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The FNG: A Prequel to the Iron Triangle
This is a prequel to my first novel, 'The Iron Triangle'. In reading my reviews, I realized many readers wanted the origin story of Sergeant Holt. In this book, The FNG, we follow a young, eighteen year old, Donald Holt from his enlistment in January, 1967 through Basic Training, Advanced Infantry Training to his subsequent deployment to Vietnam. It graphically shows his introduction to the horrors of jungle warfare in War Zone C leading up to the Tet Offensive and beyond. Holt's war began in June, 1967 through June, 1968. 1968 was the worst year for combat deaths. Over fifteen thousand died in combat in 1968 alone.
As with my other books, The FNG is meticulously researched. I show the grueling, daily existence lead by a common infantryman detailing everything from the food they ate to the emotions they shared. I put the reader into the jungle with these men, to experience things the average person couldn't even imagine. These young men, our sons, brothers and fathers were thrust into a war with no clear defined goals other than to survive their one year deployment. They fought and died in a country that many couldn't even find on a map. They fought at a time when half the country called them 'baby killers' and demonstrated against them. They returned to the 'World' unwanted and unappreciated. They didn't return home to accolades and parades. They returned to a country that reviled and hated them.
Many Vietnam Veterans have never discussed their war. No one wanted to hear their stories. No one cared. It has only been recently that they have begun to receive some appreciation. Whenever I hear someone my age say, 'Thanks for your service' I always wonder, were you one of those people that demonstrated against us?
When we returned home, PTSD was unknown. We were told to 'suck it up' and get on with our lives. We were left to suffer in silence. And we suffer still. The effects of Agent Orange has killed more than three hundred thousand Vietnam Veterans. That is almost six times as many as were killed in the war. Veteran suicide remains at almost twenty soldiers a day and goes largely unnoticed.
The Vietnam Veteran was the best America had. I hope, through this book, you gain a measure of appreciation of what they endured.
As with my other books, The FNG is meticulously researched. I show the grueling, daily existence lead by a common infantryman detailing everything from the food they ate to the emotions they shared. I put the reader into the jungle with these men, to experience things the average person couldn't even imagine. These young men, our sons, brothers and fathers were thrust into a war with no clear defined goals other than to survive their one year deployment. They fought and died in a country that many couldn't even find on a map. They fought at a time when half the country called them 'baby killers' and demonstrated against them. They returned to the 'World' unwanted and unappreciated. They didn't return home to accolades and parades. They returned to a country that reviled and hated them.
Many Vietnam Veterans have never discussed their war. No one wanted to hear their stories. No one cared. It has only been recently that they have begun to receive some appreciation. Whenever I hear someone my age say, 'Thanks for your service' I always wonder, were you one of those people that demonstrated against us?
When we returned home, PTSD was unknown. We were told to 'suck it up' and get on with our lives. We were left to suffer in silence. And we suffer still. The effects of Agent Orange has killed more than three hundred thousand Vietnam Veterans. That is almost six times as many as were killed in the war. Veteran suicide remains at almost twenty soldiers a day and goes largely unnoticed.
The Vietnam Veteran was the best America had. I hope, through this book, you gain a measure of appreciation of what they endured.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
332 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 9, 2024
I am a fan of this author and have read and enjoyed all the books in this series. FNG takes readers back to the beginning. Back to when Sgt. Holt decided to join the military. The author provides readers with a picture of what it was like to enter the military and participate in the training in preparation for going to Vietnam. Once in-country, Holt is assigned to the Wolfhounds of the 25th Division. This is the same unit I served with during my infantry tour in Vietnam. I recall patrolling through the same jungles and rubber plantations mentioned herein and found this story to be very close to my tour.
Holt is referred to as an FNG which is a term along with CHERRIES that defines all new arrivals in-country. They retain the moniker until they can prove themselves worthy to those who have been there for a while. Holt doesn't waste time and gets involved during his first firefight, attacking a bunker and killing three enemy soldiers inside. Thus saving those soldiers in his squad.
The platoon soon runs short of troops, Holt is promoted to squad leader and then shortly thereafter, platoon sergeant. One thing he is known for is that he takes care of his people and usually walks point himself.
FNG tells Holt's story and follows him through his one-year tour of duty - including his stays in the hospital; a booby trap should have killed him, but he survived with multiple injuries. As a result, he should have been sent home, but he is not in the mood to spend 18 months on stateside duty. So he volunteers to spend another year in Vietnam on the condition he remains with his current unit.
FNG is an excellent read where readers will share in the laughter, fear, camaraderie, and brotherhood of a bunch of guys who are fighting together to survive and return home. I did note some typos in the book, many of them should have been picked up by an editor. FNG is highly recommended as part of a great series.
Holt is referred to as an FNG which is a term along with CHERRIES that defines all new arrivals in-country. They retain the moniker until they can prove themselves worthy to those who have been there for a while. Holt doesn't waste time and gets involved during his first firefight, attacking a bunker and killing three enemy soldiers inside. Thus saving those soldiers in his squad.
The platoon soon runs short of troops, Holt is promoted to squad leader and then shortly thereafter, platoon sergeant. One thing he is known for is that he takes care of his people and usually walks point himself.
FNG tells Holt's story and follows him through his one-year tour of duty - including his stays in the hospital; a booby trap should have killed him, but he survived with multiple injuries. As a result, he should have been sent home, but he is not in the mood to spend 18 months on stateside duty. So he volunteers to spend another year in Vietnam on the condition he remains with his current unit.
FNG is an excellent read where readers will share in the laughter, fear, camaraderie, and brotherhood of a bunch of guys who are fighting together to survive and return home. I did note some typos in the book, many of them should have been picked up by an editor. FNG is highly recommended as part of a great series.
May 11, 2024
A walk on the wild side
Well, you had to have been there to understand. In order to survive in Vietnam, you had to convince yourself you wasn’t going to make it back from there. Once you understood that, then you could face each day, if you lived. I suppose that the worst part was the last few days when it looked like you might actually make it, a chance, mind you, but still…. People died on their first day and on their last. I was in the Replacement Station when a man going out on a plane back home that day, went to a porta potte. A rocket fired at the base hit it and it disappeared, along with him.
Well, you had to have been there to understand. In order to survive in Vietnam, you had to convince yourself you wasn’t going to make it back from there. Once you understood that, then you could face each day, if you lived. I suppose that the worst part was the last few days when it looked like you might actually make it, a chance, mind you, but still…. People died on their first day and on their last. I was in the Replacement Station when a man going out on a plane back home that day, went to a porta potte. A rocket fired at the base hit it and it disappeared, along with him.
January 12, 2024
Great book
I read this book first, as it is prequel to set up the ones that follow it. I enjoyed it and it is a very fast read. I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. Reading the newer books that have finally started be published about Viet Nam finally shows us what our elected leaders and our military commanders really thought of and think of our fighting troops then and today.
I read this book first, as it is prequel to set up the ones that follow it. I enjoyed it and it is a very fast read. I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. Reading the newer books that have finally started be published about Viet Nam finally shows us what our elected leaders and our military commanders really thought of and think of our fighting troops then and today.
January 23, 2024
A terrific read.
Holt is a young man whose life before the military was full of struggle with his family and work in a dead end job. His decision to enlist changes him into what the military wants, a smart leader who is a concerned for those under him and a teacher to all the FNGs that come to his unit. A good book, interesting reading and well worth the time you will invest.
Holt is a young man whose life before the military was full of struggle with his family and work in a dead end job. His decision to enlist changes him into what the military wants, a smart leader who is a concerned for those under him and a teacher to all the FNGs that come to his unit. A good book, interesting reading and well worth the time you will invest.
March 6, 2024
Among the best war novels I have read
Douglas Edwards has a gift for weaving humor and great storytelling into a novel about a war that never made sense and the young men who were forced to endure its insanity. FNG is a late prequel to a winning series, and couldn't provide a better segue into the surreal life and times of young Sgt. Don Holt as he finds he is more at home in the jungles of Vietnam than his native Queens, NY.
Douglas Edwards has a gift for weaving humor and great storytelling into a novel about a war that never made sense and the young men who were forced to endure its insanity. FNG is a late prequel to a winning series, and couldn't provide a better segue into the surreal life and times of young Sgt. Don Holt as he finds he is more at home in the jungles of Vietnam than his native Queens, NY.
October 14, 2025
An outstanding "prequel" to "The Iron Triangle"...
Of course I read both books in reverse order ("Iron Triangle" first then "FNG"). Both books are excellent reads with well developed characters and believable stories. Fast paced with short chapters that you keep reading well into the night. Shame there isn't a third volume...I like the characters that much and would be interested in following their journey...
Of course I read both books in reverse order ("Iron Triangle" first then "FNG"). Both books are excellent reads with well developed characters and believable stories. Fast paced with short chapters that you keep reading well into the night. Shame there isn't a third volume...I like the characters that much and would be interested in following their journey...
January 26, 2024
Multi-layered offering
Just completed the four book series by reading the prequel "The FNG". I wish that I'd read the prequel first since it fleshes out the complex Holt character. The depth of character and self-awareness gifted Holt in "FNG" would give him additional depth in the three original novels, making for a more satisfying journey. Five stars nevertheless.
Just completed the four book series by reading the prequel "The FNG". I wish that I'd read the prequel first since it fleshes out the complex Holt character. The depth of character and self-awareness gifted Holt in "FNG" would give him additional depth in the three original novels, making for a more satisfying journey. Five stars nevertheless.
February 7, 2024
Glad prequel was written
When I first downloaded a sample of the Iron Triangle, it seemed like I was coming into the series halfway through it. I declined reading it. So, I immediately downloaded this prequel as soon as I saw it, and I’m very glad I did. Strong story and I’m now anxious to find out what has been happening with Sgt. Holt.
When I first downloaded a sample of the Iron Triangle, it seemed like I was coming into the series halfway through it. I declined reading it. So, I immediately downloaded this prequel as soon as I saw it, and I’m very glad I did. Strong story and I’m now anxious to find out what has been happening with Sgt. Holt.
February 28, 2024
Great prequel
These books by Douglas Edwards are a very good insight into the day to day lives of the grunts in Vietnam. This is the prequel to the Golden Triangle, which first introduces you to Holt. I read this a while ago, but I think I'm going to read it again, just for the hell of it
These books by Douglas Edwards are a very good insight into the day to day lives of the grunts in Vietnam. This is the prequel to the Golden Triangle, which first introduces you to Holt. I read this a while ago, but I think I'm going to read it again, just for the hell of it
March 22, 2024
Great reading.
I have now completed all the stories about Sgt. Holt, and his squad mates. They were all great reads, but I particularly liked this prequel to the Iron Triangle. Mr. Edwards is an outstanding writer, and as the saying goes, "Not Your Average Beancounter." As I hear at the VA, thank you for your service.
I have now completed all the stories about Sgt. Holt, and his squad mates. They were all great reads, but I particularly liked this prequel to the Iron Triangle. Mr. Edwards is an outstanding writer, and as the saying goes, "Not Your Average Beancounter." As I hear at the VA, thank you for your service.
April 9, 2024
Average
Inconsistent and/or incorrect nomenclature, some more modern colloquial expressions not used in '67-'68. A few military jargons not used by Army personnel. A couple or more incorrect dates of newly fielded equipment. Author did his time and earned his stripes. Memory probably on the aged side of life.
Inconsistent and/or incorrect nomenclature, some more modern colloquial expressions not used in '67-'68. A few military jargons not used by Army personnel. A couple or more incorrect dates of newly fielded equipment. Author did his time and earned his stripes. Memory probably on the aged side of life.
July 31, 2024
One outstanding book.
I’ve read a fair number of books about the Vietnam war, but this book is in a class of its own. Never have I read a book of this caliber that so shows what it was like to be a grunt fighting in Vietnam. This book was so exceptionally good that it was hard to put down.
I’ve read a fair number of books about the Vietnam war, but this book is in a class of its own. Never have I read a book of this caliber that so shows what it was like to be a grunt fighting in Vietnam. This book was so exceptionally good that it was hard to put down.
November 15, 2024
I’ve read the first two books I this series. I really liked how we got a glimpse of Holt as a civilian prior to his Vietnam experience. His development as a war fighting technician and mindset were what made this story flow so well with me. I will be reading “Holt’s War” next. It would be interesting to see what happens to Holt after Vietnam, or if he ever left there.
December 25, 2024
A great story
Holt’s life in Vietnam parallels my own. In 1972 I went to West Point. All of our teachers were officers who served in Vietnam. I thought we would all graduate and go to Vietnam. I was a poor cadet and disliked military life. They kicked me out. Now some 50 years later I stand tall and in some crazy way await the call. It will never come
Holt’s life in Vietnam parallels my own. In 1972 I went to West Point. All of our teachers were officers who served in Vietnam. I thought we would all graduate and go to Vietnam. I was a poor cadet and disliked military life. They kicked me out. Now some 50 years later I stand tall and in some crazy way await the call. It will never come
December 8, 2025
Great Grunt Reading Of Vietnam War
The book was entertaining about a soldier named Holt and his experiences in the jungles of Vietnam. The battles and ever day life of a grunt are well described and kept my attention. I recommend the book for anyone interested in the front line combat of a Vietnam soldier!
The book was entertaining about a soldier named Holt and his experiences in the jungles of Vietnam. The battles and ever day life of a grunt are well described and kept my attention. I recommend the book for anyone interested in the front line combat of a Vietnam soldier!
February 10, 2024
4 separate 5 STAR reviews
Just finished FNG. It is just as good and realistic as the first 3 novels Douglas Edward’s has publicly. I only wish that he had introduced us to Holt with FNG.
Just finished FNG. It is just as good and realistic as the first 3 novels Douglas Edward’s has publicly. I only wish that he had introduced us to Holt with FNG.
March 7, 2024
Amazing detail, placing the reader in the line of fire.
Highly recommend this book. Could not put it down. The experiences of Sergeant Holt truly bring the whole Vietnam experience up close and personal
Highly recommend this book. Could not put it down. The experiences of Sergeant Holt truly bring the whole Vietnam experience up close and personal
March 22, 2024
thanks for the truth
As a combat medic with the 101st, my time in the jungle and assessment of being a grunt loyal to my fellow soldiers … this is right on. I believe that only a grunt could truly appreciate this book!😎
As a combat medic with the 101st, my time in the jungle and assessment of being a grunt loyal to my fellow soldiers … this is right on. I believe that only a grunt could truly appreciate this book!😎
March 23, 2024
Excellent read
Was stationed at the 25's base camp for a couple months and I remember the fun at trees, command told us to try not to shot the trees, yea ok. I was with the 101 Airborne. To all who served Welcome Home.
Was stationed at the 25's base camp for a couple months and I remember the fun at trees, command told us to try not to shot the trees, yea ok. I was with the 101 Airborne. To all who served Welcome Home.
April 21, 2024
Fng
Good start of the career of Sgt Holt . the storyline was good but it was the first pres equal of someone's story. Read all the books by Mr. Edwards and enjoy the was his stories flow and the research that he needed to write those books.
Good start of the career of Sgt Holt . the storyline was good but it was the first pres equal of someone's story. Read all the books by Mr. Edwards and enjoy the was his stories flow and the research that he needed to write those books.
June 13, 2024
Good read
First time reading a book by this author, I really enjoyed this book. The book has enough facts to make it believable and enough action to make it hard to put down. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Hoss
First time reading a book by this author, I really enjoyed this book. The book has enough facts to make it believable and enough action to make it hard to put down. Looking forward to reading another book by this author.
Hoss
June 18, 2024
The best novel on Vietnam
After many years as an arm chair military historian, I have to say that FNG was, in my estimation, the finest fictional portrayal of life as a infantry grunt in the Vietnam War. I'm really looking forward to reading The Iron Triangle, by this author.
After many years as an arm chair military historian, I have to say that FNG was, in my estimation, the finest fictional portrayal of life as a infantry grunt in the Vietnam War. I'm really looking forward to reading The Iron Triangle, by this author.
July 1, 2024
it feels real. visceral.
The dialog of the infantry rings true, as well as the bureaucratic and self serving attitude of career hungry senior officers. The world of a combat infantryman through the lens of a new recruit……I found it compelling reading.
The dialog of the infantry rings true, as well as the bureaucratic and self serving attitude of career hungry senior officers. The world of a combat infantryman through the lens of a new recruit……I found it compelling reading.
June 8, 2025
The Real Deal
This is an excellent series about what the Vietnam war was really like. The dialog, the environment, the context are all perfect.
I was a helicopter pilot in the central highlands during the same period and reading this series has been very evocative.
This is an excellent series about what the Vietnam war was really like. The dialog, the environment, the context are all perfect.
I was a helicopter pilot in the central highlands during the same period and reading this series has been very evocative.
July 25, 2025
Good writer, good storyline
Sgt Edwards mixes the story of the harsh life of a combat infantryman with intelligent insights and so appropriate humor.
I look forward to reading more of his work.
Sgt Edwards mixes the story of the harsh life of a combat infantryman with intelligent insights and so appropriate humor.
I look forward to reading more of his work.
January 24, 2024
well done
Excellent book that captures the mundane of day to day combat punctured by the chaos and confusion of combat. Well done
Excellent book that captures the mundane of day to day combat punctured by the chaos and confusion of combat. Well done
February 3, 2024
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. The author clearly has an understanding of what 11Bravo meant in Vietnam, I. Look forward to reading Iron Triangle.
I really enjoyed this book. The author clearly has an understanding of what 11Bravo meant in Vietnam, I. Look forward to reading Iron Triangle.
February 25, 2024
Wonderful book but some of the worst editing I have ever seen.
February 27, 2024
Great book. Lots of action and great read.
Hard to put down. Lots of action. Great book and easy to read. Held the storyline and you really felt for all people who were there.
Hard to put down. Lots of action. Great book and easy to read. Held the storyline and you really felt for all people who were there.
March 18, 2024
although fiction, it as a pretty believable story. I'll probably read the nest one to see
if it holds true.
if it holds true.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews