What do you think?
Rate this book
Why a Soldier?: A Signal Corpsman's Tour from Vietnam to the Moscow Hot Line
He was one of the best, Airborne, proud to serve his country and fight its toughest war--in the hell that was Vietnam.
Known to all as "Fitz," Signal Corps officer David Fitz-Enz served two tours in Vietnam. He was a soldier, combat photographer, and platoon leader, fighting America's cruelest war--from the VC-infested rice paddies of the Mekong Delta to the dreaded Ia Drang Valley, where the enemy ruled the night.
Dispensing with traditional, sluggish chains of command, the Signal Corps developed a rapid-response system based on greater flexibility, cutting-edge communications technology, and interdependence between the branches of the military during the war. Now commanders in the field were able to call in artillery, air strikes, and reinforcements at a moment's notice. Fitz-Enz himself orchestrated the first-ever hook up over tactical systems between the President in the Oval Office and a general in the Vietnam jungle. The only book of its kind, WHY A SOLDIER? gives us the inside view of the Corps as it launched an exciting new era in strategic and tactical communications that set the groundwork for all future military operations.
Known to all as "Fitz," Signal Corps officer David Fitz-Enz served two tours in Vietnam. He was a soldier, combat photographer, and platoon leader, fighting America's cruelest war--from the VC-infested rice paddies of the Mekong Delta to the dreaded Ia Drang Valley, where the enemy ruled the night.
Dispensing with traditional, sluggish chains of command, the Signal Corps developed a rapid-response system based on greater flexibility, cutting-edge communications technology, and interdependence between the branches of the military during the war. Now commanders in the field were able to call in artillery, air strikes, and reinforcements at a moment's notice. Fitz-Enz himself orchestrated the first-ever hook up over tactical systems between the President in the Oval Office and a general in the Vietnam jungle. The only book of its kind, WHY A SOLDIER? gives us the inside view of the Corps as it launched an exciting new era in strategic and tactical communications that set the groundwork for all future military operations.
- GenresMilitary History
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
Read
September 15, 2013Col. Fitz-Enz started his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing R.O.T.C. and with the commitment he would be assigned to an Airborne unit after airborne training. During his career he served two tours in Vietnam. Due to his overeagerness to succeed he overworked his body and due to injuries he sustained he was not able to complete his final graduation jump, thereby failing to complete the training.
He was assigned to the Signal Corps, which was considered a rear echelon non-vital assignment. As all good soldiers he took his assignment and performed with a determination to do the best he could while still trying to become a paratrooper. His efforts paid off and he was reassigned to paratroop training, which he completed and earned his paratrooper wings. What was the downside, at least he thought so at the time, is he was again assigned to the Combat Signal Corps. On his first combat assignment he wound up leading his troops ashore from landing crafts onto a hostile beach, they were suppose to unload in a secured beach area. Fortunately there no enemy combatants when they waded ashore.
During his first assignment he was able to earn the right to wear the "Combat Photographer" badge over his Airborne badge. Once these badges are earned they have the right to wear them at all times.
All in all a very good read of one mans military career written in a format that seems like you are sitting with the author having a cup of coffee and just talking. A very enjoyable read to me
He was assigned to the Signal Corps, which was considered a rear echelon non-vital assignment. As all good soldiers he took his assignment and performed with a determination to do the best he could while still trying to become a paratrooper. His efforts paid off and he was reassigned to paratroop training, which he completed and earned his paratrooper wings. What was the downside, at least he thought so at the time, is he was again assigned to the Combat Signal Corps. On his first combat assignment he wound up leading his troops ashore from landing crafts onto a hostile beach, they were suppose to unload in a secured beach area. Fortunately there no enemy combatants when they waded ashore.
During his first assignment he was able to earn the right to wear the "Combat Photographer" badge over his Airborne badge. Once these badges are earned they have the right to wear them at all times.
All in all a very good read of one mans military career written in a format that seems like you are sitting with the author having a cup of coffee and just talking. A very enjoyable read to me
Displaying 1 of 1 review