Every Weapon I Had: A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor

by Paris Davis

The story of a Green Beret commander's heroism during the Vietnam War, and the long fight to recognize his bravery.

When Col. Paris Davis was selected to lead one of the Green Beret A-teams organizing resistance to Communist incursions into South Vietnam, his commanding officer warned him that some of his soldiers would resent his authority. This was no surprise; there were only a handful of Black officers in the Special Forces. Davis quickly won the respect of his soldiers, and would soon fight beside him as bullets snapped past and mortars exploded overhead.

On June 18th, Davis led a group of inexperienced locals and Special Forces soldiers in an attack on a Viet Cong base in Bong Son. They were met by a superior enemy force, and Davis led the charge in a grueling firefight. He was seriously wounded, but he disobeyed a direct order to retreat until he dragged three injured Green Berets off the battlefield to safety.

Every Weapon I Had is an inspiring tale of valor and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of major escalations in both the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement. It is also a story of deferred honor and delayed recognition; Davis earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions, but his nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor was repeatedly “lost.” No official reason has ever been given for this oversight, but those who fought to correct it believe that it was motivated by racial prejudice. Davis was finally awarded the Medal in 2023, 58 years after the battle.

Genres: Military Fiction, Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, War

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Every Weapon I had, by Paris Davis, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Paris Davis fought in Vietnam, he was a black officer in the Green Berets. The Vietnam war was a horrible war, when are troops came back home they were treated horribly. This is an interesting and sad read.

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been on a personal journey reading combat veteran memoirs about their experiences in the Vietnam War. This is my third volume this year, about the experiences of Paris Davis, a Black Special Forces Officer, whose actions on the field in 1965 led to his nomination for my nation's highest military recognition, the Medal of Honor. Yet Colonel Davis had to wait almost 60 before finally being recognized for his valor, as the army had "lost" not only the 1965 nomination packet, but a second packet in 1968. Considering the number of copies made of such nomination packets, and the importance and almost reverence that is given to the creation of such packets, the fact that they were lost twice speaks to more than mismanagement by the American armed forces. It speaks to Colonel Davis' skin color, for he happens to be black, not white.

This book is a recounting of that journey, from the battlefield that fateful day in Vietnam, back to the streets of Cleveland where Davis grew up, and finally to the White House, where Davis received his Medal from President Biden. The story is a riveting one, especially if the reader is interested in these types of stories, as I am. I wish, however, that there were more of a personal tone to the writing, which I felt was lacking. The writing felt sanitized, which I am inclined to believe is due to the ghost writer behind the pen.

I found an old 1969 video on the Phil Donahue show, with then Major Paris Davis being interviewed. https://kaltura.uga.edu/media/t/1_b8s...



This book is definitely recommended, as it tells a story of one man's experiences through a major international event that helped shape the United States. My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

[Abibliofob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleasantly surprised that there is still coming new books related to the Vietnam war. Every Weapon I Had by Paris Davis is a great add on to this type of books. It was an interesting story and was made even better since some of the persons in this book has appeared in other books so I recognized a lot. It is sad that it took such an effort to get the record straight but it's good that it did in the end. I am not very surprised by the events and actions that took place in the history of this amazing mans life. If you like me enjoy militery biographies and or like military history this is a book for you. It's well written and it was hard to put down. I must thank St. Martin's Press , Macmillan and Edelweiss for letting me read this advance copy that will hit the stores around the 60 year mark of the main events it revolves around in the middle of June 2025.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio for allowing me to audibly read and review Every Weapon I Had, A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor, by
Paris Davis.

Narrated by Dale Hopper and Joshua Quinn

Published: 06/17/25

Stars: 4

Imagine serving your Country, The United States of America, having the Medal of Honor bestowed on you, and not receiving it because you are black. This is Paris Davis' story, his life.

This is another Veteran/Serviceman shame.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

#NetGalleyNovember

[Erika Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Paris Davis’ account of his life before, during, and after the Vietnam War. He was a Colonel, Green Beret, and war hero. While fighting for his country, he also fought against racism from his peers and superiors. Despite earning the respect of his men and showing immense bravery on the battlefield, it took over 50 years for him to be awarded the Medal of Honor. While this is Davis’ memoir, it is also an informative account of the Vietnam War. There is plenty to learn from his life and experience, but history buffs may find the first third of the book a little hard to get into since it’s recounting a lot of basic knowledge. Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Paris Davis for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Christi Leaverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Every Weapon I had four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you St Martin’s Press, Paris Davis and Net Galley for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

Paris Davis was a colonel and a Green Beret during the Vietnam War. He was also a black man and his leadership was resented and questioned. But, he proved his worth on the battlefield. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his actions on the battlefield. He was also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, but that kept getting “lost” in the system. But, 58 years later, in 2023, he finally received it and it was much deserved.

This book is written by Mr. Davis and it’s more about him as a person and what he faced in the 1960s, as a black man during the Civil Rights movement and how that carried over into the Vietnam War.

I enjoyed reading this book!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This is certainly a detailed account of this veteran’s really horrific experiences in battle in Vietnam. The battle details are eye-opening and must have been difficult for the author to re-experience. But to add insult to injury, the racial discrimination that he had to deal with was outrageous. I think that he did a terrific job of portraying everything he went through and especially made clear how important medals and recognition are for military personnel.
I found the author’s story to be very informative and engaging although some readers may certainly be disturbed by the battle details. His story is very straightforward and he alludes to the impact of his experiences on his marriage and relationships but I really thought that the emotional impact was missing from his recounting. The anger was described and definitely justified but I was left wondering what other emotions he surely has to continue to deal with. These details would have made the story more complete and interesting to me.
I listened to the audio version of the book and really had some difficulty with the narrator’s attempts to portray well known people such as JFK, LBJ and Walter Chronkite. These accents and voices were so bad, it was distracting.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

[Ashley Elliott Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was a true behind the scenes look at what Paris Davis went through in the Vietnam war, and how he was kept from being honored the way he should have been for so, so long. The Women by Kristin Hannah was the catalyst to my interest in learning more about the Vietnam War, so I knew I needed to request this book on NetGalley as soon as I saw it. Davis is a legitimate hero. He saved so many men on the battlefield while he himself was riddled with bullets and injuries. How in the world this man survived these incidents is beyond rational thought- he was clearly meant to serve a purpose; to show how racism in the military kept him from receiving the recognition he deserved as he made his way up through the ranks. It is unacceptable that individuals who put their lives on the line for a war they didn't start are not valued and honored by our country, let alone what specifically happened to Paris Davis and the nominations that continued to disappear.

This book provides valuable insight into intense topics. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colonel Paris Davis started out as a Black kid in Cleveland, Ohio who went to school and learned well despite a notorious family tragedy. He was able to go to college and ROTC even in that time of visible inequality. He earned a place in the Green Berets and fought hard in the Vietnam war, saved others, and came home alive only to face anger and disrespect. This was not just because of his color, but because of an uprising of anger against the war and those who promoted it. Despite all that he spent the remaining years as career army. He was nominated and eligible for the Medal of Honor but was delayed from receiving it until 58 years after his battle. It wasn't until 2023 that his Silver Star was upgraded and he was finally honored by President Biden.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley.
#EveryWeaponIHad by Colonel Paris Davis @stmartinspress #NamVet @mohmuseum @vietnamwarhappened @vietnamwarcommemoration @vietnam_war_archives #memoir #MedalofHonor #inequality #heroism #unpopularwar #purpleheart #militaryhistory #usspecialforces #blackofficer #civilrights #bureaucracy

[Ashlie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to SMP for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Every Weapon I Had tells Paris Davis’s heartbreaking story as he rises through the ranks of the Army and deals with racism at every turn. I sobbed reading this. It was so clear that Colonel Davis deserved the Medal of Honor after fighting in Bong Som and saving so many lives, and to be thwarted probably by racism? Devastating. I love this country so much, and racism has no business here. But unfortunately it seems to become more prevalent every day.

[Lisa Henderson-Farr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This the story of Paris Davis who was a black officer during the period of civil rights.
About his life growing up and his career in the Special Forces as a Green Beret, his time in Vietnam and his family life.
His bravery didn't go unnoticed by the men that fought by his side but a nomination for the Congressional Medal of Honor was continually misplaced. Those that fought with him and worked with him during his career stood up alongside him until finally, 58 years after his battle in Vietnam, he finally had that most deserving medal pinned to his chest.
I went into this book thinking that it would mostly be about the Vietnam War, but it was so much more. This is about a man that was fighting on two fronts, as a soldier during a war and as a black man fighting for his right of recognition of bravery in a world of unequal civil rights.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

So how much do you know of the Green Berets' operations in Vietnam during 1965? Just the movie? Well, settle yourself down and follow Green Beret Captain Paris Davis on his most harrowing time on a knoll in Binh Dinh Province on 18 June 1965! And stay seated as he describes his journey to finally being presented the Medal of Honor by President Biden on 3 March 2023.

Paris Davis sets the stage with a brief description of the action on 18 June 1965, but takes the reader to his family setting in Cleveland (OH) and the circumstances that led him to attend Southern University (LA) where he joined the ROTC which lead him to an Army career, He joined Airborne and jumped out of planes, then Ranger School before heading to Korea in 1960. In 1962, Davis attended Q School to become a Green Beret and had his first tour in Vietnam, after which he got married to his college sweetheart. In 1964, he went to Okinawa to lead an A-Team in the Green Berets which led to him leading the team into Vietnam to train indigenous residents in counter-insurgency operations. It was on a training mission to take out what was that to be a North Vietnamese company that led Capt. Davis, members of his team, and trainees into the firefight on 18 June 1965. His commanding officer put in the paperwork of a Medal of Honor award (the paperwork disappeared). Later that year, Capt. Davis was severely wounded in an ambush and sent home to recover. Davis went on to serve at the Pentagon and eventually as commander of the 10th Special Forces Group that would handle counter-insurgency operations in Europe if war broke out there. Col. Davis retired in July 1985 due to medical issues and eventually started a paper in the Washington, DC area. But he kept wondering what had happened to the Medal of Honor paperwork that had been submitted multiple times, but no records of the paperwork could be found. Finally, with the assistance of multiple people and the assistance of several congressmen, Col. Davis was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Biden in March 3, 2023.

If the reader is looking for an engaging story of courage, endurance, and grit, pick up Col. Davis' Every Weapon I Had!

Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this title!

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Weapon I Had by Paris Davis
A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor
Narrated by Dale Hopper; Joshua Quinn

I appreciate getting to read this book about the career of Colonel Paris Davis. Born into a large black family in Cleveland, Ohio he was driven to work and succeed at a young age. Attending college on an ROTC scholarship, Davis was deployed to Vietnam in 1962 and 1965 and was one of the first African American Special Forces officers, during a time when both the Civil Rights Movement was ramping up in the US and the controversy about the US being involved in Vietnam was growing stronger by the day.

I'm not often able to follow the accountings of battles but Davis's relating of his wartime efforts came across very clearly to me. I could not imagine the physical encounters he was involved in without his very distinct step by step recounting as he led his men through the battle that started on June 18, 1965 in the Bình Định province. The title of this book is not exaggerating, Davis did use every weapon he had, including his fists, to survive the many hours of fighting that took place during this battle. Not only did he keep fighting, he kept working to save his men, refusing to leave behind men when he was already wounded and had the chance to helicopter back to base. That battle was not the only example of his bravery and refusal to quit and leave others behind.

More than once Davis was nominated for the Medal of Honor but the paperwork kept getting "lost". It is thanks to the efforts of a huge number of supporters and those who saw Davis in action first hand that he finally received his Medal of Honor 58 years after his first nomination. This book is so easy to read and it is enlightening to see the Civil Rights Movement through eyes of a man who felt the injustices inflicted on himself and others like him. Davis's sacrifices were not just physical. He had to fight for his career in many ways and had to stand up to the prejudices of those who should have known better rather than be jealous of his military accomplishments.

I'm once again struck by the awe I have for soldiers who have been to war, seen and done all that happens there, and who can come home and function in civilian life again. I know that often they really can't function very well and never are able to put behind them all that they have encountered during their military careers. Just reading Davis's account of what he and his men saw and went through will stick in my mind always and that's just a small part of all that happens somewhere in this world on a daily basis. I am so glad that Colonel Paris Davis received his awards while he is still alive and acknowledge the very long and important effort each person put into making sure that Davis was recognized for his heroic feats.

I read and listened to this book to the very end and appreciate both narrators who allowed us to hear Paris Davis words loud and clear. I'm still going through the notes at the end of the book, looking up people, places and events. Once again, I'm getting a better understanding of the Vietnam war through those who were there, on the ground, in the battles, and behind the scenes. One of my first real memories of how it affected my life personally was attending the funeral of a cousin who died as a medic in this war. I'll never forget the dignity with which his mother accepted the American flag at his funeral.

Publication June 17, 2025

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the audiobook, ebook, and print books of this ARC.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intense story about Col. Davis' time in Vietnam. Though he will be taking you to a battle, he first leads you through his life and how he became a soldier and a Green Beret. You get a look at the men he served with and all of the good and bad of everything that goes with going into battle. Col. Davis was a Captain on his second deployment in Vietnam. He was also the first African American Special Officer. He, along with his team, was in the Binh Dinh province. Their mission or task was to train the South Vietnamese, who were mainly volunteers. That all changed, though, on June 18, 1965, when they were attacked by a superior enemy force. For two of the fighting, he would charge the enemy, be involved in hand-to-hand combat, call in air strikes, prevent the capture of three American soldiers, and also save a medical extraction team. He suffered multiple gunshot and grenade wounds and refused to leave the battlefield. He stayed until the last man was removed. He was awarded numerous medals with the ‘V” for heroic acts, but somehow the Medal of Honor paperwork would get lost. Later, many years later, new paperwork was submitted, and this was not lost, and he was awarded the Medal of Honor, after 50 years. This was an excellent read and one that I will read again.

[Charlotte Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me an inside look into the life of a man in the military during the Vietnam War. This man gave everything he has to support and protect the men he serves with. He expects only the high quality of attention from them and gives them same back. He does not ask of them anything he would not do himself. Add to all of the above that he is a black man mostly serving with white men during a time of discrimination.

A book of non-fiction, especially written about war, is not always easy to read. A lot of times it reads as a bunch of facts put together to share a life story. Every Weapon I Had is non-fiction but it read as a story full of hands-on accounts of life events. I could not put down Paris Davis’s story. He gave so much detail in his story that I could easily picture what he was describing, many times feeling as if I was right beside him.

I finished this book with more knowledge of the Vietnam War but also so much more respect for those who put their lives on the line to fight.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy learning about the Vietnam War and this was an interesting look from a perspective that’s not often told: that of a Black special forces officer.

We learn about Paris Davis’s early life, his military career as a Green Beret, and his post-military career pursuing his Medal of Honor recognition. Davis had to wait 58 years to finally receive his medal. I don’t doubt that racism played a part in Davis having to wait so long for that recognition. It really is a testament to his resilience, and that of his friends and colleagues, that Davis eventually received his award.

This book is easy to read and moves along at a good pace, although the portion on the Vietnam War is a small part of this book, which surprised me. We do get an entire overview of Davis’s career from him joining up, all the way to his retirement, which was interesting. Despite the racism he experienced, he had a very successful career.

I listened to the audiobook, which was great. The voice used worked really well for the book and was engaging.



Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Juliana Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An exceptional memoire by an outstanding man. For such a short story we got so much insight into the Vietnam War, the life of a veteran, the life of a Black man, and how to persevere without privilege and excel through merit. Davis tells the story in a factual, almost clinical manner and any emotion you feel is your own.

I found it so interesting how the greatest racism he felt was when he was stateside versus when he was overseas (even as a black leader of an all white unit). When he experienced racism within the military it tended to be from those who had not experienced combat themselves. I cried when I read his accounts of his phone conversations with the President and again when we reviewed his badges, medals, and service ribbons on his uniform.

I think this would be a great read for Black History Month but also for Memorial or Veteran’s Day.

Thanks St Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to review.

[Jane Broadhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Weapon I Had, by Paris Davis was an excellent piece about Davis ‘ service to our country during the Vietnamese War, and his tenacious efforts to receive the Medal of Honor, which he so richly deserved.

The battle for which Davis was nominated for the Medal of Honor took place in June of 1965, I wasn’t quite eight years old. Davis was finally awarded the Medal of Honor in 2023 by President Biden, more than 58 years later. I was 65. Much tenacity was exhibited in the nearly 60 years it took for Davis to receive the award that he earned. Twice the nomination was “lost.” Most people agree that racism played a part in the delay, as many higher-ups at the pentagon and in congress didn’t want a black man to get a Medal of Honor.

The book was well written and reads much like a novel. Davis is a talented author. His long process was unfair and the delayed recognition, unfortunate. Congratulations, Colonel Davis. Thank you.

[Thus Kvothe The Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of military battles or memoirs, this book is for you. Army Colonel (ret.) Paris Davis, Green Beret, describes his path in the Army Special Forces both before and after the battle in Bong Son. His book focuses on the battle and the prolonged campaign that resulted in him rightfully being awarded the Medal of Honor fifty-odd years later.

5 bright stars for this memoir. Col. Davis is obviously a man of integrity, the kind I would like to know. He would made the kind of General this country needs. His descriptions bring you right into the action, making you feel as the men must have at the time.

My thanks to St. Martins Press and Col. (ret.) Paris Davis.

#memoir #netgalley #colparisdavis #stmartinspress #vietnamwar #medalofhonor #kindlesallthewaydown

[Bethany Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written memoir of an American hero!

The book follows Col. (ret) Paris Davis’ military career from ROTC in college through his retirement and to his being awarded with the Medal of Honor. It’s an honest story that details his career as well as his home life. Despite injuries and racism, Davis never wavered in his service.

Finding a new memoir about the Vietnam war is rare. I am so glad he told his story and more people can hear about his great achievements!! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys military and/or war memoirs!

The narrator of this book was an excellent choice. He infused the story with perfect inflections.

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for an honest review!*

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative power of "Every Weapon I Had" lies in its raw honesty. Davis doesn't romanticize combat or shy away from depicting the horrific consequences of war. He meticulously details the chaotic, desperate fight for survival in Bong Son, painting a vivid picture of the relentless enemy fire, the agonizing screams of the wounded, and the ever-present specter of death. We witness the courage and selflessness displayed by Davis and his men, as they repeatedly risked their lives to save their comrades, often using their training, their ingenuity, and ultimately, their unwavering commitment to each other. This unwavering commitment is the heart of the story, showcasing the powerful bond that forms between soldiers facing unimaginable adversity.

[Ariele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love biographies and I really enjoyed the biography of this great man! I'm so glad he was finally recognized with the Medal of Honor. I wonder how many more weren't because they didn't have a team of people fighting to right this wrong? This story is told in first person, but done well. When he could he used the voices of those there, and read from letters and historical accounts as well. As with all true stories, there were injustices that were never resolved and brokeness that never healed. In this case, the story of one injustice being brought to justice left the audience hanging until the final chapter, but it was well worth the wait.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The majority of today's under-30 population has no concept of the Vietnam War and no connection to its consequences. Paris Davis fought in an unpopular "police action," facing conflict from every front. As one of the few black officers in this era, he had to prove himself over and over to the men who fought alongside him. To lead, he first had to work through a long history of racism. This he did, with honor and dignity. Davis would earn medals and recognition, but more importantly, the respect of the men he led in battle. This book tells a compelling story of patriotism and loyalty in the face of challenges no man should have to face.

[Red Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank You to St. Martin's Press for this free book in exchange of my honest review and to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the free digital copy in exchange for my honest review of Every Weapon I Had: A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor. This is a memoir of Paris Davis and the expedition he went on to receive the Medal of Honor for his brave deeds during the Vietnam War. The book was a page turner and I was glad to learn about Paris and more from this read. It was written well and I am grateful to get the knowledge from this book. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who like military fiction or memoirs.

[Ron Baumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told biography of a true American hero and Medal of Honor awardee. His heroic efforts to his men in Vietnam truly shine as an example of the spirit and perseverance of the soldier. The fight and struggles he faced to be awarded the medal he deserved was horrible. Was it bias against his race or incompetence? One would hope that our leaders would not have knowingly perpetrated this miscarriage of justice and recognition. The book is inspirational and one that should be read by all.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a very passionate recount of Paris’s journey during the Vietnam War and his trials put forth for being a black man and the prejudices he suffered because of his skin tone. He and his family endured so many military moves so that he could do his job he set out to do for our country. I’m am thankful he finally received the accolades he was meant to, for all the courageous tasks he performed. Sadly it took 58 years to be honored. He is a hero in the eyes of what it means to be an American Hero!

[Shanereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Weapon I had is a wonderful memoir of Paris Davis and his journey to earning his Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

I continue to be in awe of the heroism that was portrayed during the Vietnam War. A war that unfortunately I did not learn about in the public schools I attended. I am so thankful for the men who have fought these terrible wars to protect our freedoms in the United States.

This review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Huge thanks to St.Martins Press for my review copy!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad to see that there are still veterans writing about Vietnam. This was a well written read regarding Col. Davis's experiences before, during and after the Vietnam War. It was inciteful and like others, I am saddened that Col. Davis had to wait so long for his deserved recognition for his actions but thrilled that it has been rectified even if it was so much later than called for.

Overall, this was a good read that I would recommend to others.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this history of Paris Davis, Army Colonel and Special Forces Green Beret soldier who waited 58 years for his congressional Medal of Honor to be truly awarded. This personal history, though long at moments, captures the experience and essence of a man who became a leader and mentor, a man who didn’t let the racism of his day define or limit him.

[Isla Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary and deeply personal account of courage, integrity, and perseverance. Paris Davis not only recounts his harrowing experiences in Vietnam but also sheds light on the decades-long fight for recognition in a system that tried to overlook him. The writing is raw and real, capturing both the chaos of combat and the quiet resilience that followed. A powerful memoir that deserves every reader's attention.