What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking Point: From the Ashes of the Vietnam War
In this intimate memoir, Perry A. Ulander chronicles with powerful clarity the bewildering predicament he confronted and the fellowship and guidance that transformed him during the year he served as an American GI in the jungles of Vietnam. Conveying with unadorned precision the harrowing experiences that shatter his core beliefs, Ulander also captures the camaraderie and humor of his platoon, the hostility between "lifers" and draftees, the physical hardships of reconnaissance missions, and the unrelenting apprehension underlying everyday life. Ultimately, he describes the surrendering of social norms and accepted identities that allows him to glimpse a previously unimagined realm of heightened awareness.
Written after a lifetime of reflection on the nature of war and the effect of violence and domination on the minds and spirits of those forced to practice it, Walking Point offers a powerful narrative for readers with an interest in the effects of war and violence, American involvement in Vietnam, PTSD, and how trauma can be a catalyst for spiritual transformation. Giving voice to profound insights gained through extreme adversity, Ulander movingly captures the depth of trust and commitment among a group of unwitting warriors who struggle to stay alive and sane in unchartered territory.
Contents
CHAPTER 1: Into The Unknown
CHAPTER 2: The Magic Poncho Liner
CHAPTER 3: Initiation
CHAPTER 4: Head On
CHAPTER 5: The Valley of the Shadow
CHAPTER 6: Into the Light
CHAPTER 7: Short Time
CHAPTER 8: No Time
CHAPTER 9: Home
From the Trade Paperback edition.
Written after a lifetime of reflection on the nature of war and the effect of violence and domination on the minds and spirits of those forced to practice it, Walking Point offers a powerful narrative for readers with an interest in the effects of war and violence, American involvement in Vietnam, PTSD, and how trauma can be a catalyst for spiritual transformation. Giving voice to profound insights gained through extreme adversity, Ulander movingly captures the depth of trust and commitment among a group of unwitting warriors who struggle to stay alive and sane in unchartered territory.
Contents
CHAPTER 1: Into The Unknown
CHAPTER 2: The Magic Poncho Liner
CHAPTER 3: Initiation
CHAPTER 4: Head On
CHAPTER 5: The Valley of the Shadow
CHAPTER 6: Into the Light
CHAPTER 7: Short Time
CHAPTER 8: No Time
CHAPTER 9: Home
From the Trade Paperback edition.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2016
14 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 10, 2016
I have read a lot of military books but most are mainly focused on WWI or WWII. I have not read many about the Vietnam War. I really appreciate that Mr. Ulander gave a real insight into what he experienced while fighting. It was like I was with right there with him in his shoes seeing everything that he was seeing. Mr. Ulander was in the hot zone so every day was a blessing that he came out alive. After reading this book I have a new appreciation for those who fought and gave their lives during this war.
I did want to throw this out there and that is if you have read any type of military book then you are probably familiar with the "f" word being used. It is part of the territory of reading these types of books and so I was fine with it, however I know some people don't like the "f" word. So I just wanted to warn readers.
I did want to throw this out there and that is if you have read any type of military book then you are probably familiar with the "f" word being used. It is part of the territory of reading these types of books and so I was fine with it, however I know some people don't like the "f" word. So I just wanted to warn readers.
June 27, 2019
Wow, this book is so bad. Why isn't there a zero rating available? So many things wrong here, where to begin?
Firstly, this book seems disingenuous throughout. It was published in 2016, but it's based on the author's experinces in 1970. Really? You remember all those details 40+ years later? It's much more likely that most/all of it is embellished. He claims that in October of '70, he had not even realized that he was within 90 days of end of tour. And yet he expects us to believe he recalls all of these detailed accounts in his book. He also chose to name his account "Walking Point", although he never ever did that. How does that mesh with his view that others are dishonest and self-serving?
Secondly, Ulander's primary accomplishment (according to his account) while "Serving" in Vietnam was smoking a LOT of marijuana. Which is not only against regulations, and obviously placed his fellow soldiers he claims to have loved at risk, but also goes to my point about his clarity of memory of events. At one point in the book he claims he told a chaplain that you couldn't do his job without weed, but then at the same time he states that the Vietnamese strain was so potent he could barely speak while using it. I wonder how much he smoked upon returning to the U.S.?
Thirdly, throughout the book, from the beginning of his tour until the end, he expresses nothing but the deepest disrespect and contempt for every single person in his chain of command, while simultaneously heaping praise upon the NVA (courageous, cunning) and the female proprietors of a pot den (courageous, knowledgeable). His respect and admiration of those plotting deadly force against the American officers he "served" under is another great indication of his character.
If all of those things aren't bad enough, this is just a terrible book. The editing is simply awful, and there are literally at least a hundred passages where he goes into an inane internal discussion wherein he describes things that only he could possibly understand. And it's completely BS. It seems likely he was under the influence of "Mary Jane" when he wrote substantial potions of this book. Here's one example, but as stated, there are many, many more: "Sensory input was brought into crystal-clear, present-centered focus, and with this shift of perception, my ability to access an intuitive-level feel of the environment was greatly enhanced. Now I knew beyond a doubt that the NVA watching us were feeling both anger and fear."
I read a lot about U.S. history in the 1960s and the Vietnam War, and this is easily the worst thing I've ever read. It adds nothing to the American experience and discourse relating to that period. I definitely disagree with the premise of the Vietnam war, and highly respect the service and experience of the true fighters, but I do not like or respect Mr. Ulander at all based on this book. I wonder if anyone who knows him does? In the notes it says he enrolled at the University of Illinois following discharge, but left shortly thereafter due to "irreconcilable differences". Ha, no doubt.
I would avoid this book, and recommend if you are interested in the topic, read instead Vietnam: A View from the Front Lines by Andrew Wiest, and The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. In both of those you'll find dissent as well, but not general a-holeishness like in this garbage.
Firstly, this book seems disingenuous throughout. It was published in 2016, but it's based on the author's experinces in 1970. Really? You remember all those details 40+ years later? It's much more likely that most/all of it is embellished. He claims that in October of '70, he had not even realized that he was within 90 days of end of tour. And yet he expects us to believe he recalls all of these detailed accounts in his book. He also chose to name his account "Walking Point", although he never ever did that. How does that mesh with his view that others are dishonest and self-serving?
Secondly, Ulander's primary accomplishment (according to his account) while "Serving" in Vietnam was smoking a LOT of marijuana. Which is not only against regulations, and obviously placed his fellow soldiers he claims to have loved at risk, but also goes to my point about his clarity of memory of events. At one point in the book he claims he told a chaplain that you couldn't do his job without weed, but then at the same time he states that the Vietnamese strain was so potent he could barely speak while using it. I wonder how much he smoked upon returning to the U.S.?
Thirdly, throughout the book, from the beginning of his tour until the end, he expresses nothing but the deepest disrespect and contempt for every single person in his chain of command, while simultaneously heaping praise upon the NVA (courageous, cunning) and the female proprietors of a pot den (courageous, knowledgeable). His respect and admiration of those plotting deadly force against the American officers he "served" under is another great indication of his character.
If all of those things aren't bad enough, this is just a terrible book. The editing is simply awful, and there are literally at least a hundred passages where he goes into an inane internal discussion wherein he describes things that only he could possibly understand. And it's completely BS. It seems likely he was under the influence of "Mary Jane" when he wrote substantial potions of this book. Here's one example, but as stated, there are many, many more: "Sensory input was brought into crystal-clear, present-centered focus, and with this shift of perception, my ability to access an intuitive-level feel of the environment was greatly enhanced. Now I knew beyond a doubt that the NVA watching us were feeling both anger and fear."
I read a lot about U.S. history in the 1960s and the Vietnam War, and this is easily the worst thing I've ever read. It adds nothing to the American experience and discourse relating to that period. I definitely disagree with the premise of the Vietnam war, and highly respect the service and experience of the true fighters, but I do not like or respect Mr. Ulander at all based on this book. I wonder if anyone who knows him does? In the notes it says he enrolled at the University of Illinois following discharge, but left shortly thereafter due to "irreconcilable differences". Ha, no doubt.
I would avoid this book, and recommend if you are interested in the topic, read instead Vietnam: A View from the Front Lines by Andrew Wiest, and The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien. In both of those you'll find dissent as well, but not general a-holeishness like in this garbage.
April 17, 2025
Great book.
