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The Ground You Stand Upon: Life of a Skytrooper in Vietnam
“In Vietnam today, you will hold only the ground you stand upon.”
Step into the depths of the deepest dark forest and see this war through my dad’s eyes in this award-winning true story of his experience in Vietnam’s deadly Central Highlands.
Twenty-year-old Will Bowe is living on his family’s farm when he’s drafted in 1965. He and his impossibly young friends will become “skytroopers” in the 1st Air Cavalry Division’s new airmobile infantry. Flying into the jungle battlefield by helicopter, they soon learn what “search and destroy” means and face the reality of this new war.
Based on once-classified staff journals, situation reports, and military maps, we follow Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry as they march through rice fields, search villages, climb jungle-covered mountains, and endure many harrowing battles.
From the war zone, Will sends home many of the photographs and letters now featured in this book, often scribbled in haste before another mission, or by flashlight under a poncho in the rain. They will travel over eight thousand miles across the ocean to be placed in a mailbox that stands across from a farmhouse along a dusty county road in Wisconsin.
Many fellow soldiers are interviewed for this story, as are family members and friends of the fallen. Recalling the humor and friendship they shared, along with the sadness and tragedy of a tour of duty in Vietnam, their memories are now woven together, along with the letters, photos, and reports, to tell of one infantry company’s war story: From their training at Fort Carson to their historic voyage across the sea, their first steps into the dark highland jungles, their many battles fought together, and eventually… their final patrol.
Step into the depths of the deepest dark forest and see this war through my dad’s eyes in this award-winning true story of his experience in Vietnam’s deadly Central Highlands.
Twenty-year-old Will Bowe is living on his family’s farm when he’s drafted in 1965. He and his impossibly young friends will become “skytroopers” in the 1st Air Cavalry Division’s new airmobile infantry. Flying into the jungle battlefield by helicopter, they soon learn what “search and destroy” means and face the reality of this new war.
Based on once-classified staff journals, situation reports, and military maps, we follow Alpha Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry as they march through rice fields, search villages, climb jungle-covered mountains, and endure many harrowing battles.
From the war zone, Will sends home many of the photographs and letters now featured in this book, often scribbled in haste before another mission, or by flashlight under a poncho in the rain. They will travel over eight thousand miles across the ocean to be placed in a mailbox that stands across from a farmhouse along a dusty county road in Wisconsin.
Many fellow soldiers are interviewed for this story, as are family members and friends of the fallen. Recalling the humor and friendship they shared, along with the sadness and tragedy of a tour of duty in Vietnam, their memories are now woven together, along with the letters, photos, and reports, to tell of one infantry company’s war story: From their training at Fort Carson to their historic voyage across the sea, their first steps into the dark highland jungles, their many battles fought together, and eventually… their final patrol.
574 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2018
837 people are currently reading
2129 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Bowe
1 book23 followersJoshua Bowe lives in Chaska, Minnesota with his wife Misty. Two of their four children are in college, and two have families of their own. He served twelve years in the Minnesota National Guard and continues to work full-time for the National Guard as a civilian. You can follow his blog and post reviews on his Amazon and Goodreads author pages. Check out his YouTube channel to view a book trailer and slideshow featuring photos taken by his dad and fellow soldiers during their time in Vietnam.
Website: www.thegroundyoustandupon.org
Facebook: facebook.com/thegroundyoustandupon.org.
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/joshuabowe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuabowe1424
Wilbur Bowe lives in Cameron, Wisconsin with his wife Carol, where they raised their two sons, Joshua and Nicholas. Born and raised on his family’s dairy farm in Tilden, Wisconsin, drafted in 1965 and sent to Vietnam, he returned as a combat veteran in 1967. Since then, he has spent most of his life as a maintenance electrician. Now retired, he spends much time building and fixing things for his friends, neighbors, and local Catholic church. Along with others in his infantry company, he contributed greatly to "The Ground You Stand Upon," much of it written over fifty years ago in the jungles of a foreign land.
Website: www.thegroundyoustandupon.org
Facebook: facebook.com/thegroundyoustandupon.org.
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/joshuabowe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuabowe1424
Wilbur Bowe lives in Cameron, Wisconsin with his wife Carol, where they raised their two sons, Joshua and Nicholas. Born and raised on his family’s dairy farm in Tilden, Wisconsin, drafted in 1965 and sent to Vietnam, he returned as a combat veteran in 1967. Since then, he has spent most of his life as a maintenance electrician. Now retired, he spends much time building and fixing things for his friends, neighbors, and local Catholic church. Along with others in his infantry company, he contributed greatly to "The Ground You Stand Upon," much of it written over fifty years ago in the jungles of a foreign land.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 3, 2022
It was as if I was walking in the jungles with his father and his friends.
The description was descriptive, down to rain pounding on their heads as they search through the jungles of Viet Nam.
The lost friends, making new friends. There is a bond that will last a lifetime.
They were children being asked to protect the people of Viet Nam from the communists. And they did what was asked of them. They had to fight for their lives almost every day.
And then return home and receive the hatred of the people back in the US.
You will read all of this, and some will not understand why they were there, some may even deny that the war even happened. But those of us who watched our friends and relatives being drafted and sent to this war and never come back, in more ways than one.
We should be thanking all of the brave veterans for their sacrifices to serve our country and us.
Read this book or any of the books written by veterans about this war.
Thank you, Mr. Bowe, for writing this book and bringing your father and his friends back to life for us. When you see your father and his friends thank them for me, another vet.
The description was descriptive, down to rain pounding on their heads as they search through the jungles of Viet Nam.
The lost friends, making new friends. There is a bond that will last a lifetime.
They were children being asked to protect the people of Viet Nam from the communists. And they did what was asked of them. They had to fight for their lives almost every day.
And then return home and receive the hatred of the people back in the US.
You will read all of this, and some will not understand why they were there, some may even deny that the war even happened. But those of us who watched our friends and relatives being drafted and sent to this war and never come back, in more ways than one.
We should be thanking all of the brave veterans for their sacrifices to serve our country and us.
Read this book or any of the books written by veterans about this war.
Thank you, Mr. Bowe, for writing this book and bringing your father and his friends back to life for us. When you see your father and his friends thank them for me, another vet.
November 17, 2018
I SERVED WITH THE 5/7 ALPHA COMPANY SKYTROOPERS FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION AIRMOBILE IN VIETNAM 1966. I READ THE BOOK FROM START TO FINISH. SO MANY INTERESTING STORIES OF THE SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT AND DIED... AND THOSE WHO WERE WOUNDED DEFENDING FREEDOM IN A COUNTRY SO FAR AWAY FROM HOME. THERE ARE MANY FUNNY STORIES ABOUT THESE BRAVE YOUNG SOLDIERS AS THEY TRAIN BEFORE GOING INTO BATTLE. THERE ARE ALSO STORIES THAT WILL MAKE YOU CRY KNOWING HOW MANY DIED AND THE PAIN THE FAMILY AT HOME FELT WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE NEWS. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. -JOE SANCHEZ
November 15, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and to authors Joshua Bowe (Joshua) and his father Wilbur (Will) Bowe for providing me with a Kindle copy of this nonfiction account of Will’s experiences from the time he received his draft letter for the Vietnam War in the late summer/early fall of 1965 to his receipt of an honorable discharge from army service in August 1967. During that two year selective service obligation, the book details Will’s basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, his selection as an indirect fire infantryman (mortarman) as his Military Occupational Specialty, his deployment to Vietnam on the US Naval Ship Gaffey, and his service as a mortarman in the 1st Air Cavalry, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, Alpha Company where he engaged in “search and destroy” missions throughout the Central Highlands and western provinces of Vietnam. Will’s experiences were recounted through a combination of a narrative description by Joshua to provide geographical and historical context derived from staff journals and situation reports obtained from the National Archives and letters written by Will and other members of the army who served with Will to their family, friends, and other service members. In particular, the letters penned by Will and Donald Rankin, a radio operator for Captain A.J. Wise, were compelling and provided a small glimpse into what infantry soldiers faced daily while serving in Vietnam.
