Silent Heroes: A Recon Marine's Vietnam War Experience

by Rick Greenberg

Silent Heroes is an action-packed, skillfully told, emotional and gripping Vietnam War story by retired U. S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Rick Greenberg, who served in an elite Reconnaissance Battalion in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970.Greenberg joined the Corps right out of high school because he always wanted to be a Marine. Little did he know what it would ultimately cost him to even approach earning such a title.After boot camp, “Greeny,” as he was later known by his Recon team buddies, attended radio communication school in San Diego, CA. As a radio operator, upon arrival in Vietnam, Greenberg was both surprised and troubled when he was arbitrarily assigned to the First Recon Battalion, generally considered to be an elite unit, and normally manned by volunteers. He soon learns he must adapt quickly, or risk going home in a body bag!The battle scenes Greenberg masterfully draws in Silent Heroes are both realistic and gripping. They can easily send cold chills down the spines of combat veterans, and dispel any false notions or glorified myths held by non-combatants.A GREAT read that tells it like it was regarding the brave warriors who fought, and some who died, in the Vietnam war!

Genres: Military Fiction, War

312 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2016

Reviews

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. It's a good look into what it was like for (at least this) recon marine in Vietnam. It flows nicely through his time in the war, and my only critique would be the somewhat abrupt ending.

That said, it was eye-opening to read a first hand account of what it was like to go from a kid to a hardened veteran in a matter of months and how his entire life changed with his first enemy engagement. It offers good insight into the struggle to remain human and connect with the outside world after going through the war.

It has little critique on the overall war, which is something I appreciated as the that topic in general is already well documented

[clyde deville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Reading! I felt as though I was part of the Recon team on every excursion. Everything was described so vividly that I can still see and smell the jungle.

I liked the clear pictures Mr. Greenberg painted and his description of each character.

I would recommend this book to any patriot who understands the attributes built into service personnel and hold the military in high regard.

"Greeny", keep righting and let's Make America Great Again!!

[Shannon Pritchard · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is fiction

I bought this because it appeared to be true; it was written by a soldier and since it was not labelled fiction i assumed it was true. It is not, it's a fantasy and a waste of time.

[Glen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough story, enjoyable read

Hard to imagine how it was for these young marines during this war, so much wasted lives caused by politics. Thanks for writing this story.

[Kimberly Walla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

One of the best "I was there" Vietnam books that I have read. The author is an excellent story teller.

[Barron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was well written and easy to read. The story was gripping and intense. My biggest issue is this is war fiction and is not labeled as such. The cover and preface makes one think this is a war diary and it is not. It is written by a war vet who was in the same MOS as the character in the book and even uses a derivative of the authors name. Misleading to readers who want a nonfictional war diary with actual factual events.

[Pat Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down!

I've read a ton of books about Vietnam. I really enjoyed this one. It was hard to put this book down. It was very accurate and described every thing in detail. Although my MOS was 0811, it still brought back a ton of memories. Semper Fi !

[Jim E. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks

Rick accounts of Nam like this make or I should say hopefully the intensity of what took place. Returning home was great but the welcome was not. Thank you for your account of your tour of duty
Jim Johnson ( IUWG 1 West Pac Det- 69/70

[Bernard Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story well told

This great story has a load of action and the author really brings you into the mindset of what he and the others are up against. I found it compelling and would highly recommend it.

Bernard

[Martha McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent revieu

I really enjoyed the book. Good job. I was army infantry in 71. My brother in law was marine rto in 67. I corps in dak to area. At 75 he attends PTSD sessions in warren pa. Good luck to you mac-1construction@cox.net

[David M Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic about Vietnam

Seemed realistic, which is different from other books on this subject.
Other books have people and.situations which could not have incurred ..
Enjoyed the truth and the feelings expressed by Greei

[Norman J. Karp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A good account of a recon patrol and the added dangers they face when they meet a larger force an out guned.
I rate it 4****

[Asif Sarkhawas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good first hand account

Ending could have been better. Overall excellent read and fast paced. Would like to know how he felt after telling his story.