November 18, 2016
Interesting. Though I was "in the field" in Vietnam, I wasn't with conventional US forces but rather a special team. So the book took on a special meaning to me.
Ulander never walked point so you read the book waiting for him to relate some story about being "on point" while on patrol - he never related it, if he ever was. But in the end he did take the "point" regarding an issue as related to his platoon but I'll leave that to you to find and to agree with or not.
The use of drugs was not unknown to US forces, especially in later years. Because I had an assignment in an unconventional unit we never saw it among our small team but did in regular US military units. What Ulander relates as to MJ and its use may be correct as MJ was very much available.
To me, Ulander's method of coping with the patrols was something I did relate to and understand. The heavy packs, the mud, slop, elephant grass, constantly wet, etc. Zoning out yet fully aware of all that was around you while on patrol, followed by the 1000 yard stare; a stare that took years for some of us to bury or hide. I called it being in the ozone...
All in all Ulander wrote a good story which is probably best understood by those of us who had Vietnam combat experience. Perhaps it may help one of our loved ones understand how that 1000 stare came about and perhaps exists yet today.
Ulander never walked point so you read the book waiting for him to relate some story about being "on point" while on patrol - he never related it, if he ever was. But in the end he did take the "point" regarding an issue as related to his platoon but I'll leave that to you to find and to agree with or not.
The use of drugs was not unknown to US forces, especially in later years. Because I had an assignment in an unconventional unit we never saw it among our small team but did in regular US military units. What Ulander relates as to MJ and its use may be correct as MJ was very much available.
To me, Ulander's method of coping with the patrols was something I did relate to and understand. The heavy packs, the mud, slop, elephant grass, constantly wet, etc. Zoning out yet fully aware of all that was around you while on patrol, followed by the 1000 yard stare; a stare that took years for some of us to bury or hide. I called it being in the ozone...
All in all Ulander wrote a good story which is probably best understood by those of us who had Vietnam combat experience. Perhaps it may help one of our loved ones understand how that 1000 stare came about and perhaps exists yet today.
April 28, 2016
I loved the book it made me think about issues that I had only read about.A real eye opener.
July 12, 2017
8/10. Gets repetitive. Author goes to vietnam and gets high alot. Very little action but the story kept me entertained throughout.
May 8, 2018
I'm fascinated by memoirs, and Walking Point, a personal, unique account of the author's year spent as an GI in Vietnam, was no exception. His tour of duty there, which lasted from December 1969-December 1970, came at a time of worsening morale among the enlisted men. Ulander vividly describes his own mental state and his understanding of the men in his platoon as they evolve during the course of the year. He shows how they were affected by ill-conceived and poorly executed military strategies, unthinking treatment by incompetent officers, and more. He explores the topics of substance abuse and fragging, both of which were rampant by that time.
Ulander seems to have written this account a good forty or forty-five years after his return from Vietnam, but he does a good job of writing in the voice of a young man not far removed from the events described. He includes a great deal of dialogue and much detail, which does beg the question - and I've seen other reviewers mention this - of how much is "true" and how much he had to "make up." Perhaps he has a fantastic memory, took tons of notes - I don't know. And who knows? Memory is a shifty thing. Maybe some memories actually become clearer with time? Ultimately I don't think 100% accuracy is the standard by which I would judge the author's endeavor. From my point of view, he has done a fine job of telling his story and his truth. It definitely added to my understanding of what soldiers like himself went through during the war, and I both admire and appreciate the work that went into writing it.
My only beef with it as a book was that it could have been better edited. At times it was repetitive and some passages did go on longer than I think was effective. That being said, I would recommend it for anyone interested in gaining more insight about the war and those who fought in it.
Ulander seems to have written this account a good forty or forty-five years after his return from Vietnam, but he does a good job of writing in the voice of a young man not far removed from the events described. He includes a great deal of dialogue and much detail, which does beg the question - and I've seen other reviewers mention this - of how much is "true" and how much he had to "make up." Perhaps he has a fantastic memory, took tons of notes - I don't know. And who knows? Memory is a shifty thing. Maybe some memories actually become clearer with time? Ultimately I don't think 100% accuracy is the standard by which I would judge the author's endeavor. From my point of view, he has done a fine job of telling his story and his truth. It definitely added to my understanding of what soldiers like himself went through during the war, and I both admire and appreciate the work that went into writing it.
My only beef with it as a book was that it could have been better edited. At times it was repetitive and some passages did go on longer than I think was effective. That being said, I would recommend it for anyone interested in gaining more insight about the war and those who fought in it.
May 4, 2021
In one sense I found it a bit uneven that this book is published in 2016-the author was in Vietnam in 1969 but the amount of detail still survived? On the other hand, considering I lived through those turbulent years, I have the utmost respect for anyone who served in that unjust war, so who am I to question?
The book drags at times through the soldiers' constant time for weed, and later heroin, amid their irregular calls into combat. Ulander does make valid points about the discrepancies between the enlisted men and the "lifers" who gave bizarre orders without understanding all the pitfalls of jungle warfare. He also credits the VC (Viet Cong) and soldiers from North Vietnam for knowing how to fight in such a harsh setting. There is specific criticism of the war as well.
Overall, the book has its moments of lucid imagery, especially the sunsets, and for readers to appreciate the mental combat within Vietnam vets, as well as the physical.
The book drags at times through the soldiers' constant time for weed, and later heroin, amid their irregular calls into combat. Ulander does make valid points about the discrepancies between the enlisted men and the "lifers" who gave bizarre orders without understanding all the pitfalls of jungle warfare. He also credits the VC (Viet Cong) and soldiers from North Vietnam for knowing how to fight in such a harsh setting. There is specific criticism of the war as well.
Overall, the book has its moments of lucid imagery, especially the sunsets, and for readers to appreciate the mental combat within Vietnam vets, as well as the physical.
Read
November 16, 2019This book brings back a lot of memories. Reading this, I felt the emotions of the moment, the reactions, the actions, the relationships of the time and place.
Do not read this if you do not really want to awaken any PTSD tendencies. And avoid the book if you were there.
It is realistic enough to place you there. And it was written by someone there who wrote it while there. I would very highly place this book on your reading list if you are looking for what the grunt went through and felt, and his reaction to everything around him, up to and including his return to the world.
Do not read this if you do not really want to awaken any PTSD tendencies. And avoid the book if you were there.
It is realistic enough to place you there. And it was written by someone there who wrote it while there. I would very highly place this book on your reading list if you are looking for what the grunt went through and felt, and his reaction to everything around him, up to and including his return to the world.
Read
July 25, 2021I have gotten to know Perry in the last few years. Eric Planteen (Known as Capt. Speed in the book) has been one of my closest friends, since shortly after his return from Nam. What wasn't clarified is it was Eric who walked point for his platoon. He was a mentor to Perry. Eric was there for two tours. He was a Green Beret. Eric passed away about three years ago from Parkinson's. The government agreed that it was due to his exposure to Agent Orange. He was a great guy.
April 14, 2023
I had to skim a little to finish this one, which was a let down. Now I appreciate that Ulander served our country in the Vietnam war, and I'm sure he saw and experienced some horrible things. I just couldn't really mesh with his writing style, and it really threw me off. Also, I dunno, something about a coffee can of marijuana.
I may give it a second read someday in hopes that my opinion may improve. Perhaps a better listen than a read?
I may give it a second read someday in hopes that my opinion may improve. Perhaps a better listen than a read?
December 3, 2019
I avoided stories about VN for fifty years as if not looking would make it go away. That doesn't work. For combat vets, you will know if you are ready to look back. For those who want to know what warfare was like, this is a good way to learn. I listened to it as an audiobook so I listened to it twice and will be listening to it again.
February 5, 2023
Boring Vietnam War memoir of a pot smoking whiner who actually never did walk point. Ulander is quite an unappealing character. I have 284 reads on my Vietnam War bookshelf here on Goodreads and this one ranks among the worst. Take my advice and don’t waste your time on this one.
June 11, 2024
Outstanding
A true view from a brother who wss there. To all our friends who left themselves in the jungle. Pease and blessings
A true view from a brother who wss there. To all our friends who left themselves in the jungle. Pease and blessings
June 22, 2016
I won this book for free from the Giveaway contest and my thoughts are a muddied mess regarding how I write up this review. On one hand, having spent 21 years in the military, I want to offer a huge THANK YOU to Mr. Ulander, especially since he was in during one of the worst times in our history. But the other side of me, my chaotic side, wants to despise this book for the rampant drug abuse. The book seemed preoccupied with focusing on drug use each and every day and IMO completely encapsulates the negative stereotypes of Vietnam Veterans being junkies. And for that I want to loathe this book. But I can't.
Because my lighter side breaks back in to tell me to STFU. This is his story and those are his experiences, like them or not. My lighter side loved the descriptions of how in all that mess of a war, he could still find the beauty of a sunset, the friendship of a little boy named "Tom," and the unspoken camaraderie sometimes shown between Vietnamese soldiers not wanting to kill us when they could have and vice versa. Furthermore, I am especially thankful that Mr. Ulander was able to capture the closeness between him and his brothers. Those that have never been in war may not understand this closeness, this unbreakable bond, but you could feel it here. I also like how Mr. Ulander shared the humanity they never lost while at war--from dancing in a spot light at night, to adopting a local dog, to sneaking in and out of base. It gives a clearer picture of what war is like when not in direct combat. And for that Sir, I want to thank you again for your service and sharing your experiences.
Because my lighter side breaks back in to tell me to STFU. This is his story and those are his experiences, like them or not. My lighter side loved the descriptions of how in all that mess of a war, he could still find the beauty of a sunset, the friendship of a little boy named "Tom," and the unspoken camaraderie sometimes shown between Vietnamese soldiers not wanting to kill us when they could have and vice versa. Furthermore, I am especially thankful that Mr. Ulander was able to capture the closeness between him and his brothers. Those that have never been in war may not understand this closeness, this unbreakable bond, but you could feel it here. I also like how Mr. Ulander shared the humanity they never lost while at war--from dancing in a spot light at night, to adopting a local dog, to sneaking in and out of base. It gives a clearer picture of what war is like when not in direct combat. And for that Sir, I want to thank you again for your service and sharing your experiences.
June 10, 2016
**Disclaimer: I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway**
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book since I rarely read historical accounts. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the story grabbed me. Ulander's descriptions of the jungle and his fellow Army soldiers transported me into Vietnam and I felt as though I could see, hear, and feel everything he experienced during his tour. This is a relatively short book, but it packs an entire year-long Army tour into its pages in sufficient detail to maintain interest and pace but not get bogged down in his day-to-day activities and downtime.
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book since I rarely read historical accounts. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the story grabbed me. Ulander's descriptions of the jungle and his fellow Army soldiers transported me into Vietnam and I felt as though I could see, hear, and feel everything he experienced during his tour. This is a relatively short book, but it packs an entire year-long Army tour into its pages in sufficient detail to maintain interest and pace but not get bogged down in his day-to-day activities and downtime.
October 12, 2016
I enjoyed Perry Ulander's story. I felt like I was there. His descriptions of the people and places were wonderfully rich and full. I could feel their fear and anger. It is one of the best books I have read about the Vietnam experience. I thank Mr. Ulander for sharing his story with the world. We can never know exactly what it felt like to be there but I think after reading his book I have a better understanding of it. It is good for us to look deeply at the way our country's military treats it's people and try to understand why it affects them the way it does. Mr. Ulander gave a very good observation of the leadership he found when he got to Vietnam and in his short time there had many different experiences with different leaders. Each one had an affect that lasted even if it was short. Again, I thank him for his honesty and authenticity.
August 10, 2016
The author clearly shows how officers, to enhance their standings, put those under them in harm's way, endangering lives by sending them into the jungle on pointless missions that were rarely out of sight of the Viet Cong. Killed soldiers were reported as accidents to fool the public at home. Relief came through brotherhood and smoking pot. Life , if survived, could never be the same.
August 8, 2016
While the events portrayed are difficult to imagine, nonetheless they are real. This book helped me understand why Vietnam vets I served with did not share their experiences, because they knew I had no way to relate to them. There's more detail here than is needed, but the writing is good and the editing not quite as good (more descriptive than necessary).
June 5, 2016
Received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It was written in great detail. I wasn't sure what the author's thoughts on the war would be. Very easy read. Highly recommend.
August 26, 2016
A insightful, poignant book about war, survival and camaraderie.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews