, open and to the point, a great book that is well worth the read. Just buy it, you will not be sorry.