This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, the difficulties faced by the US military fighting in Vietnam, and the societal changes that occurred in the United States during the late 1960s. Some of the lessons from book include (a) diversity among the drafted soldiers in race, religion, geography, and size of hometown but very little socio-economic diversity, (b) the Vietnam War was unlike prior wars as it was difficult to distinguish between the militant National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) enemy and the South Vietnamese civilian population as the Viet Cong blended in so well, (c) success in “search and destroy” missions conducted by the US military was measured by inflicting high casualties on the enemy rather than capturing territory, (d) the dense forests, elephant grass, extensive tunnel systems in the jungle, and mud resulting from torrential rains often negated the superior air, land, and artillery firepower of the US military and permitted the enemy to engage in guerrilla warfare, (e) risk of death or gravely bodily injury came not only from enemy fire but from friendly fire, heat stroke due to the intense heat and high humidity, poisonous snake bites, malaria from mosquito bites, and enemy bobby traps consisting of punji stakes, “bouncing betty” mines, and trip wires, (f) the unrelenting drudgery and despair exhibited by soldiers as they patrolled the same areas of land over and over again without being given an explanation of the purpose of any particular mission or how the war would be won, and (g) the daily difficulties of hygiene and sanitation, clothing always being wet, the constant noise, the loss of friends in battle, feelings of regret, and the psychologic toll that war has on soldiers, especially those 18-25 year old draftees who had no prior training or experience with the military. Though the war was physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing, there were many examples of heroism and courage from US soldiers serving in Vietnam as detailed in this book.
I highly recommend this book as it portrays the challenges of war from an infantry perspective and can round out writings about Vietnam that focus more on geopolitical, ideological, or cultural issues. One note of caution is that this book requires investment by the reader as the book is long and the subject matter is often difficult. If the book proves to be too much of an investment, I strongly recommend reading at least the last chapter “Homecoming,” which was one of the most powerful chapters I have read in any book recently.
Thank you to Will Bowe and all the people who served the United States in the Vietnam War and other wars or conflicts throughout American history.
This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, the difficulties faced by the US military fighting in Vietnam, and the societal changes that occurred in the United States during the late 1960s. Some of the lessons from book include (a) diversity among the drafted soldiers in race, religion, geography, and size of hometown but very little socio-economic diversity, (b) the Vietnam War was unlike prior wars as it was difficult to distinguish between the militant National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) enemy and the South Vietnamese civilian population as the Viet Cong blended in so well, (c) success in “search and destroy” missions conducted by the US military was measured by inflicting high casualties on the enemy rather than capturing territory, (d) the dense forests, elephant grass, extensive tunnel systems in the jungle, and mud resulting from torrential rains often negated the superior air, land, and artillery firepower of the US military and permitted the enemy to engage in guerrilla warfare, (e) risk of death or gravely bodily injury came not only from enemy fire but from friendly fire, heat stroke due to the intense heat and high humidity, poisonous snake bites, malaria from mosquito bites, and enemy bobby traps consisting of punji stakes, “bouncing betty” mines, and trip wires, (f) the unrelenting drudgery and despair exhibited by soldiers as they patrolled the same areas of land over and over again without being given an explanation of the purpose of any particular mission or how the war would be won, and (g) the daily difficulties of hygiene and sanitation, clothing always being wet, the constant noise, the loss of friends in battle, feelings of regret, and the psychologic toll that war has on soldiers, especially those 18-25 year old draftees who had no prior training or experience with the military. Though the war was physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing, there were many examples of heroism and courage from US soldiers serving in Vietnam as detailed in this book.
I highly recommend this book as it portrays the challenges of war from an infantry perspective and can round out writings about Vietnam that focus more on geopolitical, ideological, or cultural issues. One note of caution is that this book requires investment by the reader as the book is long and the subject matter is often difficult. If the book proves to be too much of an investment, I strongly recommend reading at least the last chapter “Homecoming,” which was one of the most powerful chapters I have read in any book recently.
Thank you to Will Bowe and all the people who served the United States in the Vietnam War and other wars or conflicts throughout American history.
August 11, 2019
I really enjoyed the format of this book. It felt like a veteran son honoring his father's service, which is exactly what it was doing. This made it feel real even though it was not a first hand account per se. It also honored the fallen warriors that served with the author's father as well, and offered great history as well as personal insight and emotions of the soldiers that served. Well done on all accounts!
August 31, 2022
Brilliant book. One of the few I have read that shows the life of the grunts.
February 20, 2019
Big thanks to Goodreads for me winning this book. I'm very glad I got to read it. Well written, intriguing, and knowledgeable on it's subject, I have to recommend this to anyone interested in the life of a soldier in any war or in the Vietnam war in general.
Even though the story is centered on the author's father, Will Bowe, there are connected stories from and about his fellow soldiers that really help create more of a complete picture of his experience. The various stories also help make the book feel more personal when someone is killed in action. I like that photos of the deceased appear after their deaths occur in the text.
My complaints mostly come down to having read the Kindle version. I still prefer print books, finding them easier to navigate between pages and, often, having better quality in the pictures included. I had a little trouble remembering who was who among Will's comrades, which I think wouldn't have been a problem for me had I a paper copy. If you're more skilled at ebooks than myself (not difficult) then you may not have that issue.
All said and done: read it.
Even though the story is centered on the author's father, Will Bowe, there are connected stories from and about his fellow soldiers that really help create more of a complete picture of his experience. The various stories also help make the book feel more personal when someone is killed in action. I like that photos of the deceased appear after their deaths occur in the text.
My complaints mostly come down to having read the Kindle version. I still prefer print books, finding them easier to navigate between pages and, often, having better quality in the pictures included. I had a little trouble remembering who was who among Will's comrades, which I think wouldn't have been a problem for me had I a paper copy. If you're more skilled at ebooks than myself (not difficult) then you may not have that issue.
All said and done: read it.
March 17, 2020
This is a very, very good book. The writing style is easy to follow and constantly engages the reader. The author (who is a son of the main character) did an incredible amount of research to understand what his father and his fellow troopers did during their tour in Vietnam. He puts the reader "right there" in the Huey helicopters going for an air assualt and then walking and listening as they cautiously walk through the dense jungle that could erupt at any time with deadly viciousness -- whether it was automatic weapons and grenades or a deadly viper or even a tiger!
Also, the author's treatment of those who had slandered the troopers upon their return to "the world" from the hell of Vietnam is incredibly commendable. His restraint toward those who treated his father's fellow warriors shows the epitome of forgiveness toward others who were so VERY wrong to protest the war in Vietnam by attacking the very men who were drafted into the middle of it!
I highly, highly recommend this book!
Also, the author's treatment of those who had slandered the troopers upon their return to "the world" from the hell of Vietnam is incredibly commendable. His restraint toward those who treated his father's fellow warriors shows the epitome of forgiveness toward others who were so VERY wrong to protest the war in Vietnam by attacking the very men who were drafted into the middle of it!
I highly, highly recommend this book!
January 29, 2020
A good Vietnam Vet Biography
with a good historical account of the Company he served in. Two books in one! So its sort of a bonus read. Thank you for sharing.
with a good historical account of the Company he served in. Two books in one! So its sort of a bonus read. Thank you for sharing.
July 1, 2020
Enjoyed this book.
October 14, 2020
Very good read.
Read many books about Vietnam and I'd put this up along with Chickenhawk. Really tells you how it was. Thoroughly recommend it.
Read many books about Vietnam and I'd put this up along with Chickenhawk. Really tells you how it was. Thoroughly recommend it.
March 10, 2024
Very enlightening
Having had a younger brother serve In the Army in Vietnam while I was passed over for the draft because of marriage and a baby, I felt a better incite of the war.
He was a forward observer for artillery and had some harrowing experiences that he spoke little of.
I maybe understand a little better of his experience through this book.
Having had a younger brother serve In the Army in Vietnam while I was passed over for the draft because of marriage and a baby, I felt a better incite of the war.
He was a forward observer for artillery and had some harrowing experiences that he spoke little of.
I maybe understand a little better of his experience through this book.
November 29, 2024
Very interesting read. Sometimes a little hard to follow because of the many names, platoons etc. But the book gives such a good insight in the life of all the brave young men who gave their life in Vietnam. Much respect!
November 5, 2020
Outstanding account off a year in vietnam
This book brought to life a man's service for his country .I enjoyed every second of this book the letters home made it feel so closer .
Having read other books about soldiers time in country ,this book stands out extremely well written and first hand knowledge passed on .thank you for a fantastic excursion .you did the men proud by writing this book
This book brought to life a man's service for his country .I enjoyed every second of this book the letters home made it feel so closer .
Having read other books about soldiers time in country ,this book stands out extremely well written and first hand knowledge passed on .thank you for a fantastic excursion .you did the men proud by writing this book
March 13, 2025
Awe inspiring and well written, well reasearched
Completely amazed at the time involved in the research and organization of this remarkable book. I barely missed this conflict age wise,(with a low lottery number). Wish I could have honored my WWII father the way this author did his.
If you never served, please read this. War is not romantic. Reading I felt the mud in the rice patties, the dirt in my food, the bamboo cutting my skin, and felt the fear of being ambushed. I found myself following these men and praying they would still be alive a few pages forward.
Congratulations Mr. Bowie, you have honored these men well. Bravo, and thank you for your own service to our country.
Completely amazed at the time involved in the research and organization of this remarkable book. I barely missed this conflict age wise,(with a low lottery number). Wish I could have honored my WWII father the way this author did his.
If you never served, please read this. War is not romantic. Reading I felt the mud in the rice patties, the dirt in my food, the bamboo cutting my skin, and felt the fear of being ambushed. I found myself following these men and praying they would still be alive a few pages forward.
Congratulations Mr. Bowie, you have honored these men well. Bravo, and thank you for your own service to our country.
December 11, 2025
Great true story on the life of a Vietnam soldier
In your face accounting of the daily life of a US Army Air Calvary trooper. The good, the bad, and the ugly. What a terrible shame on our nation for thier terrible homecoming treatment. In any event, We!come Home!
In your face accounting of the daily life of a US Army Air Calvary trooper. The good, the bad, and the ugly. What a terrible shame on our nation for thier terrible homecoming treatment. In any event, We!come Home!
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March 17, 2025What an amazing book. You told it so vividly that I could almost see everything. Your dad,you, his friends, and all Veterans deserve the respect they earn. I have read a lot on the Vietnam war, but this book was eye opening. Thank you!
August 5, 2020
Couldn’t put it down
What a story. Put together like only a son could. How proud the son is of the father is so clear.
What a story. Put together like only a son could. How proud the son is of the father is so clear.
November 4, 2024
incredible detailed research
I only wish I could find every letter, article, soldier that my grandfather served to write something so amazing.
The author did so much research to timestamp letters to locations and articles during the war.
This is a fantastic read, and I’m grateful to have read this. Another reminder to thank those who serve but also to apologize for the things they were forced to see and live through.
Absolutely amazing Vietnam book
I only wish I could find every letter, article, soldier that my grandfather served to write something so amazing.
The author did so much research to timestamp letters to locations and articles during the war.
This is a fantastic read, and I’m grateful to have read this. Another reminder to thank those who serve but also to apologize for the things they were forced to see and live through.
Absolutely amazing Vietnam book
August 6, 2025
This is one of the most inclusive biographies I’ve ever read. Not only is it written by the his son, it includes much information on Will Bowe’s friends. It includes letters and supporting information from his soldier buddies and their families. I found the book to not be an “I” book. Very humble and about the job at hand. Highly recommend for those wanting to know more about the Vietnam War experience.
November 22, 2025
Good Read
A good book detailing a grunt in the jungle and what happens during R&R. I didn’t like the conduct of a SFC now retired using drugs and getting high while out on patrol. This type of behavior is one aspect the Vietnam Veterans cannot not deny or escape influencing the public of why people will never recognize them like the WWII vets. They also complain so much about 9 to 12 months before returning to the US while my Dad fought in WWII for 3 years and was going to Japan until the bomb was dropped before he saw the states again!
A good book detailing a grunt in the jungle and what happens during R&R. I didn’t like the conduct of a SFC now retired using drugs and getting high while out on patrol. This type of behavior is one aspect the Vietnam Veterans cannot not deny or escape influencing the public of why people will never recognize them like the WWII vets. They also complain so much about 9 to 12 months before returning to the US while my Dad fought in WWII for 3 years and was going to Japan until the bomb was dropped before he saw the states again!
May 7, 2019
Excellent description of Will’s experience military experience. It begins with a draft letter and ends twenty-two months later, when he returns home from Vietnam. His letters home reflects the relationships between family members and how experiences usually too ordinary to mention take on more significance when written by a loved family member. It also shows how mail and care packages from home give soldiers a welcome break from the combat. Very good use of photographs and maps. Written in chronological order, it is a very fast read.
May 6, 2019
Excellent description of Will’s experience military experience. It begins with a draft letter and ends twenty-two months later, when he returns home from Vietnam. His letters home reflects the relationships between family members and how experiences usually too ordinary to mention take on more significance when written by a loved family member. It also shows how mail and care packages from home give soldiers a welcome break from the combat. Very good use of photographs and maps. Written in chronological order, it is a very fast read.
February 24, 2025
outstanding research and account of his Fathers time fighting in the Vietnam war and account of those he served with .
Felt got to know them all ,the comradeship between the men ,their lives and what they had to endure and there lives before during and after the war .
Very compelling read and knowing it's all real and very well written .
Felt got to know them all ,the comradeship between the men ,their lives and what they had to endure and there lives before during and after the war .
Very compelling read and knowing it's all real and very well written .
March 1, 2021
Vietnam War as seen at close range
There's a lot of writing about the Vietnam War from every perspective. What makes The Ground You Stand Upon worth the read is the combination of one veteran's letters home interwoven with the day to day experience of a soldier and his unit, much of it humdrum but still spiked with fear, wet, dirt and blood.
There's not much overview here which is appropriate because that's the experience of a soldier, always moved here, there and everywhere without much explanation. That feeling plus a preoccupation with what actually matters to a soldier - food, shelter, dry kit, buddies and safety - really make this book tick.
Definitely, worth the read.
There's a lot of writing about the Vietnam War from every perspective. What makes The Ground You Stand Upon worth the read is the combination of one veteran's letters home interwoven with the day to day experience of a soldier and his unit, much of it humdrum but still spiked with fear, wet, dirt and blood.
There's not much overview here which is appropriate because that's the experience of a soldier, always moved here, there and everywhere without much explanation. That feeling plus a preoccupation with what actually matters to a soldier - food, shelter, dry kit, buddies and safety - really make this book tick.
Definitely, worth the read.
January 20, 2019
This is a story of relentless rain, disease, suffering and death. This is a story of misery and also great courage. This is a story of Vietnam. This book is written by the son of Will. Will was with Alpha Company, 5/7th Calvary from 1966 to 1967. Through letters, extensive research, and photo's, he revisits the time his father spent in Vietnam. I especially liked the photo's in memory of his friends who did not survive the war. Very heartwarming. I enjoyed reading Will's letters home as he had a sense of humor among all the chaos and it made me smile.
This is not relevant to the book, but I am also from Central Wisconsin, raised in the country, and graduated in 1964.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
This is not relevant to the book, but I am also from Central Wisconsin, raised in the country, and graduated in 1964.
I received this book free from Goodreads for a honest opinion.
January 8, 2019
Author Joshua Bowe took his father's letters home and interviewed a number of other former soldiers and family members to craft the account of his father's two years as a draftee during the Vietnam War. He was assigned to a battalion in the 1st Cavalry Division that deployed as a unit, as opposed to the individual replacement method used for units already assigned to Vietnam. The account covers stateside training, Vietnam actions, and the humdrum life of soldiering as a mortar crewman (although a rest and recuperation tour in Hong Kong is also described -something not always showing up in biographies). Lots of photographs, maps and context Good, accurate depiction of life in the Air Cav. For another view, I recommend "Brennan's War, Vietnam 1965-1969" by Matthew Brennan covering another infantry unit within the 1st Cavalry Division.
May 5, 2024
Memories
Excellent book that captures what it was like to serve in Vietnam in the 1960s. I enjoyed it very much and it brought back many of my own memories of serving in the war from 1967-1970, both good and bad. An essential read for those who want to know what it was really like to fight in that war.
Excellent book that captures what it was like to serve in Vietnam in the 1960s. I enjoyed it very much and it brought back many of my own memories of serving in the war from 1967-1970, both good and bad. An essential read for those who want to know what it was really like to fight in that war.
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April 18, 2019MWSA Review
The father/son energy of the co-authors works very well within the pages of this book. Joshua and Wilbur Bowe take the reader on a journey with visual words and muted emotions through a tour of duty during the war in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. The reader can well picture what had happened there. Shared with a well-written narrative, historic background notes, and commentary aided by the addition of old letters sent home from that war. The personal letters add a very human element to the retelling of that life experience. Emotionally well done! The authors hit the target!
As a Vietnam veteran myself during the same time frame of the war, I found the book both credible and historically factual. I enjoyed it. I think there is a more broad appeal beyond just readers of war genre—a good history book told from the point of view of those who were there and well worth having on my bookshelf.
Review by Bill McDonald (April 2019)
The father/son energy of the co-authors works very well within the pages of this book. Joshua and Wilbur Bowe take the reader on a journey with visual words and muted emotions through a tour of duty during the war in Vietnam in 1966 and 1967. The reader can well picture what had happened there. Shared with a well-written narrative, historic background notes, and commentary aided by the addition of old letters sent home from that war. The personal letters add a very human element to the retelling of that life experience. Emotionally well done! The authors hit the target!
As a Vietnam veteran myself during the same time frame of the war, I found the book both credible and historically factual. I enjoyed it. I think there is a more broad appeal beyond just readers of war genre—a good history book told from the point of view of those who were there and well worth having on my bookshelf.
Review by Bill McDonald (April 2019)
October 22, 2021
A great read for me as you will see. I was at Pleiku,camp Enari from Feb.69 until we moved to An Khe Camp Radcliffe in January 1970 A generator and truck mechanic,and acting motorsargent in the 124th Sig.bn. Drafted in Aug.68. I was married with a son on the way, working full time and behind if college credits. What your father saw,I saw as the 4th I.D. took over the 1st Cav's A.O. every firebase has a generator for power so I saw, a few! I moved the Battalion motor pool by convoy thru the Mang Yang pass from Pleiku to An Khe during Jan./Feb. 1970. I deros'd the end of March. I went back to my wife and 2 year old son and we had 4 more boys did not encourage them to serve,I see you get that. Thanks for your service and to your father ( my fellow vet. Brother) I know what this book means to you both. It means a lot to me as well. God be with you ‼️ Joe Lange sp4 Steadfast and Loyal always 🇺🇲
December 30, 2018
I received a copy of this ebook for free through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
A very well researched look at the life of one man (and his fellow soldiers) in Vietnam.
Bowe clearly did his research on his father's movements during his tour in Vietnam. You follow Wilbur 'Will' Bowe throughout his travels from his home on a farm in Wisconsin to boot camp and on to Vietnam and back home. There is a lot of detail on the troop movements, in particular Will's company, but it is supplemented brilliantly by actual letters that Will wrote home to his family. Bowe was also able to get some letters and interviews from other service members and their families that served along with Will to get a complete picture. These personal letters give the entire book a very personal feel.
A good read for those that like more personal stories of Vietnam veterans.
A very well researched look at the life of one man (and his fellow soldiers) in Vietnam.
Bowe clearly did his research on his father's movements during his tour in Vietnam. You follow Wilbur 'Will' Bowe throughout his travels from his home on a farm in Wisconsin to boot camp and on to Vietnam and back home. There is a lot of detail on the troop movements, in particular Will's company, but it is supplemented brilliantly by actual letters that Will wrote home to his family. Bowe was also able to get some letters and interviews from other service members and their families that served along with Will to get a complete picture. These personal letters give the entire book a very personal feel.
A good read for those that like more personal stories of Vietnam veterans.
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