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White Water Red Hot Lead: On Board U.S. Navy Swift Boats in Vietnam
A memoir of heroism, comradeship, danger, and laughter aboard a Vietnam patrol craft, as a small crew grew into a seasoned combat team. Includes photos.
During the Vietnam War, 3500 officers and men served in the Swift Boat program in a fleet of 130 boats with no armor plating. The boats patrolled the coast and rivers of South Vietnam, facing deadly combat, intense lightning firefights, storms, and many hidden dangers.
This action-packed account by the Officer in Charge of PCF 76 makes you part of the Swift Boat crew. The six-man crew of PCF 76 was made up of volunteers from all over the United States, eager to serve their country in a unique type of duty not seen since the PT boats of WWII. This inexperienced and disparate group of men would meld into a team that formed an unbreakable lifelong bond.
After training, they were plunged into a twelve-month tour of duty. Combat took place in the closest confines imaginable, where the enemy could be hidden behind a passing sand dune or a single sniper could be concealed in an onshore bunker. In many cases, the rivers became so narrow there was barely room to maneuver or turn around. The only way out might be into a deadly ambush.
This is not a Vietnam memoir filled with political discussions or apologies. It simply tells the stories of these young, valiant sailors with humor and heartfelt emotion--in a suspenseful, surprising book that pays tribute to these sailors who, upon returning home, asked little of their country and received less.
During the Vietnam War, 3500 officers and men served in the Swift Boat program in a fleet of 130 boats with no armor plating. The boats patrolled the coast and rivers of South Vietnam, facing deadly combat, intense lightning firefights, storms, and many hidden dangers.
This action-packed account by the Officer in Charge of PCF 76 makes you part of the Swift Boat crew. The six-man crew of PCF 76 was made up of volunteers from all over the United States, eager to serve their country in a unique type of duty not seen since the PT boats of WWII. This inexperienced and disparate group of men would meld into a team that formed an unbreakable lifelong bond.
After training, they were plunged into a twelve-month tour of duty. Combat took place in the closest confines imaginable, where the enemy could be hidden behind a passing sand dune or a single sniper could be concealed in an onshore bunker. In many cases, the rivers became so narrow there was barely room to maneuver or turn around. The only way out might be into a deadly ambush.
This is not a Vietnam memoir filled with political discussions or apologies. It simply tells the stories of these young, valiant sailors with humor and heartfelt emotion--in a suspenseful, surprising book that pays tribute to these sailors who, upon returning home, asked little of their country and received less.
- GenresMilitary Fiction
543 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2015
194 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 9, 2021
A well written and humorous book by a Swift Boat commander during the early days in the Vietnam War. The author is Yale educated before being commissioned and had ample small boat experience that made him a very capable commander during his time in country. The book is well detailed about life in Swift Boat operations and the little downtime they had in between. It is not only Daly's story being told in the pages, but also stories from other boats serving in different areas of Vietnam. Very readable and recommended if you want to learn more about the role played by these boats during the conflict.
May 8, 2019
These days, 'Swift boat' is political jargon for turning a candidate's strengths against them, thanks to Karl Rove. But historically, Swift boats were a dangerous and daring mission during the Vietnam War, patrolling the coasts and rivers of Vietnam in the finest traditions of the US Navy. In the words of John Paul Jones, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way." This memoir by a Swift boat has some interesting stories, but doesn't quite rise above the pack.
Swifts were militarized versions of Gulf of Mexico oil rig boats, 50 feet of aluminum powered by twin diesels crewed by five sailors and one junior officer. The boats packed some hefty firepower, with twin .50 caliber M2 machine guns up front, and a stern pedestal mount with another M2 and an 81mm mortar, along with the crew's M-16s, M79 grenade launchers, personal sidearms, and any scavenged weapons that could be rigged onboard, but they had no armor aside from speed.
Vietnam is a an aquatic country, with a long coast and many rivers, and the Swifts searched coastal boats for NVA weapons shipments, provided fire support for troops ashore, and made occasional troop landings. The mission was dangerous. The 50 boats were vulnerable to heavy seas, and the author had one boat swamped and sunk under him on patrol by the DMZ. Inshore, narrow rivers and canals were full of ambush sites, and there was no shelter from enemy gunfire.
Daly writes about training in San Diego. Swift boat crews were all volunteers, and trained and deployed as a unit, which really made a difference to the mission. His description of radio procedures and navigation is really detailed. And Daly expands the story from his personal crew by mentioning some actions by his fellow captains from training, such as capturing an NVA supply ship and an ambush in the delta. While he's enthusiastic, he has room to improve as a prose-stylist, and I wasn't immersed in the writing. Swifts were an interesting branch of the Navy, a group of very junior mavericks doing things with style and dash in their own way, and yet Daly is careful to recount respect from officers in big ships like destroyers, along with unrelenting bureacratic hostility from LTCDR "Ball Cap" Smithson.
As I said, this is a solid memoir with a lot of facts, but the Swift Boats are still looking for their Chickenhawk or A Rumor of War.
Swifts were militarized versions of Gulf of Mexico oil rig boats, 50 feet of aluminum powered by twin diesels crewed by five sailors and one junior officer. The boats packed some hefty firepower, with twin .50 caliber M2 machine guns up front, and a stern pedestal mount with another M2 and an 81mm mortar, along with the crew's M-16s, M79 grenade launchers, personal sidearms, and any scavenged weapons that could be rigged onboard, but they had no armor aside from speed.
Vietnam is a an aquatic country, with a long coast and many rivers, and the Swifts searched coastal boats for NVA weapons shipments, provided fire support for troops ashore, and made occasional troop landings. The mission was dangerous. The 50 boats were vulnerable to heavy seas, and the author had one boat swamped and sunk under him on patrol by the DMZ. Inshore, narrow rivers and canals were full of ambush sites, and there was no shelter from enemy gunfire.
Daly writes about training in San Diego. Swift boat crews were all volunteers, and trained and deployed as a unit, which really made a difference to the mission. His description of radio procedures and navigation is really detailed. And Daly expands the story from his personal crew by mentioning some actions by his fellow captains from training, such as capturing an NVA supply ship and an ambush in the delta. While he's enthusiastic, he has room to improve as a prose-stylist, and I wasn't immersed in the writing. Swifts were an interesting branch of the Navy, a group of very junior mavericks doing things with style and dash in their own way, and yet Daly is careful to recount respect from officers in big ships like destroyers, along with unrelenting bureacratic hostility from LTCDR "Ball Cap" Smithson.
As I said, this is a solid memoir with a lot of facts, but the Swift Boats are still looking for their Chickenhawk or A Rumor of War.
November 25, 2018
Well written & informative insight into the Swifts
As a Viet vet serving aboard the Coast Guard cutter Campbell operating during Operation Market time and having the opportunity to spend one night on patrol on a PCF I continue to read different books written by Swift Boat personnel. This book was definitely one of the better ones. Thanks to the author for such an authentic description of life on the Swifts. While acting as a mobile station for a number of different swifts we refueled, resupplied, fueled and bunked numerous Swift Boat Crews. Unfortunately, on the night of June 15/16 1968 the Swift Boat PCF-19 was sunk with 5 kia/mia. At the time they were one of the crew making use of our shop for the above services. Their loss has always sounded a sad note with me and my fellow shipmates. Their memory is always honored at our reunions, our 50th this past Sept. Thanks for your service Lt. Daly and Welcome Home.
As a Viet vet serving aboard the Coast Guard cutter Campbell operating during Operation Market time and having the opportunity to spend one night on patrol on a PCF I continue to read different books written by Swift Boat personnel. This book was definitely one of the better ones. Thanks to the author for such an authentic description of life on the Swifts. While acting as a mobile station for a number of different swifts we refueled, resupplied, fueled and bunked numerous Swift Boat Crews. Unfortunately, on the night of June 15/16 1968 the Swift Boat PCF-19 was sunk with 5 kia/mia. At the time they were one of the crew making use of our shop for the above services. Their loss has always sounded a sad note with me and my fellow shipmates. Their memory is always honored at our reunions, our 50th this past Sept. Thanks for your service Lt. Daly and Welcome Home.
June 22, 2019
Vietnam
I really enjoyed this book. I came into the Navy in 1971 and Vietnam was still raging; I could've been assigned to a swift boat crew or a helicopter, but I volunteered for submarines. I have a great deal of respect for those who went to Vietnam and mourn those who didn't return. Thank you for writing this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I came into the Navy in 1971 and Vietnam was still raging; I could've been assigned to a swift boat crew or a helicopter, but I volunteered for submarines. I have a great deal of respect for those who went to Vietnam and mourn those who didn't return. Thank you for writing this book.
June 8, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sea-ray-23-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/sea-ray-23...
https://theboatyacht.com/robbins-boat...
https://numberoneboats.com/robbins-bo...
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sea-ray-23-b...
https://numberoneboats.com/sea-ray-23...
https://theboatyacht.com/robbins-boat...
https://numberoneboats.com/robbins-bo...
October 21, 2018
This is a first rate , honest and unembellished account of one man's Vietnam experience as the skipper of a Swift Boat along the coast of South Vietnam for a year. We get to go along as he trains as a young Lieutenant j.g., meeting the men who will be his crew for the next year as they are put through their training in San Diego. Off to Vietnam, like so many others aboard a charter jet, landing for the first time in a country they knew little about.
We ride along on mostly routine patrols, interrupted sometimes by weather, sometimes by unpleasant but routine vessel searches. We also see them experience some intense combat and even the loss of a boat in bad weather . This is not high drama and action for the most part and is probably typical of most of the boat officers. The few inland patrols or missions were the worst due to the close proximity of the shore and opportunity for ambush.
Dan Daly is a good writer. His prose flows easily and it is a book that will keep you interested. If you have an interest in the Vietnam experience, this should not be missed. It reveals a small corner of the war the only a few people experienced, but it is also the basis upon which the Navy has developed close support craft and a career path that still exists in todays' Navy.
We ride along on mostly routine patrols, interrupted sometimes by weather, sometimes by unpleasant but routine vessel searches. We also see them experience some intense combat and even the loss of a boat in bad weather . This is not high drama and action for the most part and is probably typical of most of the boat officers. The few inland patrols or missions were the worst due to the close proximity of the shore and opportunity for ambush.
Dan Daly is a good writer. His prose flows easily and it is a book that will keep you interested. If you have an interest in the Vietnam experience, this should not be missed. It reveals a small corner of the war the only a few people experienced, but it is also the basis upon which the Navy has developed close support craft and a career path that still exists in todays' Navy.
January 22, 2020
This was an interesting book although I was hoping for more blood and guts if you know what I mean. The author really educates the reader about swift boat terminology and lets one in on how far liquor can be used to barter(cumshaw). Even though the Navy was on a mission to help the Marines, the swabbies were called free loaders by marine commanders. The saddest part in this book though was when PCF 76 was sunk and broken to pieces near the DMZ, however no one lost their life!
One thing that stumped me was did Dan Daly ever marry nurse Kate Hancock LCDR that he had met on the hospital ship USS Repose? I hope y`all enjoy Dans wit on his crazy ride aboard the USS PCF 76!!!
One thing that stumped me was did Dan Daly ever marry nurse Kate Hancock LCDR that he had met on the hospital ship USS Repose? I hope y`all enjoy Dans wit on his crazy ride aboard the USS PCF 76!!!
November 22, 2021
One of the best I have read on the brown water navy.
I was hesitant to read this but started it one late night when I couldn't sleep. I have read many Vietnam era books many on the brown water groups. Found this one of the best, well written, flowed great great pictures. I was a veteran of this time frame but Served state side . Had a former brother in law who had been a boat captain there never really had any conversation about his time. His choice. Liked the smooth ending nothing left up in the air. Welcome home guys, thank you for your service.
I was hesitant to read this but started it one late night when I couldn't sleep. I have read many Vietnam era books many on the brown water groups. Found this one of the best, well written, flowed great great pictures. I was a veteran of this time frame but Served state side . Had a former brother in law who had been a boat captain there never really had any conversation about his time. His choice. Liked the smooth ending nothing left up in the air. Welcome home guys, thank you for your service.
June 3, 2020
The real swift boat experience
Even though the war in Viet Nam ended over 40 years ago it is only recently that books on the swift boats became more available on kindle. The swift boat books that I read a few years ago were more strategic or historic and lacking the experiences of those who seved. Thank you for telling your story and for taking the time and effort to put the swift boats in the water with real people aboard instead of the academic overview of the mission.
Even though the war in Viet Nam ended over 40 years ago it is only recently that books on the swift boats became more available on kindle. The swift boat books that I read a few years ago were more strategic or historic and lacking the experiences of those who seved. Thank you for telling your story and for taking the time and effort to put the swift boats in the water with real people aboard instead of the academic overview of the mission.
April 5, 2025
Great reading
Very well written account. I served in the Mekong Delta, 71-72 with the Vietnamese as an Army advisor. They had a slower type of boat for operations, which I was familiar with. Thank you Mr. Daly for this excellent account. As a combat veteran, I share many of your emotions. Best of luck to you and the members of your crew. I think about Vietnam every day of my life and my friends who didn't make it back to enjoy children and grand children. Amen brothers.
Very well written account. I served in the Mekong Delta, 71-72 with the Vietnamese as an Army advisor. They had a slower type of boat for operations, which I was familiar with. Thank you Mr. Daly for this excellent account. As a combat veteran, I share many of your emotions. Best of luck to you and the members of your crew. I think about Vietnam every day of my life and my friends who didn't make it back to enjoy children and grand children. Amen brothers.
May 11, 2018
A fine read
Very readable writing style. A well outlined story of a little known but most important component of our war efforts in Vietnam. I offer belated but heartfelt thanks to the author and the hundreds of thousands of service men and women who served in Vietnam without appropriate words of appreciation. Thank you, Dan, for serving and for writing this book.
Very readable writing style. A well outlined story of a little known but most important component of our war efforts in Vietnam. I offer belated but heartfelt thanks to the author and the hundreds of thousands of service men and women who served in Vietnam without appropriate words of appreciation. Thank you, Dan, for serving and for writing this book.
April 13, 2019
Water-bourne warriors
Excellent overview of the swift boats, their operation and role in the Viet Nam conflict. During my time in the USCG, we helped the swift boats with supplies and minor repairs. I am glad to finally get some info on the boats and people I admired for their bravery. An excellent read!
Excellent overview of the swift boats, their operation and role in the Viet Nam conflict. During my time in the USCG, we helped the swift boats with supplies and minor repairs. I am glad to finally get some info on the boats and people I admired for their bravery. An excellent read!
October 30, 2024
Interesting read...
Coming of age during the tail end of the Vietnam war, I have always been interested in the history of individuals who served in the various capacities of that war. Other than watching "Apocalypse Now" I knew nothing of the Navy's job or swift boat service so this book was very informative.
Coming of age during the tail end of the Vietnam war, I have always been interested in the history of individuals who served in the various capacities of that war. Other than watching "Apocalypse Now" I knew nothing of the Navy's job or swift boat service so this book was very informative.
February 16, 2025
Excellent read
Great book, tells about a little heard side of Vietnam. Keeps you interested even when he is describing mundane tasks. Mr Daly is very informative, with a touch of dry New England humor. Well done sir, i am very glad I found your story. Welcome home and thank you for your service.
Great book, tells about a little heard side of Vietnam. Keeps you interested even when he is describing mundane tasks. Mr Daly is very informative, with a touch of dry New England humor. Well done sir, i am very glad I found your story. Welcome home and thank you for your service.
August 12, 2017
usn. Man's best friend
thanks . for putting us aboard your swift boat.what a great crew you put togeather. I Went to serve school in 1959 at Fatupac North island in 1958 no fun at all. great read.
thanks . for putting us aboard your swift boat.what a great crew you put togeather. I Went to serve school in 1959 at Fatupac North island in 1958 no fun at all. great read.
February 20, 2018
Worth it
I knew little to nothing about the Swift boat engagements in Vietnam Nam. An honest look at a man and his crew during this time period. Well written with a touch of humor and stark realism.
I knew little to nothing about the Swift boat engagements in Vietnam Nam. An honest look at a man and his crew during this time period. Well written with a touch of humor and stark realism.
March 26, 2018
Enjoyable read
Only disappointment in the book was no picture of Kate. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy myself it brought make some fond memories of the camaraderie that I shared with my shipmates.
Only disappointment in the book was no picture of Kate. As a veteran of the U.S. Navy myself it brought make some fond memories of the camaraderie that I shared with my shipmates.
April 13, 2022
Excellent book about a little known part of the war. well told by a very good man
Recommended for anyone still interested interested in learning more about daily life in this somewhat forgotten part of our history.
Recommended for anyone still interested interested in learning more about daily life in this somewhat forgotten part of our history.
October 20, 2018
Great Read
November 27, 2018
Great story
Couldn't put this one down. I was a toddler during this era, so I grew up hearing about Viet Nam, but this book made me feel it.
A great read.
Couldn't put this one down. I was a toddler during this era, so I grew up hearing about Viet Nam, but this book made me feel it.
A great read.
December 7, 2018
Great Story
A terrific story of a group of sailors that is not well known. Their bravery and service is appreciated. Go Navy
A terrific story of a group of sailors that is not well known. Their bravery and service is appreciated. Go Navy
August 26, 2020
Great book
I served in the patrol boat navy in the 1980s and am forever grateful to those who went before me.
I served in the patrol boat navy in the 1980s and am forever grateful to those who went before me.
August 8, 2025
If you have any interest in the true story of life in swift boats this is your book.
March 17, 2019
Swift Boats in Viet Nam
Best book about swift boats that I have found. Lots of action in a very personal Vietnam narrative. Well worth the time.
Best book about swift boats that I have found. Lots of action in a very personal Vietnam narrative. Well worth the time.
April 5, 2020
I am about to write a biased review because I was a patrol boat sailor from 2007 through 2013. I read through this book and was pleasantly surprised to find that the patrol boat community has not changed much since its roots in WWII. If a person were to read "At Close Quarters: PT Boats in the United States Navy," by Robert Jay Bulkley Jr., and then read, "White Water, Red Hot Lead: On Board U.S. Navy Swift Boats in Vietnam," one may predict what they may read about a current patrol boat sailors experiences. There isn't a lot of change. Patrol boat sailors are still considered the 'cowboys' of the fleet. The only major difference that I see is that now it is not uncommon for an enlisted person to have "Weapons Release Authority," along with the officers, and the officers in a patrol boat unit play more of an administrative role.
I did three combat tours during my naval service, and two of those were in patrol boat units. I was able to identify with the author, but not on everything. He had it harder than I did. In the two and a half years I spent in combat, I was never fired on, nor did I ever pull the trigger in either self-defense or aggression. I respect what my predecessors went through as they paved the way for me. They worked out the kinks so that I could have as smooth a tour a possible each time I went out. We still teach the lessons learned from these fathers of the trade.
This was a great book because it showed the rigors of being in a combat zone, never knowing if today was the last day a person could expect to live, and it showed the human side of things where the book highlighted what it was like to be away from loved ones for a prolonged period of time. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history, war, Navy life, patrol boat life (very small community), and action/adventure novels.
I did three combat tours during my naval service, and two of those were in patrol boat units. I was able to identify with the author, but not on everything. He had it harder than I did. In the two and a half years I spent in combat, I was never fired on, nor did I ever pull the trigger in either self-defense or aggression. I respect what my predecessors went through as they paved the way for me. They worked out the kinks so that I could have as smooth a tour a possible each time I went out. We still teach the lessons learned from these fathers of the trade.
This was a great book because it showed the rigors of being in a combat zone, never knowing if today was the last day a person could expect to live, and it showed the human side of things where the book highlighted what it was like to be away from loved ones for a prolonged period of time. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history, war, Navy life, patrol boat life (very small community), and action/adventure novels.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews