Stealth Patrol: The Making Of A Vietnam Ranger

by Bill Shanahan, John P. Brackin

Bill Shanahan was troubled by his line company duty in Vietnam: whenever his unit went on patrol, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong could hear them coming. His unit didn't have a chance against an enemy that quietly emerged from the jungle like ghosts-and just as quickly disappeared. Shanahan wanted a better way to fight . . and to stay alive. And so, just four months after he arrived in Vietnam in 1968, he joined the LRPs (Long Range Patrol).The mission of the Lurps, as they were called, was dangerous: Five- or six-man teams were dropped into the dense forest behind enemy lines. They were to observe enemy troop movements and stage ambushes that sometimes ended in fierce firefights. When their mission was over, they called for quick helicopter rescue. Back on base, they debriefed and tried to sleep off the adrenaline. Two days later they were back in the brush. The missions changed, but one goal was always the same-stay alive.In hard-hitting prose, Bill Shanahan, with co-author John Brackin, tells his story of survival behind enemy lines.

Genres: Military Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2003

Reviews

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up while waiting on another book to be shipped to me. Stealth Patrol is great and one of the top 3 books I've ever read about the war in Vietnam. It is also one of the best personal war narratives I've ever picked up. Both Bill Shanahan and John Brackin are from Alabama. The book chronicles Shanahan's experiences during the war and his desire to get out of a line company. The opportunity presents itself when he's asked to become a Lurp (LRRP). Most of the book is about the missions, both recon and ambush, his team ran over the course of two years. Well worth the investment...

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was truly fascinating. It breaks with the well known stories of soldiers slogging through the jungle/swamp and takes you into the world of the LRRP's (long-range reconnaissance patrol). This was the Army's answer to guerrilla warfare from the VC/NVA. Everything from the formation of these units, to what they ate, how they slept, their mission, and life in general is detailed precisely. Shanahan's first-hand accounts of being deep behind enemy lines was enough to keep me thoroughly on edge for a good part of the book. I recall the dog barking at one point and nearly jumping out of my chair. Definitely a must read for anyone interested in Vietnam or military history.

[Russell Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is about the best book I have read about the war in Vietnam. It's true and very readable. The author went into great detail about the LURPs, the missions and his experiences.

[Richard Maverick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've personally met a few of the legends mentioned in this book. And my father is one of them.

[Shiloh Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book tells a great account of one soldiers time as LRRP and Ranger running primarily recon missions and an assortment of a few special missions as well.

The book is easy to read and follow. The writer did well in his presentation of the stories and his experiences. This book will entertain and educate to a small degree of what it was like to run missions towards the later years of our involvement on the ground.

I recommend this book to anyone especially former soldiers like myself looking to connect to other soldiers and remember their own times in service.

For the armchair generals or regular joes out there this book is a great read as well, although do not limit yourself in this field or about LRRPs to just this one book. He writes a good account and will impart some of what it is really like to serve and to also serve under fire.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well-written account of a soldier's experience in Vietnam. First rate novel!! Definitely recommend.