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Lions of Medina: The True Story of the Marines of Charlie 1/1 in Vietnam, 11-12 October 1967
Thursday, 12 October 1967
Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Cahill stepped onto a trail deep in the remote Hai Lang National Forest of South Vietnam. Following Cahill were the 166 Marines of Charlie Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division. Confident, well armed and ready to fight, their mission was to locate and annihilate any North Vietnamese Army forces they could find.
Cahill, a sharp and experienced point man, knew that taking the well-worn and ominous trail was a bad idea, but an order was an order and he led Charlie Company forward. It was a decision that would cost the 19-year-old his life. As he took a step to his left, toward a small knoll, Cahill walked right into the blast of a machine gun and the column of men he led suddenly faced decimating grenade and small-arms fire.
Rather than Charlie Company finding the enemy, the NVA, over two thousand men strong, had found Charlie Company. Surrounded, outnumbered, outgunned, and quickly running out of ammunition, the Marines now faced annihilation and hell on earth under the jungle canopy.
Would the men of Charlie Company survive? How could they hope to beat back a vastly superior enemy force set on their complete destruction? Who would ever live to tell the tale of the “Lions of Medina”?
Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Cahill stepped onto a trail deep in the remote Hai Lang National Forest of South Vietnam. Following Cahill were the 166 Marines of Charlie Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division. Confident, well armed and ready to fight, their mission was to locate and annihilate any North Vietnamese Army forces they could find.
Cahill, a sharp and experienced point man, knew that taking the well-worn and ominous trail was a bad idea, but an order was an order and he led Charlie Company forward. It was a decision that would cost the 19-year-old his life. As he took a step to his left, toward a small knoll, Cahill walked right into the blast of a machine gun and the column of men he led suddenly faced decimating grenade and small-arms fire.
Rather than Charlie Company finding the enemy, the NVA, over two thousand men strong, had found Charlie Company. Surrounded, outnumbered, outgunned, and quickly running out of ammunition, the Marines now faced annihilation and hell on earth under the jungle canopy.
Would the men of Charlie Company survive? How could they hope to beat back a vastly superior enemy force set on their complete destruction? Who would ever live to tell the tale of the “Lions of Medina”?
494 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2007
1172 people are currently reading
1717 people want to read
About the author
Doyle D. Glass
2 books34 followersDoyle Glass (born January 22, 1962) is an American historical novelist and sculptor. He is best known for his bestselling nonfiction books Lions of Medina (2007), Swift Sword (new edition 2023) and for sculpting the Texas Medal of Honor Memorial (2008) and the Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial (2001). Glass began writing and sculpting following a career as a criminal prosecutor in Texas and Kentucky.
Glass was born and raised in Midland, Texas, to George H. Glass, a rancher and oilman, and Myra Glass. He has two brothers, George, Jr., and Braxton. When Glass was twelve years old, he made his first visit to the Alamo and read 13 Days to Glory by Lon Tinkle. He has been fascinated by history ever since. A love of art followed shortly thereafter.
He graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a BA in history in 1983 and received his Juris Doctor degree, also from SMU, in 1988.
After graduating from law school, Glass began a career as a criminal prosecutor, working as an Assistant District Attorney in McLennan and Bell Counties, Texas and later, as an Assistant Attorney General, Special Prosecutions Division, in the office of the Kentucky Attorney General. In his spare time, he worked to foster his love of creating art.
In 2000, inspired by the American sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens, Glass retired as a prosecutor and began work as a professional artist. Combining his love of history and art, he conceived of, designed, and created the Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial, a life-size representation of WWII MOH recipient John Squires, and, later, the Texas Medal of Honor Memorial, a heroic size representation of Korean War MOH recipient George O’Brien.
Inspired by the heroes honored by these memorials and by Lon Tinkle’s account of the Battle of the Alamo that he had read many years before, Glass authored two nonfiction books about the men who fought in the Vietnam War.
His first book, Lions of Medina, was so successful and personally rewarding that he embarked on a career as a full-time writer. Based on personal interviews Glass conducted with survivors of Operation Medina, a military operation conducted by the Marine Corps in the Hai Lang National Forest of South Vietnam, the book was published by Coleche Press in 2007 and by NAL Caliber Penguin in 2008. Medal of Honor recipient William T. Perkins is featured prominently in the work. Lions of Medina was selected as winner of the 2008 USA Book News Best Book Award.
His second book, Swift Sword, based on personal interviews of nearly fifty survivors of Operation Swift, recounts, in the words of the men themselves, a harrowing fight for survival by Marines on a lone knoll in Vietnam’s Que Son Valley. The heroic acts of Medal of Honor recipients Father Vincent Capodanno and Lawrence Peters, along with countless other heroes, are told. The new edition of Swift Sword was chosen as winner of the 2023 Pencraft Award for Best Nonfiction.
