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Master Guns
Newly promoted Master Gunnery Sergeant Richard Rhodes returns to Vietnam after thirty days leave in Hong Kong and three months training in the states to take over as Operations Chief for the Third Recon Battalion in Dong Ha. Master Guns Rhodes was expecting a tour on the operation staff after an eighteen month extended tour in I-Corps with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines. He had served as Charlie Company Gunny as a Master Sergeant for most of eighteen months, and his nerves were nearly shot. Charlie Company Skipper, now a Major and S3 for 3rd Recon Battalion, had talked Rhodes into waving his return to combat date and another tour as 3rd Recon Operations Chief, a staff billet. A tour as a pogue in a soft staff job was just what Rhodes needed. Or so he thought. There was just one hitch. Rhodes had the training, but no operational Recon experience. Major Slaughter wanted Rhodes to get some operational experience with the recon teams before he started in the Three Shop. But how bad could that be? A few walks in the sun and then an office, hot meals, daily showers, shined boots and clean utes. It didn’t quite work out that way.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2013
135 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 31, 2021
Made me face my experience in Vietnam
Let me start with appreciation to Raymond Hunter Pyle, USMC. I am a contemporary of the stories main character and its author. I have been reluctant to read fiction and nonfiction about the Vietnam war. I served 17 months in country as a grunt NCO. This story left me with a viscreal reaction that I had not felt for over 50 years. All too accurate descriptions of combat, fear, lose, and tears left me ambivalent; did I enjoy the read or not. I can't use the word enjoyment, but ( there's always a 'but') it made me reflect and come to grips with my own suppressed memories. Will I read other book by the author? Time will tell and I hope that I can.
Let me start with appreciation to Raymond Hunter Pyle, USMC. I am a contemporary of the stories main character and its author. I have been reluctant to read fiction and nonfiction about the Vietnam war. I served 17 months in country as a grunt NCO. This story left me with a viscreal reaction that I had not felt for over 50 years. All too accurate descriptions of combat, fear, lose, and tears left me ambivalent; did I enjoy the read or not. I can't use the word enjoyment, but ( there's always a 'but') it made me reflect and come to grips with my own suppressed memories. Will I read other book by the author? Time will tell and I hope that I can.
November 24, 2020
A good Marine
This book really exceeded my expectations. Expecting to read about spit shined, gung ho Marines. I've been around several senior nco's and most think they're God's gift to the Corp, but not master guns Rhodes. He appears to be a down to earth nice guy, but at the same time a mostly no nonsense senior nco. This is about Marine recon and their job in Vietnam, not to be seen or heard by the enemy, a very tough job. We follow gunny and later captain Rhodes on several recon and one rescue mission. Really enjoyed book, as I was in Vietnam at about the same time and can appreciate what these men endured
This book really exceeded my expectations. Expecting to read about spit shined, gung ho Marines. I've been around several senior nco's and most think they're God's gift to the Corp, but not master guns Rhodes. He appears to be a down to earth nice guy, but at the same time a mostly no nonsense senior nco. This is about Marine recon and their job in Vietnam, not to be seen or heard by the enemy, a very tough job. We follow gunny and later captain Rhodes on several recon and one rescue mission. Really enjoyed book, as I was in Vietnam at about the same time and can appreciate what these men endured
September 3, 2018
A War Time Novel Of Viet Nam
RHP has penned a novel about the East in Viet Man and how the attitudes of politicians and some general officers thought it was a good training for th next big one. The story line although written as fiction there are similarities between the real and the false written. RHP has a clear understanding about Marine flight and Marine RECON. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
RHP has penned a novel about the East in Viet Man and how the attitudes of politicians and some general officers thought it was a good training for th next big one. The story line although written as fiction there are similarities between the real and the false written. RHP has a clear understanding about Marine flight and Marine RECON. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 28, 2021
Gripping, engaging and no holds barred.
Gripping, engaging and heart stopping. A great read and leaves the reader right with Gunny. The media, and worse, historians, failed the majority of soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen that served honorably in a very nasty and unwanted conflict. The media and historians still fail them today."
Gripping, engaging and heart stopping. A great read and leaves the reader right with Gunny. The media, and worse, historians, failed the majority of soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen that served honorably in a very nasty and unwanted conflict. The media and historians still fail them today."
April 20, 2024
Good well written
Good novel, the story of one man, and how those around him effect his life. Gives a somewhat different version of military service of marines in combat. Also how he effects their lives. I had the privilege to serve under one for 2 years in 3rd infantry division in Kitinzen Germany.
Recommend 5 out of 5 stars.
Good novel, the story of one man, and how those around him effect his life. Gives a somewhat different version of military service of marines in combat. Also how he effects their lives. I had the privilege to serve under one for 2 years in 3rd infantry division in Kitinzen Germany.
Recommend 5 out of 5 stars.
July 28, 2018
A darn fine and honest presentation of "Life in the Corps" during Vietnam. Great job.
Take this as it is or leave it, this my review. Less is more. Write more, I'll read them, I'm "All in""..
Take this as it is or leave it, this my review. Less is more. Write more, I'll read them, I'm "All in""..
October 12, 2018
Good read
Pyle is a good writer. He keeps your attention and desire to read. I have read more than a hundred VN books and this rates high. I don't have say it did not happen like that from my war experience.
Pyle is a good writer. He keeps your attention and desire to read. I have read more than a hundred VN books and this rates high. I don't have say it did not happen like that from my war experience.
May 31, 2018
A. terrific tale
I truly enjoyed the realist portrayal of military life. Good writing, suspense, intrigue and intensity. I will look forward to the next book.
I truly enjoyed the realist portrayal of military life. Good writing, suspense, intrigue and intensity. I will look forward to the next book.
October 25, 2018
outstanding book
This book brings out the out look of a war that no one like. I was in Vietnam and I remember and enjoy reading the story.
This book brings out the out look of a war that no one like. I was in Vietnam and I remember and enjoy reading the story.
October 29, 2018
A winner
One that takes you into the heat of pain and the pain of the loss of a team mates. This book takes you there!
One that takes you into the heat of pain and the pain of the loss of a team mates. This book takes you there!
November 30, 2018
Great book reminds me of the Corps and some of the things done that way. Loved the book and reading all of his Vietnam books
April 8, 2019
A great read
A great read about the Marines in Vietnam. Also a story of survival and guts. As a Vietnam vet I truly enjoyed the book.
A great read about the Marines in Vietnam. Also a story of survival and guts. As a Vietnam vet I truly enjoyed the book.
April 9, 2020
An ending that was very plausible.
April 4, 2025
good stuff
A lot less glamorous look at being a Marine in mid-early Vietnam. I really enjoyed the book. Uncomfortable at times..but rings true. I enjoyed the ending too.
A lot less glamorous look at being a Marine in mid-early Vietnam. I really enjoyed the book. Uncomfortable at times..but rings true. I enjoyed the ending too.
July 27, 2016
Master Guns The parts not told.
This author well may have been a Master Guns not quite yet the Master Writer, close but just a bit dry from being there. Vietnam was every bit of what our author presented yet somehow, somewhere, some of the horrors and some of the levity were excluded. I spent some time in the whole Southeast Asia package. As was shown Vietnam was just a piece of that entire picture. Yes it was an 8"X10" Glossy picture of the entire array but so we're many other countries on both sides of the conflict. While it is understood and agreed upon our author was dealing with a primary set of individuals I was surprised to see that the CIA boys were brought into the story so late. Some of this I am sure is due to dates, yet as I remember the hIstory they had much to do with the lines of the DMZ. Well written, easy reading. A bit shallow for my taste but it was his war not mine. Everyone's war is different and never easily put to paper. Someone should write a book the military topographical map, compass and 4,6,and 8 digit grid coordinates. Good job for the effort.
This author well may have been a Master Guns not quite yet the Master Writer, close but just a bit dry from being there. Vietnam was every bit of what our author presented yet somehow, somewhere, some of the horrors and some of the levity were excluded. I spent some time in the whole Southeast Asia package. As was shown Vietnam was just a piece of that entire picture. Yes it was an 8"X10" Glossy picture of the entire array but so we're many other countries on both sides of the conflict. While it is understood and agreed upon our author was dealing with a primary set of individuals I was surprised to see that the CIA boys were brought into the story so late. Some of this I am sure is due to dates, yet as I remember the hIstory they had much to do with the lines of the DMZ. Well written, easy reading. A bit shallow for my taste but it was his war not mine. Everyone's war is different and never easily put to paper. Someone should write a book the military topographical map, compass and 4,6,and 8 digit grid coordinates. Good job for the effort.
February 14, 2014
This was an enjoyable book about a Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant. He has been in combat for over two years and then is sent for more intensive infantry training. Now he is back as an "operations" Sergeant but is told he has to get his feet wet again.
Long story short (read the book), he is wounded and taken out of action. He is sent to a hospital and meets a nurse who is the sister of one of the men subordinate to him who was killed.
Yeah, they fall in love and get married and live happily ever after. I would have given the story 5 stars but Raymond Pyle couldn't figure out an ending.
Long story short (read the book), he is wounded and taken out of action. He is sent to a hospital and meets a nurse who is the sister of one of the men subordinate to him who was killed.
Yeah, they fall in love and get married and live happily ever after. I would have given the story 5 stars but Raymond Pyle couldn't figure out an ending.
May 17, 2015
The True Vietnam
I found this book tells a good story for fiction. The recon missions and search and destroy missions, I think was very good reading. It portrays what life was like in the field for the marines. I was stationed aboard the USS Repose AH-16 in 1967 and saw what it like for the marines in the jungles of Vietnam. Talked to them heard there stories and they all left parts of their self there. You had to be there to understand. One of many reasons that I liked this book.
I found this book tells a good story for fiction. The recon missions and search and destroy missions, I think was very good reading. It portrays what life was like in the field for the marines. I was stationed aboard the USS Repose AH-16 in 1967 and saw what it like for the marines in the jungles of Vietnam. Talked to them heard there stories and they all left parts of their self there. You had to be there to understand. One of many reasons that I liked this book.
May 17, 2016
Larry's take
I was fortunate to be in the military(USAF)just before Vietnam got started. I read lots of Vietnam war stories over the years. I have to agree with Raymond about looking at the Vietnam war from say the other point of view. This story is not about drugs and so forth but about Marines at war.
It's a great story and well worth the time to read.
I was fortunate to be in the military(USAF)just before Vietnam got started. I read lots of Vietnam war stories over the years. I have to agree with Raymond about looking at the Vietnam war from say the other point of view. This story is not about drugs and so forth but about Marines at war.
It's a great story and well worth the time to read.
August 29, 2016
Gung Ho
An interesting look at the war from a Marine grunt's point of view. Having yen two tours in the same part of the country as an army aviator it was a realistic experience. O never heard of a gunship giving hovering fire cover though.. We kept a tight circle.and game plenty of minor gun covet. Good read
An interesting look at the war from a Marine grunt's point of view. Having yen two tours in the same part of the country as an army aviator it was a realistic experience. O never heard of a gunship giving hovering fire cover though.. We kept a tight circle.and game plenty of minor gun covet. Good read
January 30, 2015
Master Guns
Written in a very good tale-teller manner, this was one of the best stories of Vietnam or any war that I've ever read. Almost impossible to put down during the recon trips,it makes for an excellent training documentary for that critical skill. Highly recommended.
Written in a very good tale-teller manner, this was one of the best stories of Vietnam or any war that I've ever read. Almost impossible to put down during the recon trips,it makes for an excellent training documentary for that critical skill. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2015
A Very Good Read
This book was an enjoyable read and I liked the different approach as told from a "Master Guns" point of view. The action parts were riveting and it was a very good story. I highly recommend it.
This book was an enjoyable read and I liked the different approach as told from a "Master Guns" point of view. The action parts were riveting and it was a very good story. I highly recommend it.
February 24, 2016
I thought that it was a great story well told.
Very informative about life in Vietnam as a Marine senior NCO turned mustang officer and dealing with PTSD while still active and effective in combat.
Very informative about life in Vietnam as a Marine senior NCO turned mustang officer and dealing with PTSD while still active and effective in combat.
April 5, 2016
Great story
As a grunt who served with the 101st Abn in Vietnam and did similar missions, I found much to like, and much to admire in this great read
Temper Fi Guns!
Thanks for telling your story
As a grunt who served with the 101st Abn in Vietnam and did similar missions, I found much to like, and much to admire in this great read
Temper Fi Guns!
Thanks for telling your story
September 6, 2016
Great book
I was there. It's a page turner. The book deals with combat, loss and sometimes the stupidity of the Corps. But we are all brothers. Read this book-go back to we were. Semper Fi
I was there. It's a page turner. The book deals with combat, loss and sometimes the stupidity of the Corps. But we are all brothers. Read this book-go back to we were. Semper Fi
September 10, 2016
Master writer
Raymond Hunter Pyle one of the few writers who can say in a few words of description that others take several pages to describe.
I am in awe of his books, the way he makes you feel that you were actually within the scenery.
Raymond Hunter Pyle one of the few writers who can say in a few words of description that others take several pages to describe.
I am in awe of his books, the way he makes you feel that you were actually within the scenery.
February 3, 2017
4 star
Very good book.. An interesting page turner that I will remember for a long time. Realistic characters and situations from the Vietnam War era.
Very good book.. An interesting page turner that I will remember for a long time. Realistic characters and situations from the Vietnam War era.
February 2, 2014
Master Guns
This book was highly engaging. The action, dialogue, characterization and technical details were top notch. Can wait to read Pyle's other two Vietnam novels.
This book was highly engaging. The action, dialogue, characterization and technical details were top notch. Can wait to read Pyle's other two Vietnam novels.
July 2, 2016
Gritty
After reading several USMC related books, this one is my favorite so far. I'm not sure if this work is fiction or not, but it is very goof none-the-less.
After reading several USMC related books, this one is my favorite so far. I'm not sure if this work is fiction or not, but it is very goof none-the-less.
December 28, 2016
Tell it like it was and is.
I just finished the Beast prior to reading this. After 50 years, I now understand others and myself better. Temper Fi.
I just finished the Beast prior to reading this. After 50 years, I now understand others and myself better. Temper Fi.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews