Impact Zone: The Battle of the DMZ in Vietnam, 1967–1968

by Jim Brown

A Vietnam War combat memoir from the perspective of an artilleryman.

Impact Zone documents Marine First Lieutenant James S. Brown's intense battle experiences, including those at Khe Sanh and Con Thien, throughout his thirteen months of service on the DMZ during 1967-68. This high-action account also reflects Brown's growing belief that the Vietnam War was mis-fought due to the unproductive political leadership of President Johnson and his administration. Brown's naiveté developed into hardening skepticism and cynicism as he faced the harsh realities of war, though he still managed to retain a sense of honor, pride, and patriotism for his country.

Impact Zone is a distinctive book on the Vietnam War because it is told from the perspective of an artilleryman, and the increasingly dangerous events gain momentum as they progress from one adventure to the next. Impact Zone is not only an important historical document of the Vietnam conflict, but also a moving record of the personal and emotional costs of war.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 22, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Jim Brown is a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, for which he was decorated with the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.

Reviews

[J.]

"Impact Zone" is a first-hand account of the author's experiences during his thirteen-month tour of duty in Vietnam with the Third Marine Division. It is well written and chillingly explains combat action from an artilleryman's perspective. Additionally, it clearly outlines why the conduct of war should never be put in a politician's hands. I recommend this memoir to those who enjoy being in the front row of history class.