Both Swift Sword and Lions of Medina have spent multiple weeks at the top of the Amazon bestseller lists for the Vietnam War, as well as numerous other categories. His third book, Unthrottled, a historical fiction work based on the remarkable life of WWII hero Robert Benoist, is due to be released in 2026.
Glass was born and raised in Midland, Texas, to George H. Glass, a rancher and oilman, and Myra Glass. He has two brothers, George, Jr., and Braxton. When Glass was twelve years old, he made his first visit to the Alamo and read 13 Days to Glory by Lon Tinkle. He has been fascinated by history ever since. A love of art followed shortly thereafter.
He graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a BA in history in 1983 and received his Juris Doctor degree, also from SMU, in 1988.
After graduating from law school, Glass began a career as a criminal prosecutor, working as an Assistant District Attorney in McLennan and Bell Counties, Texas and later, as an Assistant Attorney General, Special Prosecutions Division, in the office of the Kentucky Attorney General. In his spare time, he worked to foster his love of creating art.
In 2000, inspired by the American sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens, Glass retired as a prosecutor and began work as a professional artist. Combining his love of history and art, he conceived of, designed, and created the Kentucky Medal of Honor Memorial, a life-size representation of WWII MOH recipient John Squires, and, later, the Texas Medal of Honor Memorial, a heroic size representation of Korean War MOH recipient George O’Brien.
Inspired by the heroes honored by these memorials and by Lon Tinkle’s account of the Battle of the Alamo that he had read many years before, Glass authored two nonfiction books about the men who fought in the Vietnam War.
His first book, Lions of Medina, was so successful and personally rewarding that he embarked on a career as a full-time writer. Based on personal interviews Glass conducted with survivors of Operation Medina, a military operation conducted by the Marine Corps in the Hai Lang National Forest of South Vietnam, the book was published by Coleche Press in 2007 and by NAL Caliber Penguin in 2008. Medal of Honor recipient William T. Perkins is featured prominently in the work. Lions of Medina was selected as winner of the 2008 USA Book News Best Book Award.
His second book, Swift Sword, based on personal interviews of nearly fifty survivors of Operation Swift, recounts, in the words of the men themselves, a harrowing fight for survival by Marines on a lone knoll in Vietnam’s Que Son Valley. The heroic acts of Medal of Honor recipients Father Vincent Capodanno and Lawrence Peters, along with countless other heroes, are told. The new edition of Swift Sword was chosen as winner of the 2023 Pencraft Award for Best Nonfiction.
Both Swift Sword and Lions of Medina have spent multiple weeks at the top of the Amazon bestseller lists for the Vietnam War, as well as numerous other categories. His third book, Unthrottled, a historical fiction work based on the remarkable life of WWII hero Robert Benoist, is due to be released in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
September 30, 2025
Another story about Marines winning a battle against Great odds in Vietnam. very detailed description of Charlie company and his fight against Superior NVA soldiers, in numbers. I really like how the author talks about what happened after this battle and when the Marines came home and what they did afterwards. they were true Patriots who fought because the country asked them to fight.
March 31, 2023
I generally do not take to books - fiction or nonfiction - addressing the Viet Nam war. Perhaps it is generational (I graduated high school in 1968) when there were in our country two wars being fought simultaneously and when if you were a military age male you either went to college if you could get in and afford it or you were drafted. This book, however, takes a microcosm of the war one unit - Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division and follows it both before and after a singularly challenging operation - Operation Medina. It was the veterans and their stories I found compelling particularly since even with my privileged background and education, in my demographic group, it was the rare individual who did not know and interact with these veterans either before or after the war or did not know earlier someone whose name ended up inscribed on a black slab of marble.
May 19, 2025
The Lions of Medina by Doyle Glass
★★★★★
Doyle Glass has crafted an extraordinary chronicle of courage and sacrifice in "The Lions of Medina," offering readers an intimate portrait of Charlie Company's Marines during Operation Medina in Vietnam.
Through the personal stories of Perkins, Jackson, Blessing, Cahill, Zorn, Cole, Snell, Ruffer and others—and this is only a brief list of the men in this book who sacrificed—Glass transforms historical events into deeply human experiences.
The narrative excels on multiple levels—as military history, it provides detailed accounts of the tactical challenges faced during operations; as personal testimony, it reveals the psychological toll of combat and its aftermath; as social commentary, it examines how these Marines were treated upon returning home to a divided nation.
Glass's exploration of the strategic limitations imposed on American forces is particularly illuminating. He details how rules of engagement prevented strikes on crucial targets like Haiphong Harbor due to the presence of Russian vessels supplying the North Vietnamese.
Through firsthand accounts, Glass conveys the Marines' growing realization that these constraints meant they were essentially "fighting the enemy's war instead of our own"—a frustration that makes their courage and dedication even more remarkable.