[STEWART EVANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

great war read from a personal point of view

Good book showing the actions men take when at war. Would recommend to anyone interested in the Vietnam war era.

[Louis Reichenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍great book

One of the best I have read. It stirs a rllacoaster of emotions thru the eyes of a marine given a name greeny.

[Michael E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard hitting, honest review of his time in Nam...Great Read!!

[L. Martzke]

Recon

This is a must read. Some episodes almost sound fictional. They jump from bad to ugly with no explanation for a solution.

[Seth Schneible · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely - one of the best written

You can see it and feel it, all up close. One day read, because it was that good. Don’t pass up the chance.

[Stefán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book with interesting stories from the vietnam war. The audiobook is excellent.

[Peter T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

Liked the fact he ended up in a unit he never thought he would be a part of nut did everything expected of him..semper fi

[Demarest S.Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil is in the details

The details bring back so many memories good and bad.
War is 90% boredom and 10% abject fear. Very well done.

[Paul Reska · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book

Very well written and informative. The author has walked the walk. I am looking forward to the sequel it will be good.

[Douglas E Dorain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read for all who want a honest feeling of Marine Recon in Vietnam.

This is honest and a true representation of a Marine Recon experience in Vietnam. The greatest part of this book is its written in plain English, no college boy big words to impress his mother. Therefore, no Officer "Fluff & Buff" storytelling. This story is written as recalled and is as it was lived. Some readers, not familiar with the realities of war the non-veterans, will be shocked and in disbelief of the events as described. I say believe the joys, the pride, the fear, the bizarre, the sick humor, of the lower ranks.
If you know of a Marine that served in Vietnam, are married to Marine, wants to marry a Marine, wants to be Marine or wonders what it was like??? Then read this book.
Douglas E Dorain
CWO4. USMC (ret)

[kenneth f. schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written to provide the reader with such reality, I could smell the jungle.

With a passion for reading authentic stories, especially military and war stories, this is my first read of a book by this author. Suffice it to say I will be reading more by this author. Such raw and unfiltered accounts with pinpoint descriptors throughout, I did not want to put the book down. Kudos to Mr. Greenberg for his courage to share the pains of war not seen, and a heartfelt Thank You to another unsung hero for your service and sacrifice for which we can never repay.

[a.t.m. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vietnam war hero recounts his experiences.

The author has written a great book detailing his time as a radio operator, while, assigned to a recon unit. I would like to believe that his stories occurred as he has written about them. It is a good book about a war that many have chosen to forgot and others have chosen to never forget their fallen brothers or their families. Welcome home!

[Dorcas brekel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I appreciate Mr. Greenberg recording the history of what it was like for his year with 1st recon in Vietnam. I am very thankful to all who served, and especially grateful to those who have put their memories in print. This book was very good to read. Thank you Mr Greenberg.

[Reg Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. It will take you to the jungles of Nam in the late 60's.

Marine Rick Greenberg (Greenie) took me to Nam and showed me what it was like. His feelings and what he saw and what he did. God bless you and thank you (and your brothers) for all you did. I hope you are well.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I found this book very easy to read and very engrossing! The underlying struggle between self preservation and being loyal to what you feel is right, pulls the reader into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the experiences of one of our American Heroes. All our people in uniform are heroes in my book. Thank you for writing it.

[William B Baran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel. The characters and action described seemed very genuine. However, some parts seemed familiar to "Platoon" and "We Were Soldiers Once and Young." But I can only guess that many vets experience similar events during the war.
I do recommend this book and plan to read more Rick Goldberg.

[Chris Bohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the best

You can tell this is the real deal . The author knows his stuff and the book exudes Marine Corps. I highly recommend this title to anyone wanting to read of how it really was. Dam good job gunny .