Glass writes with respect and authenticity, avoiding both glorification and condemnation. Instead, he presents these Marines' experiences with honesty and compassion, allowing their voices to speak through the pages.
This approach creates a powerful testament to those who served in one of America's most controversial conflicts.
Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Vietnam War beyond political narratives and historical overview
★★★★★
Doyle Glass has crafted an extraordinary chronicle of courage and sacrifice in "The Lions of Medina," offering readers an intimate portrait of Charlie Company's Marines during Operation Medina in Vietnam.
Through the personal stories of Perkins, Jackson, Blessing, Cahill, Zorn, Cole, Snell, Ruffer and others—and this is only a brief list of the men in this book who sacrificed—Glass transforms historical events into deeply human experiences.
The narrative excels on multiple levels—as military history, it provides detailed accounts of the tactical challenges faced during operations; as personal testimony, it reveals the psychological toll of combat and its aftermath; as social commentary, it examines how these Marines were treated upon returning home to a divided nation.
Glass's exploration of the strategic limitations imposed on American forces is particularly illuminating. He details how rules of engagement prevented strikes on crucial targets like Haiphong Harbor due to the presence of Russian vessels supplying the North Vietnamese.
Through firsthand accounts, Glass conveys the Marines' growing realization that these constraints meant they were essentially "fighting the enemy's war instead of our own"—a frustration that makes their courage and dedication even more remarkable.
Glass writes with respect and authenticity, avoiding both glorification and condemnation. Instead, he presents these Marines' experiences with honesty and compassion, allowing their voices to speak through the pages.
This approach creates a powerful testament to those who served in one of America's most controversial conflicts.
Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Vietnam War beyond political narratives and historical overview
April 25, 2020
It is quite obvious that the author spent many hours researching this battle and its warriors in order to write this book. Mr. Glass introduced his characters (those from the battle) telling how they grew up, through military training, and what they did during the battle.
The battle, itself, seemed like a blow-by-blow commentary where the author reported both the 1,000 feet high observations and the action occurring on the ground; one of the fiercest of the war. A single company held off repeated assaults by an enemy four times their strength, only half of the soldiers survived.
After the battle, the survivors discussed how they acted and what they might have done differently during the battle. It was clear that the battalion commander should have paid more attention to those troops on the ground instead of rushing them and also involving Delta Company to support Charlie much earlier in the battle then he did.
Mr. Glass continued to report on the survivors of Charlie Company up to the publication of the book, both the good and the bad. Finally, the book includes both a character summation and a glossary of terms used in the story.
Operation Medina could have ended differently and many more lives could have been saved. The men of Charlie Company were truly the Lions of Medina. Good job Mr. Glass!
The battle, itself, seemed like a blow-by-blow commentary where the author reported both the 1,000 feet high observations and the action occurring on the ground; one of the fiercest of the war. A single company held off repeated assaults by an enemy four times their strength, only half of the soldiers survived.
After the battle, the survivors discussed how they acted and what they might have done differently during the battle. It was clear that the battalion commander should have paid more attention to those troops on the ground instead of rushing them and also involving Delta Company to support Charlie much earlier in the battle then he did.
Mr. Glass continued to report on the survivors of Charlie Company up to the publication of the book, both the good and the bad. Finally, the book includes both a character summation and a glossary of terms used in the story.
Operation Medina could have ended differently and many more lives could have been saved. The men of Charlie Company were truly the Lions of Medina. Good job Mr. Glass!
September 26, 2025
This is a story of a U.S. Marine infantry company involved in a hard-fought action in rough terrain covered in triple-canopy jungle in northern South Vietnam.
The principal action involved an NVA night assault. Visibility was next to zero. The only way to distinguish between friend and foe was the colour of their tracers. The two sides were so intermingled that supporting arms were largely unavailable. So the battle was fought with grenades, small arms, including automatic weapons and, eventually, knives and entrenching tools. The Marines were outnumbered between 3 and 4 to one. They had just arrived at the site and their entrenchments were limited to shallow fighting holes, deadfalls and a few bomb craters. The central action takes place against a Marine perimeter, containing 2 platoons and an augmented headquarters group, having an area of approximately half a football field. The fighting was very, very close.
Resupply and medivac were unavailable until the conclusion of the battle. So the only food, water and ammunition available to the Marines was what they had carried in with them. All of these ran out.
Losses on both sides were horrific.
The story is told entirely from the U.S. perspective and begins comfortably with brief biographical snapshots of many of the Marines. Then we are given a fairly lengthy preamble describing the immediately preceding in-country activities of the company and the buildup to the battle. After the description of the battle are brief accounts of how the wounded faired in their treatment and recovery.
The last section of the book is a discussion of the treatment the Marines received upon their return to the U.S.. Many returned immediately after the Tet offensive and so had left for Vietnam when support for the war was still fairly strong and came back to be spit on by pretty girls and refused entry to bars while in uniform. Also included is the reaction of the Marines' families to their return and in some cases to their failure to return. Finally is a discussion of the long term suffering of PTSD experienced by the survivors.
The writing is first rate throughout -- an easy, easy read. The battle descriptions go from the Divisional plans all the way down to ground level with emphasis on the latter. This book is written primarily at the tactical level and higher echelons are involved only to provide context.
If you enjoy tactical level descriptions of the fighting in Vietnam this is a book for you. Much of the historical tactical accounts of Vietnam contain lengthy accounts of seemly endless ambushes, sniping and overwhelming application of supporting arms. This book describes a relative rarity -- a battle with hundreds of participants on each side almost entirely fought at very short range with the personal weapons of the soldiers.
I liked this book a lot, hence the 5 stars. I was less interested in the last section and skimmed much of it. But what was said there was very important and needed to be said. It just wasn't my cup of tea -- something that would not justify any reduction in stars.
The principal action involved an NVA night assault. Visibility was next to zero. The only way to distinguish between friend and foe was the colour of their tracers. The two sides were so intermingled that supporting arms were largely unavailable. So the battle was fought with grenades, small arms, including automatic weapons and, eventually, knives and entrenching tools. The Marines were outnumbered between 3 and 4 to one. They had just arrived at the site and their entrenchments were limited to shallow fighting holes, deadfalls and a few bomb craters. The central action takes place against a Marine perimeter, containing 2 platoons and an augmented headquarters group, having an area of approximately half a football field. The fighting was very, very close.
Resupply and medivac were unavailable until the conclusion of the battle. So the only food, water and ammunition available to the Marines was what they had carried in with them. All of these ran out.
Losses on both sides were horrific.
The story is told entirely from the U.S. perspective and begins comfortably with brief biographical snapshots of many of the Marines. Then we are given a fairly lengthy preamble describing the immediately preceding in-country activities of the company and the buildup to the battle. After the description of the battle are brief accounts of how the wounded faired in their treatment and recovery.
The last section of the book is a discussion of the treatment the Marines received upon their return to the U.S.. Many returned immediately after the Tet offensive and so had left for Vietnam when support for the war was still fairly strong and came back to be spit on by pretty girls and refused entry to bars while in uniform. Also included is the reaction of the Marines' families to their return and in some cases to their failure to return. Finally is a discussion of the long term suffering of PTSD experienced by the survivors.
The writing is first rate throughout -- an easy, easy read. The battle descriptions go from the Divisional plans all the way down to ground level with emphasis on the latter. This book is written primarily at the tactical level and higher echelons are involved only to provide context.
If you enjoy tactical level descriptions of the fighting in Vietnam this is a book for you. Much of the historical tactical accounts of Vietnam contain lengthy accounts of seemly endless ambushes, sniping and overwhelming application of supporting arms. This book describes a relative rarity -- a battle with hundreds of participants on each side almost entirely fought at very short range with the personal weapons of the soldiers.
I liked this book a lot, hence the 5 stars. I was less interested in the last section and skimmed much of it. But what was said there was very important and needed to be said. It just wasn't my cup of tea -- something that would not justify any reduction in stars.
June 18, 2024
This book is overwhelming, not only because of its subject matter, but also because its chief organizing principle is the roster of all the parties. We start with the background location and family situation of every potential soldier; we move to the same roster when we see how the men respond to boot camp and other training; then we get stories of men's flights to Vietnam; then their first reactions on landing in Vietnam; then their reactions to small arms and quickly-over combat situations. Everything funnels to the battle named Medina. And everything funnels out from the battle named Medina for the survivors using the same roster organization. Same pattern for how men returned to civilian status and what they were doing twenty years later. It's overwhelming, hard to follow.
The core of the book, however, is brilliant and awe-ful in its description of the battle of Medina: A small group of US soldiers nearly overrun over hours and hours by professional NVA men. By the time I got to the actual battle, I was able to follow some key figures, wondering in my eighty-sixth year at the skills and bravery and devotion of twenty year olds. The horror and luck and humor and blood and smell will not be forgotten; nor will I forget the incandescent love that governed the care the men showed to one another.
Many of the men spoke out against 'hippie' protesters; many also spoke out about a government which imposed 'rules of engagement' which blocked straight-forward aggression in the face of the enemy -- a government which also was revealed to have lied to the soldiers and to other citizens. Stories were told of being spit at for their service, but also of drinks 0ffered unendingly and meals paid for an0nymously. Hopefully we are getting closer to being able to honor the sacred commitment men and women make to serve in the military, while reserving our anger for politicians when we think they deserve it.
I believe this book deserves a second read, which would help me t0 focus on the individuals and their cohesion, instead of my worrying about being able to pay attention to the roster. I also want to honor the author and all the survivors who dove for a second time into the battle of Medina in order to share with us their more-often-than-not very very painful and truly traumatic experiences.
I can see how this particular conflict eventually resulted in the availability of the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and our ability to see it more quickly in subsequent deployments. It makes me wonder about the experiences of my father (WW2), my grandfather (WW1), and my great-grandfather (The Civil War).
The core of the book, however, is brilliant and awe-ful in its description of the battle of Medina: A small group of US soldiers nearly overrun over hours and hours by professional NVA men. By the time I got to the actual battle, I was able to follow some key figures, wondering in my eighty-sixth year at the skills and bravery and devotion of twenty year olds. The horror and luck and humor and blood and smell will not be forgotten; nor will I forget the incandescent love that governed the care the men showed to one another.
Many of the men spoke out against 'hippie' protesters; many also spoke out about a government which imposed 'rules of engagement' which blocked straight-forward aggression in the face of the enemy -- a government which also was revealed to have lied to the soldiers and to other citizens. Stories were told of being spit at for their service, but also of drinks 0ffered unendingly and meals paid for an0nymously. Hopefully we are getting closer to being able to honor the sacred commitment men and women make to serve in the military, while reserving our anger for politicians when we think they deserve it.
I believe this book deserves a second read, which would help me t0 focus on the individuals and their cohesion, instead of my worrying about being able to pay attention to the roster. I also want to honor the author and all the survivors who dove for a second time into the battle of Medina in order to share with us their more-often-than-not very very painful and truly traumatic experiences.
I can see how this particular conflict eventually resulted in the availability of the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and our ability to see it more quickly in subsequent deployments. It makes me wonder about the experiences of my father (WW2), my grandfather (WW1), and my great-grandfather (The Civil War).
October 16, 2022
Compelling true story of the men (Marines) who fought in Viet Nam.
I was a Marine during that time 62-67, however I did not go to Viet Nam due to a leg injury I received in training for Viet Nam.
Reading this was like having a real bad night mare while awake. It just scared the daylights out of me, wonering how I might have reacted if I was there. I was a communications mortar man. These guys were the front line grunts.
The average American sometimes gets all teary eyed about patriotism for flag and country - I get it, but these guys were not fighting for that, they for trying to survive a living hell- on their own.
The main take away, from this book for me was to establish critical thinking of what you do in life and what our politicians do make foolish decisions on going to war or what is supposed to be good for the American people.
These young men joined up for flag and country, and their country abadoned them during their combat and after they got home. Very hard to forgive that,.
I was a Marine during that time 62-67, however I did not go to Viet Nam due to a leg injury I received in training for Viet Nam.
Reading this was like having a real bad night mare while awake. It just scared the daylights out of me, wonering how I might have reacted if I was there. I was a communications mortar man. These guys were the front line grunts.
The average American sometimes gets all teary eyed about patriotism for flag and country - I get it, but these guys were not fighting for that, they for trying to survive a living hell- on their own.
The main take away, from this book for me was to establish critical thinking of what you do in life and what our politicians do make foolish decisions on going to war or what is supposed to be good for the American people.
These young men joined up for flag and country, and their country abadoned them during their combat and after they got home. Very hard to forgive that,.
June 2, 2023
I had no idea...
Despite reading many, many war memoirs as a hobby over the past 40 years, I had never heard of Operation Medina in the Vietnam War. I'm glad I ran across this book. Not having been written by a Marine who was there, it's perhaps not a true "memoir" but it's a well researched account that honors the sacrifices made, and includes many excerpts from the Grunts who fought the battle.
Many memoirs follow a similar format for their storytelling but occasionally I'll discover one that does it differently. Although I don't mind the more traditional format, switching it up occasionally is a nice change of pace. This one definitely breaks the mold and takes a different path, but it's well written, organized & is easy to follow.I
If you've interested in the Vietnam War, the USMC, or the military in general, or you're just a patriotic American, I highly recommend this book.
Despite reading many, many war memoirs as a hobby over the past 40 years, I had never heard of Operation Medina in the Vietnam War. I'm glad I ran across this book. Not having been written by a Marine who was there, it's perhaps not a true "memoir" but it's a well researched account that honors the sacrifices made, and includes many excerpts from the Grunts who fought the battle.
Many memoirs follow a similar format for their storytelling but occasionally I'll discover one that does it differently. Although I don't mind the more traditional format, switching it up occasionally is a nice change of pace. This one definitely breaks the mold and takes a different path, but it's well written, organized & is easy to follow.I
If you've interested in the Vietnam War, the USMC, or the military in general, or you're just a patriotic American, I highly recommend this book.
August 15, 2025
This true story will bring the Marines who serve to you as real people facing the struggles that war brings. Those struggles show the true brutality that is war. If you step back and look deeply it also reveals the futility of war. War is a horrible event to subject people and the fighters to. In the long run everyone is damaged.
A quote from the book shows the introspection that a Marine might undergo:
“A warrior’s enemy is himself: his fears, his pettiness, and selfishness. All of those little things. Being wounded thrust me on that path. It made me make changes in my psychological profile. You don’t usually change who you are because you want to. You change who you are because you have to.”
As you review that statement you can see how PTSD is standard issue to those fighting. Everyone who sends soldiers to war should read this book to understand exactly what they are doing.
A quote from the book shows the introspection that a Marine might undergo:
“A warrior’s enemy is himself: his fears, his pettiness, and selfishness. All of those little things. Being wounded thrust me on that path. It made me make changes in my psychological profile. You don’t usually change who you are because you want to. You change who you are because you have to.”
As you review that statement you can see how PTSD is standard issue to those fighting. Everyone who sends soldiers to war should read this book to understand exactly what they are doing.
April 5, 2025
I won this on Goodreads and am glad I did. Author Doyle Glass has crafted a well written account of a US Marine Company level action in Vietnam. A special effort was made to profile the lives of the Marines prior to enlisting to bring the whole individual "to life" - making this more than just a dry unit after-action report. The maps provide context for locations for readers who may be unfamiliar with Vietnam geography and the Marines areas of military responsibility. Plenty of photographs are provided - both personal and official USMC. A glossary of Marine specific terms, units, and weapons is in the rear. A list of the unit members during the action is provided. Graphic descriptions of wounds caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) - referred here in the 1960's term--"booby traps" and small arms may make this unsuitable for y0unger readers. I strongly recommend this book.
April 21, 2023
A Real View Into War and It’s Toll OnThose Who Fought
I have read numerous books on WWII. This insight into Vietnam battles was the best, most complete, realistic and personal journey that I have ever read. Introducing me to members of Charlie Company from each marine’s home life and pre military personality through Marine training and the shock of battle. Closing with the return home of each soldier , his post Vietnam civilian career, and closed with retirement view of each member.
I have never read such authentic and detailed depiction of character development, details of battle, and complete stories of the magnificent men who fought to protect all Americans.
SEMPER Fi and thank you for your sacrifices and service.
I have read numerous books on WWII. This insight into Vietnam battles was the best, most complete, realistic and personal journey that I have ever read. Introducing me to members of Charlie Company from each marine’s home life and pre military personality through Marine training and the shock of battle. Closing with the return home of each soldier , his post Vietnam civilian career, and closed with retirement view of each member.
I have never read such authentic and detailed depiction of character development, details of battle, and complete stories of the magnificent men who fought to protect all Americans.
SEMPER Fi and thank you for your sacrifices and service.
July 6, 2023
An excellent story
“Lions of Medina: The True Story of the Marines of Charlie 1/1 in Vietnam, 11-12 October 1967” tells the story of a man who went through many things to become what he was and is.
It’s a book narrated in an excellent way by its author, Doyle Glass, who has already accustomed us to these good stories.
The book has a good narrative style, with totally credible dialogues and with its characters and places very well described. It has suspense and action, which makes you want to read the next page when you finish one.
It is a book that I recommend without a doubt because it tells us about the lives of people who were in those places and all the things that they had to go through for their country.
“Lions of Medina: The True Story of the Marines of Charlie 1/1 in Vietnam, 11-12 October 1967” tells the story of a man who went through many things to become what he was and is.
It’s a book narrated in an excellent way by its author, Doyle Glass, who has already accustomed us to these good stories.
The book has a good narrative style, with totally credible dialogues and with its characters and places very well described. It has suspense and action, which makes you want to read the next page when you finish one.
It is a book that I recommend without a doubt because it tells us about the lives of people who were in those places and all the things that they had to go through for their country.
April 21, 2024
I have read many books about the Vietnam war and count this as one of the very best. Glass has written a book that is so detailed, so comprehensive and so descriptive that as a reader you feel you know these Marines personally. He gives you an in depth look at their lives in war and as civilian life. He lets you know a little about their families and the pain and suffering they endured. The description of their battle in Operation Medina was so real, so compelling and so scary I found myself putting the book down every so often because I felt drained by the action, Glass put you in the battle not just described it to you. As soon as I finished it I downloaded his other book about the war. Whatever your view of the war was/is read this book and Thank A Vet.
June 30, 2023
All true stories have a special condiment to me, I am always eager to read them since they tell facts in the form of a tale and this makes the information more appealing.
By exploring the Vietnam War using simple language, author Glass has made this piece of history more accessible to all of us.
The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced and it effectively portrays what the young warriors had to endure. the thought-provoking approach adds depth and relevance to the narrative.
By exploring the ethical gray areas and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, the book prompts readers to contemplate the broader implications of what the war brought about.
By exploring the Vietnam War using simple language, author Glass has made this piece of history more accessible to all of us.
The pacing of the narrative is well-balanced and it effectively portrays what the young warriors had to endure. the thought-provoking approach adds depth and relevance to the narrative.
By exploring the ethical gray areas and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists, the book prompts readers to contemplate the broader implications of what the war brought about.
July 4, 2023
significant book about Vietnam and what close combat was about.
The author has written a comprehensive book about young men serving in a very unpopular war and despite their bravery and sacrifices, many were met with tomatoes and spit upon when they their returned home. Times have changed since 1967, when young men from different countries were killing each other on sight. Diplomatic relations have improved dramatically between the U.S. and Vietnam. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the continued pain suffered by the families of those killed in the war and those that came back, forever changed. I highly recommend this book.
The author has written a comprehensive book about young men serving in a very unpopular war and despite their bravery and sacrifices, many were met with tomatoes and spit upon when they their returned home. Times have changed since 1967, when young men from different countries were killing each other on sight. Diplomatic relations have improved dramatically between the U.S. and Vietnam. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the continued pain suffered by the families of those killed in the war and those that came back, forever changed. I highly recommend this book.
September 2, 2025
Operation Medina
Overall I enjoyed this book. This is the story of Operation Medina, an ill fated and ill advised mission into enemy territory by Marine company Charlie. The description of the actual mission was interesting and heartbreaking. However, sandwiched around this were random stories about the lives and experiences of the soldiers involved in the mission. While this is informative, the
author would have been better served to limit the number of individual stories to a handful of soldiers. As it stands, its hard to keep track of who is who and how they fit into the overall picture.
Overall I enjoyed this book. This is the story of Operation Medina, an ill fated and ill advised mission into enemy territory by Marine company Charlie. The description of the actual mission was interesting and heartbreaking. However, sandwiched around this were random stories about the lives and experiences of the soldiers involved in the mission. While this is informative, the
author would have been better served to limit the number of individual stories to a handful of soldiers. As it stands, its hard to keep track of who is who and how they fit into the overall picture.
January 14, 2026
Another Historic Battle
Very good. The start of the book leads you up to battle and builds the narrative of the soldiers involved. Almost the first 200 pages. It is written well, so it holds your interest. Once you get close to the battle date, it really takes off. The date of October 12 feels as if it puts you in the midst of the combat yourself. Of course, not experiencing it we never know the real feeling, but there were times I felt like I was in the depths of the conflict. I thank God I didn't have to experience it, but it left me with the upmost respect for those that made that sacrifice. They all deserve our respect.
Very good. The start of the book leads you up to battle and builds the narrative of the soldiers involved. Almost the first 200 pages. It is written well, so it holds your interest. Once you get close to the battle date, it really takes off. The date of October 12 feels as if it puts you in the midst of the combat yourself. Of course, not experiencing it we never know the real feeling, but there were times I felt like I was in the depths of the conflict. I thank God I didn't have to experience it, but it left me with the upmost respect for those that made that sacrifice. They all deserve our respect.
March 26, 2025
I thought this book captures the impact of war with clarity for perspective, to help you understand what these Marines went through. Having been to war I know how it feels when you look back and think "what was it all for?" Some of it was hard to read, for me especially about how they Vietnam Veterans were received home after the war. That was a different America and is not the case now, thankfully. If you want a book to read about what combat was like in Vietnam then this is a good read for you.
August 19, 2025
Unusual in a good sense
I began this book with serious misgivings early on. I’ve read more than a few battle narratives, but never one with so many details about individual characters. The author tells the story through the eyes and actions of literally dozens of its participants. The 20,000 foot overviews that are a major part of (or comprise) narratives like this are rare in this book. The individual tales make for an extremely personal reliving of the battle. In the end, I found this book to be one of my all-time battle narratives.
I began this book with serious misgivings early on. I’ve read more than a few battle narratives, but never one with so many details about individual characters. The author tells the story through the eyes and actions of literally dozens of its participants. The 20,000 foot overviews that are a major part of (or comprise) narratives like this are rare in this book. The individual tales make for an extremely personal reliving of the battle. In the end, I found this book to be one of my all-time battle narratives.
September 20, 2025
Very good compilation of alot of their stories. At first was having a hard time following who was who, but realized that is probably how it felt to them as soldiers kept changing. Once I figured out how to follow the people it was very engrossing. Enjoyed that it took you from their decision to join all the way to what happened after. Specifically enjoyed that after they were home that they were received well in Pittsburgh as I’m a PA native. Very touching stories about the lengths brothers in arms will go for each other.
October 13, 2022
Lions of Medina
First book I have read about a battle in Vietnam, an eye opener to say the least! It provided an insight I haven't considered or fully appreciated on what the Vietnam vets went. I was well aware of WW1 & WW2 battles but not necessarily Nam. I knew about Tet, Kei SSang and Heu city and the Citadel but this one. These Marines were hero's and I am very glad to have heard about this book and read it. Thank you to the author and Marines who's story was told.
First book I have read about a battle in Vietnam, an eye opener to say the least! It provided an insight I haven't considered or fully appreciated on what the Vietnam vets went. I was well aware of WW1 & WW2 battles but not necessarily Nam. I knew about Tet, Kei SSang and Heu city and the Citadel but this one. These Marines were hero's and I am very glad to have heard about this book and read it. Thank you to the author and Marines who's story was told.
September 21, 2024
Wonderful documentary of our country’s unsung heroes. So well written that I’ve already bought Doyle’s second book. The only trouble I have reading this type of literature is keeping track of all the characters and bonding with them. Probably the best way to totally benefit is to reread. Knowing about the key characters section at the end of the book would have helped had I known it was there earlier. I’m using Kindle format, so I missed that aid.
March 29, 2025
Vietnam
Vietnam is a tough time in history. Glass' coverage of the subject is tough and unsettling to read sometimes. Telling the story Glass follows the lives of those who were in the battle of Medina. That said it's a story we should know as Americans and shouldn't forget. In an easy to read style it made me aware of many things that I wasn't aware of. This book is recommended reading for those that want to understand the war in Vietnam and the warriors heart and soul.
Vietnam is a tough time in history. Glass' coverage of the subject is tough and unsettling to read sometimes. Telling the story Glass follows the lives of those who were in the battle of Medina. That said it's a story we should know as Americans and shouldn't forget. In an easy to read style it made me aware of many things that I wasn't aware of. This book is recommended reading for those that want to understand the war in Vietnam and the warriors heart and soul.
November 28, 2025
These are events future generations should not forget
This book is a down and dirty account of some courageous men thrust into horrific circumstances. The author did a good job of describing the atmosphere that prevailed in U. S. during the war and the lack of empathy shown our returning soldiers. It didn't touch on the arcane and misguided political decisions that put us there.
War is an instrument of policy. Soldiers don't kill people, politicians do.
This book is a down and dirty account of some courageous men thrust into horrific circumstances. The author did a good job of describing the atmosphere that prevailed in U. S. during the war and the lack of empathy shown our returning soldiers. It didn't touch on the arcane and misguided political decisions that put us there.
War is an instrument of policy. Soldiers don't kill people, politicians do.
December 23, 2025
I'd give it lower than one star if I could. The pre and post battle selections are disorganized to the point where they border incomprehensibility. The author throws so many names at us that we are supposed to remember, but none sticks. The battle section itself is more organized, but still the muddled writing makes it hard to understand what is going on. I've read enough good authors to recognize a bad one, and to call him a hack would offend other hacks. Barely readable battle porn.
April 16, 2020
America the best
This was a great read. It is so very important for many reasons, one of which is the fact that history is not being taught in American schools anymore...what a foolish mistake. Because of that lets hope history does not repeat itself. Love the Marines, they have always made us proud!
This was a great read. It is so very important for many reasons, one of which is the fact that history is not being taught in American schools anymore...what a foolish mistake. Because of that lets hope history does not repeat itself. Love the Marines, they have always made us proud!
May 3, 2023
The men who fought
Excellent tale of those brave men who fought, lived, and died for our freedoms. Men who obeyed the call without hesitation to fight for the men next to them. A must read for any one interested in the Vietnam war. A war fought for the wrong reasons. A waste of our nation's finest.
Excellent tale of those brave men who fought, lived, and died for our freedoms. Men who obeyed the call without hesitation to fight for the men next to them. A must read for any one interested in the Vietnam war. A war fought for the wrong reasons. A waste of our nation's finest.
January 5, 2025
It's a 3.5 for me. The book was well-researched and as far as I know pretty accurate. You do understand what's going on and it wasn't a pain to read. What brought it down from a 4 to a 3.5 to me was the constant jumping of POVs with no indication. One paragraph would be one guy then the very next paragraph would be someone else. It kinda made it difficult to follow at certain points in the book.
June 5, 2025
a Mixed Up Affair…
What is odd about this yarn is how this unit was being overwhelmed with 5 to 1 enemy attackers who were well armed and supported while the Marines weren’t. Running out of ammunition and fighting hand to hand, Etc. But few were KIA? It would be interesting to hear the enemy’s opinion of the battle.
What is odd about this yarn is how this unit was being overwhelmed with 5 to 1 enemy attackers who were well armed and supported while the Marines weren’t. Running out of ammunition and fighting hand to hand, Etc. But few were KIA? It would be interesting to hear the enemy’s opinion of the battle.
January 5, 2026
Lions of Medina
Good story written with reports from people that were there. Tough to read because some leaders during the battle didn't try to adapt to a new type of war. Like every battle during wars the leaders,don't always listen,to the people closes to the fighting and then more people are killed or wounded.
Good story written with reports from people that were there. Tough to read because some leaders during the battle didn't try to adapt to a new type of war. Like every battle during wars the leaders,don't always listen,to the people closes to the fighting and then more people are killed or wounded.
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