Things I'll Never forget: Memories of a Marine in Viet Nam

by James M. Dixon

Things I’ll never forget is the story of a young high school graduate in 1965 who faces being drafted into the Army or volunteering for the Marine Corps. These are his memories of funny times, disgusting times and deadly times. The author kept a journal for an entire year; therefore many of the dates, times and places are accurate. The rest is based on memories that are forever tattooed on his brain. This is not a pro-war book, nor is it anti-war. It is the true story of what the Marine Corps was like in the late 1960’s, when the country had a draft and five hundred thousand Americans were serving one year tours in battle-torn South East Asia. If you served in Viet Nam you will want to compare your experience with the author’s. If you know someone who went to Viet Nam, you will want to read for yourself what it was like. If you lost a loved one or friend in the war, you will want to read this and share it with others.

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

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2017

Reviews

[Sleepy Boy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t care for the tone or style of presentation unfortunately.

[JD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts of great and the author tells each chapters' story by how those memories are triggered. But even though it is a good book, during the latter stages it gets a bit repetitive.

[dennis kirchgessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Semper fi

I was in nam from April of 67 to April of 68 so I was in country for a small amount of time that Dixon was there. Yes I was in the Corps also (26th Marines) . I was really upset to learn that only Marines spent 13 months in country. 12 for the other branches of service. I experienced many of the things that Dixon described. The book is factual and brought to mind my tour of duty. Like Dixon I am proud of my service and grateful to be alive.

[Dachokie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Better Modern War Memoirs I’ve Read …

After reading this book, I immediately started thinking of another comparable book written by a Marine’s experience in the Second World War: Eugene Sledge’s “With the Old Breed”. Two generations of Marines experiencing the same drudgery and misery of combat in the unbearably hot tropics of little known locales in the South Pacific. James Dixon’s memoir comes across as honest, poignant and thought-provoking. Like Sledge’s memoir, THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET was written decades after Dixon’s combat service … a cathartic effort that reminds us of what happens when ordinary American citizens volunteer for wartime service.

I have found some of the most memorable war memoirs to be authored by individuals who aren’t career military. While I own many wonderful books written by career military individuals, most of them carry a terse, serious and technical tone accompanied by a hint of “government approval” and a degree of reverence for the branch they served … not a lot of negativity. On the other hand, the memoirs of those whose civilian lives were temporarily interrupted by wartime service seem to be more personal, raw, revealing and relatable. I have found such books typically offering an unfiltered opinion of the good and most importantly, the bad/awkward/stupid/absurd elements of their military experience … there is no tip-toeing around issues that a careerist may avoid talking about at all. Like any war, the Vietnam War was rife with stupid decisions, mistakes, accidents, atrocities and problems … and Dixon does a good job letting us know the impact of these “SNAFUS” in the field. But Dixon’s story is not all negative; he does a good job of mixing the good with the bad to reveal a more believable account of his time “in country”.

THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET is a straightforward account of Dixon’s 13 month tour in Vietnam. While the author provides some background to better acclimate readers on what lead a Quaker who recently graduated from high school to join the Marine Corps (guaranteeing a ticket to Vietnam), the bulk of this book is dedicated to his time in the Corps and Vietnam. Dixon (whose career as a high school teacher spanned almost 30 years) has the skill to tell his story in a way that should relate to most readers. His book is divided into chapters designated to highlight specific and memorable events, he prefaces each chapter with a few paragraphs that give readers a contextual understanding of a particular wartime experience he is about to divulge. Those little intros are great lead-ins and very effective in providing a better understanding of how he looks back on many of his experiences … very relatable.

I found the entire book engrossing from beginning to end. The book never becomes tedious or long-winded; Dixon is able to present a clear, colorful and detailed picture in a concise manner that never left me asking questions. The best part of the book, though were the experiences he shares so freely … some of them personal and embarrassing … we get it all. The accounts of the men he served with provides a bulk of the stories and clearly illustrate how these men (no matter what the look like, where they come from or how educated they are) truly become a band of brothers in combat. We also get the insight and wit of someone who followed orders, but often was dumbfounded by the ridiculous, unbelievable things he would see and be ordered to do. As a gov’t employee myself, I am frequently shocked and annoyed by inept leadership and the stupidity of some orders (the “gov’t way”), but death is not a consequence for my co-workers and I. Dixon puts us in his rain-soaked boots and we slog down the muddy booby-trapped jungle paths with him … waiting for the inevitable ambush. We get a grunt’s perspective of everything and realize how primitive instincts still held value on the battlefield. One thing Dixon nails throughout the book is the oppressive nature of the weather … you feel that perpetual slimy sweat that a tropical 120 degree temperature seeping through the pages … pure misery. He conveys the desperation of being forced to use the unreliable M-16 battle rifle and losing buddies in a firefight because their rifles kept jamming. THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET is full of experiences big and small that evoke a clearer idea of what it was like living on the front line in Vietnam … whether it be how to make the C-rations more palatable, the ability to sleep in a foxhole full of water or the body parts of fallen Americans … Dixon provides the details. The combat described is visceral, intense and episodic; the cumulative impact of the firefights gradually destroys the sense and sensibility of Dixon and his fellow Marines. I also liked how the author brought three female classmates from home into the storyline as a means of illustrating how their lives freely moved on while his was stuck in a hellish standstill. What makes this book so similar to Eugene Sledge’s memoir is that it is so personal, revealing and every story is richly detailed.

In the epilogue of his book, Dixon doesn’t hold back on his feelings about how returning Vietnam veterans were treated. There is understandable resentment now that the “thank you for your service” rolls off the tongues of so many when someone’s military service is discovered … like a mindless, clichéd, Pavlovian response to anyone and everyone military. As with rest of this book, Dixon is simply being up-front and after reading all that he went through, it’s hard not to empathize with his feelings.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET because I felt James Dixon gave me a personal guided tour of his Vietnam War experience. Well-written, entertaining, thought-provoking and educating (I especially appreciated his clarification of the Vietnam “veteran”) from beginning to end, Dixon’s story is definitely a worth read. This book provides an intimate look at who represented American in Vietnam, how they fought and died and more importantly, how they managed to cope. I find this to be one of the better war memoirs I’ve ever read.

[Pat Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thats Exactly How it Was

Wow, this book brought back so many memories. Things in this book brought back things I've long forgotten about. So many memories, so many friends forgotten. I arrived in country in April of 67 just in time for operation Union II. We supported 2nd battalion 5th Marines out of An Hoa, 25 miles southwest of Danang. I rember counting down the days waiting to go home and on my last day in country hit by mortar shrapnel. This good should be read by everyone that ever wondered what Vietnam was like. 5 Stars all the way. My only criticism is Marines called them sea bags, not duffle bags.

[Jay Van Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A taste of real

I lived through that time and had a fascination with what it would be like to be a soldier I did not serve . College and a high lottery number saved me. This book reinforced how lucky I was but also added to my respect for the men who saw combat. I will always harbor a resentment towards the leaders who put our men and our country in harms way.

[Mike (HistoryBuff) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first war memoir and I was not disappointed. I found the book totally engrossing and hard to put down.
The author, James Dixon, tells us a detailed picture of his life in Vietnam. His accounts of the men he served with and the combat he he saw gave me insight into a combat veteran experiences. Highly recommend.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sure we've all read, seen, or heard something that makes us think, "I should never complain again." I think about it often, not because I think of myself as a pessimist, but because I think about all of the opportunities I have to complain. What a blessing it is to be able to complain. I love a book that humbles me, where I have no shared experiences with the author, but can somehow find a relation to my own life because isn't that what it's all about?

This story made me think about everyone I know that does something not out of duty or a sense of responsibility, but because they've found no other alternative. What else are you to do except adapt, improvise, and overcome. I have also realized that my mother, who has taught me almost as much about life as my own child has, must have been a by-product of the Vietnam War era because I see so many similarities in her attitude and theirs.

Each time I saw a license plate with a Vietnam Veteran label, I will be wondering if they saw true combat. Mr. Dixon pointed out something I had never really paid attention to, that most Vietnam Veterans never left safety, and those that did most likely wouldn't return. I think about Bob and the long-term suffering he has to endure from his exposure to agent orange. How he probably came back to snide remarks and no way to cope with his experiences. Because what? People didn't like the politician. People forgot to see the humans.

I also thought about the story in the beginning, where the recruiter manipulated teenagers into joining the Marines, and recalled when I worked in a high school setting and things were still working similarly. I believe it shouldn't be legal for recruiters to visit high schools, where some kids are looking for absolutely any way out of their hometown and have no idea what they're signing up for. If they truly have a passion and want to join, that's fine, but I think that it can be targeted especially in rural or low income areas. My Dad was recruited with this method prior to Desert Storm. He drove a tank. I'm thankful his only injury is a gimpy foot. He told me he was never so happy to come home, and I believe he has only left the state 3-4 times in the nearly 30 years that followed.

So that's my review, as usual, a hodge podge of thoughts that may not make sense. I'll never rate an experience like this less than five starts. And thank you, Mr. Dixon, for your service. Politics aside, your sacrifice should always have been and will be revered.

[Tullius · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid memoir of a US Marine during the early years of the Vietnam War.

Young James Dixon decided to join the Marines in 1965 after High School and got all he was looking for and more. He is thrust into a war that no one quite understood from the top on down. They had the general idea of why they were there, but beyond that; a real goal, not much.

Dixon tells of his experiences over his year in Vietnam, comedic moments to moments of peril and depression. He clearly cared about those he lost and has no illusions of being some major part of the eventual conclusion of the war. He was just a Marine doing his job and that's what I respect.

[F Barry]

A very good account of the experiences of a Marine. As the author notes, it was different for all of us. I found some of the narrative shocking, because of those differences, but I don't doubt for a minute what he recorded. I recommend it. It has taken me fifty years to open up this part of my life, so, if you have had similar experiences, you will know if you are ready. I intend to read it again. Perhaps right away.

[Tom mosedale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great



Great read and very interesting, would highly recommend to anybody interested in this war and what it was like to fight in it

[Kelsey Teal · Rating 4 out of 5]

minus one star only because it desperately needed better editing, otherwise this is a gut punch of a read.

[John Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person who was born towards the end of the Vietnam War, I had no personal experience with it. I was always curious about the war, but no veterans I knew would ever really talk about it. I understand that as best I can having not been in combat. This book takes you through all the details of one soldier’s experience, from the boring to the exciting to the heartbreaking and painful. A great read.

[Roy Szweda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many accounts of how it was in the Viet Nam conflict and I have read a fair few but this is outstanding. I bought this on an offer from Amazon UK for my Kindle and its readability was fine but then it is mostly text. Unlike some this book had been thoroughly proofed too making for a very engaging smooth read. Naturally, at times it is very grim and might not suit all tastes. However, if you were a little disappointed with other accounts' believability then this one is from the heart, warts and all.
Have always had respect for the USMC but this book shocked me as to how America uses its young men. It almost bears comparison with the Great War's Kitchener's volunteers but the author and many others were faced with coercion to enlist rather than volunteering. This guy could have run from his country's demands but he chose his own route accepting his fate as the Gods will decide. And oh my my what an adventure his book relates. I truly could not believe how he and his comrades were treated and though he survived to tell the tale it left scars. But he is sincere throughout for the good and the bad, mostly the latter.
The more I read about personal experiences in that war, the best way IMHO, the less I find I really comprehend. Sounds the opposite of what you would expect but read this book and you will leave it dismayed, disappointed and quite a bit disgusted at how the powers-that-be went about fulfilling their perceived intentions as the war unfolded. If you dismiss managerial incompetence and political shenanigans you are left with malicious intent, the author and his fellow "grunts" may have had some inspirational thoughts of patriotism at first but way before their tenure ended all they had was disillusionment and sadness. This is much of how I felt by the time I had read the last page.
It reaffirms to me that if a government has no recourse than fighting then it should promise only what its professional armed services can deliver. It is disgraceful to send the nation's innocents to combat in an alien environment with deficient equipment, incomplete training and inadequate support. Read this book and weep for those who did not return.

[Arpad Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on when, when in your heart, you begin to understand there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts go too deep."

Those are not author James Dixon's words, although you may recognize them. It's a quote, spoken by Frodo Baggins, concluding The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Return of the King.

Whether referencing a fictional, fantastical era or more recently realistic modern times, war leaves scars on its combatants. Dixon wrote; Things I'll Never Forget fifty years after he'd served, fought, and survived in Vietnam. In the memoir, Dixon explains that until he began writing about his time in the Marine Corps and tour of duty, he'd kept those memories, "locked up tight in a box and stored in the very basement of my mind."

The memoir's details begin with his entry into the Marine Corps, encompassing mundane training and duties, followed by his deployment to Vietnam as an MP, where he describes the day-to-day drudgery of a soldier's life while awaiting combat duty.

There is little in Dixon's account to rival the action and violence of fictional Vietnam War stories, but there are parts that left me feeling hollowed out.

All war stories do that - unless you're soulless. The things those in combat must do - because they are ordered, and in order to survive - are staggering to comprehend. Even more astounding is that those soldiers return to normalcy afterward. Sitting down to a meal, writing letters to loved ones, taking care of menial chores before lying in a bunk, cot, or on the ground, knowing that soon after waking, they would face the same perils again.

I've read many books about war, primarily those on World War II and the Vietnam War. From historical texts to memoirs to fiction, two truths remain constant, regardless of genre.
The first is that during WWII, the American soldier faced an average of 40 days in combat over four years of service.

In Vietnam, an American soldier faced an average of 240 days of combat in a 13-month tour of duty.
For each of those 240 days, your job was to complete a shift with others actively trying to kill you. The fact that your primary duty was to kill others was no less a harrowing task.

The second fact - and the one that bothers me the most - is that those American sons and daughters, enlisted or drafted, returned from Vietnam, shamed, spat upon, disrespected and despised by a population fuelled by Liberal idealistic hatred.

I would never disregard any combat veteran, regardless of the campaign, and I would never forgive those non-combatants who did. If you can't shake a veteran's hand, then leave them alone.

As the book moves toward its conclusion, Dixon explains how the common gratitude offered - "Thank you for your service" - feels worse than being ignored. This excellent memoir is worth reading if only to understand that point, one that is better read by you than explained by me.

Tragedy, bad luck, and heartbreak fill many of the pages in this memoir, but there is also brotherhood, hope, and the belief that the American Dream remained something achievable. I don't know how many Vietnam Vets grasped that high bar, especially when they could not reach it for missing legs or hands.

For the most part, the book steers clear of the politics that plagued the campaign, why it failed, and who was to blame; however, it captures the essence of Americans doing a duty that was either volunteered for or bestowed upon them.

At fifty-plus years removed from the war, I don't know what I could say to a Vietnam Vet if I met one, other than offering a handshake and saying, "I'm glad you made it home."

War stories, while sometimes heroic, are not often glamorous. There are few happy endings. They are important. They should be read.

There are passages in Dixon's memoir that I've thought about daily since having listened to it. They are not nightmare-inducing, but rather, they deliver tremendous grief. It will take a while to process, but I hope I never forget what those soldiers endured, and I am grateful to have lived through my prime, never having to share their experience.

Things I'll Never Forget is not a lengthy, drawn-out read or listen, especially if you choose the audiobook, as I did. At only 325 pages or 9–1/2 hours of listening time, you can complete the book in less than a week of moderate reading/listening time. The narration by Malcolm Hillgartner is clear, crisp and carried with a voice aged in experience.

If you're a fan of war history or memoirs, The Things I'll Never Forget stands up and holds your attention.

I salute the author with all five stars and hope people continue to read, learn and understand what Americans went through during their military service in the Vietnam War.

[Youp · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping and sometimes haunting recollection of the Vietnam war through the eyes of a young Marine.

As a European, the Vietnam war was not a significant part of my high school history curriculum. At most, it was a side-note during our course on the Cold War. Perhaps therefore I never developed an interest in it, and my knowledge on the Vietnam did not extend beyond Apocalypse Now and Forest Gump.

Being interested in autobiographies, human limits and military training, I picked the audio version of this book on a whim to listen to during my workouts. The following day, I was listening to it during breakfast, while cooking and before going to sleep. While neither the writing nor the author's specific story is particularly spectacular, what makes this book so fascinating is the grand narrative of an unorthodox war with no winners. The rushed training of young marines before sending them overseas, the bureaucracy and contradictory rules within the marine corps and army, the Vietnamese civilians being forced to choose between the lesser of two evils; all inevitably leading to many preventable deaths, wounded and decades of trauma on both sides. The author focuses mainly on his personal recollection of Vietnam, instead of a historical review, which made me more sympathetic towards him and his fellow Marines. Although the killing of women, children and civilians is obviously contemptible, Dixon's story explains how there often were no right choices to be made. While one could argue about the justness of the Vietnam war, this book convinced me that many - if not most - of the American soldiers were victims just as much as the Vietnamese civilians. It also greatly increased my interest in the Vietnam war, all while being a highly enjoyable yet daunting read.

[Letitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a perfectly polished and well written story about the Vietnam war, this isn't the book for you. James M. Dixon's memoir, Things I"ll Never Forget: Memories of a Marine in Viet Nam, is raw, real, human. It's the memories of a young man making the most out of being thrown into an impossible situation. The language and writing are rough, crude even at times, but the memories are are real, the pain, the heartache, and the occasional moments of joy. Friendships forged and lost, decisions made, and orders followed.
Dixon's book takes us on one man's journey from boyhood, to Marine and back to civilian life. You will be put through the wringer of emotions, fear, sadness, anger, and yes, you will even crack the occasional smile. It is not an easy read emotionally, but it is a journey I encourage you to take. As a lifelong student of the many facets of WWI, it wasn't until recently that I gave much thought to the Viet Nam War, it was before my time, and let's face it, until recently it really hasn't been talked about much in general society. I can honestly say that I don't remember ever studying it in school, and I will admit, until recently the little bit I did know/acknowledge wasn't very kind. My journey started with historical novels by two of my favorite authors, The World Played Chess by Robert Dugoni, and The Women by Kristin Hannah. Their masterful storytelling has made me rethink the little bit that I did know, or thought I did, and led me to seek out the stories of real men, and women, that served in Viet Nam. My life has been forever changed by Mr. Dixon's memories, and I would wholeheartedly recommend, ney, implore you, to allow it to change your life as well.

[Amy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If not for the experience, the knowledge

Mr. Dixon’s account of all he experienced from high school to Viet Nam was truly worth every minute it took to read. His recollections painted vivid pictures of a hellish experience with his peers from all over the nation and was a constant reminder to me exactly how lucky many of us are that we were never drafted to serve our military. I am most grateful for his decision to share his many experiences, both good and bad. I am even more grateful to those he met who never had the chance to forge a life after their service. Mr. Dixon and so many others returned home to a place where they were openly unwelcome by many. I was born after he returned and can only offer a heartfelt message of an apology for the people who were so disrespectful to you and all who served. One doesn’t have to love the military or war stories to appreciate this book and the personal experiences of a man who served and survived, whether by luck or fate. I choose the latter.

[Kim Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things I’ll Never Forget

Being in the military for 30+ years this is a great book about a true depiction of the Vietnam Nam war. A war that most people only learn about from movies and believe me not all movies are factual or even close to factual to what really happened. All the things I would like to say I do not know how to put into words. I do see why Dixon says he does not want to be thanked for his service he is a true Vet from that time, humble and I am sure very Kind. The things you saw and had to do to survive was crazy but yes part of war and I am sure very necessary. I thank you Dixon for a story that at time brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your experience with us especially those of us who are you brothers/sisters in arms that were not there and who defend this country today. I enjoyed this story very much.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this story to be told well. As a memoir it holds up well. If it were not, there would be tedious parts. Since the author’s goal is self therapy and to relate memories of real life experience I am not disrupted by the seeming rabbit trails the book occasionally takes.

I think this book gave me a better understanding of the war in Vietnam. Previously I only knew about any of it from films and novels.
There are very tragic things written down in this story and I got emotional over the fact of how few soldiers returned from their tour of duty.
Death is something I find difficult to grasp when it comes for someone I know. This book gives a glimpse of what it was like to have death taking people every day during contact.

In 1965 the marine corps was a gritty, unpleasant place and Dixon appears to have made it through with his humour, honesty, and humanity in tact.

[Robert D Hieronymus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Well written book. Very interesting reading. Even though you think it's too late, I am 73 years old and served during the Vietnam era, but was never sent to Vietnam. I lost two good friends in that damn war. One was in the 3rd Marine Divsion and was kia on 29 June 1967. The other was I the 31st infantry Regiment of the Americal Division. He was kia on 8 January 1968 near hill 67. I was in the Gulf war and our home town honored all the Vietnam Veterans before they honored us. That was the correct and only way in should have been done. I am truly sorry all you Vietnam Veterans did not get the honor and respect you truly deserved when you returned home. God bless you all and thank you for your service.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very excellent recount of real bravery and real terror experienced in a real time in history. I appreciate his humor in retelling things about boot camp in the marines. It reminded me of times I had in my own boot camp experiences, bc some things just doesn't change in the military. But the amount of suffering caused on these men in Vietnam War is not lost on me. Shamefully, many do not talk about the experiences bc of either it's painful memories, or also the way they were treated when they returned home. I hope all the survivors of that war have found the support and outlet they needed after all those years. I will always be grateful to all our brave men and women who fought for our country. Thanks for telling your story about a time not much spoken of in our history.

[AJ Finch · Rating 3 out of 5]

What struck me most throughout this book is the very calm, matter-of-fact writing.

Dixon does not go out of his way to draw attention to how terrible it was living and fighting in Viet Name in 1966/67; rather, he reports in a no-nonsense, unemotive, journalistic mannter.
Dixon avoids both pathos and hype when relating traumatic events. He presents in stead a collection of memories with which he has now come to terms. This is a simple exposition of one man's experience.

I found it wonderfully credible and full of just the right kind of detail.
If you have found that other Viet Nam War books cloud the story by telling you what you ought to feel about it, then give this one a try.

[Patti Merz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Forgotten

I’d like too thank the author for taking the time to write this book, I’m sure it was very difficult to relive his time in Vietnam. I thank God I never had to live through war. I know saying thanks doesn’t say much but I hope you no it comes from our hearts. Not all Americans felt the way the fanatics of those times did, they just got all the news coverage. I truly wish I had the words to take away your pain from those memories of returning home from Vietnam. I would like to close by saying thank you for writing the book, thank you for your service and God Bless!!!!

[Brian J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harrowing, sad, and at various times shocking, disturbing, and hilarious, James Dixon regales his account as a Marine in Vietnam with pain, nostalgia, and bitterness. A lot of his stories make me remember my own experiences as a Soldier in the Iraq War. There's no question the Vietnam War was a shitshow for all involved, but a lot of being in the military is same shit different war. If I was a history teacher this would be required reading for Vietnam War coverage. It's essential. People need to know how it was. An exceptional read, written with passion and balls. So glad he was able to tell this story.

[jakekellsaol.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

God Bless the all these men

By the grace of God, I was spared this hell called Vietnam. My father wanted me to join the Marines in 1966. I guess he figured it would make a man out of me. I laughed and said I would give college a try. Good move on my part. This book is easy to read but hard to forget. I think of how Kennedy was going to in pull all are men out of VN by 1965 and "they" killed him for it. And how that monster LBJ cancelled that order the day after JFK was eliminated. All the lives lost and the suffering that followed. Evil people from within, did this. The truth always eventually shines and exposes the real villains.

[Alex Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good this, gives a great insight into the horrors that took place in Vietnam.

The stories are all very interesting and incredibly traumatic, however I wish he would give a bit more detail and how he actually felt. He’ll tell you he killed a 12 year old Vietcong soldier, or 5 women and children, and then just go about his day as usual. I want to know how that made him feel lol.

Despite some of the heinous crimes I can’t help but feel incredible sympathy for the majority of soldiers in Vietnam. It’s important to separate the government who decided to enter the war, and those who were forced to go and fight.

[Robert B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A testimony to those who served!

I have read many books written by Vets, this is one of the best in my opinion. I believe the author is able to communicate the feelings and experiences he had in a way that makes one feel the impact of so many young men. I served in the military at exactly the same time as he did but in the Dominican Republic conflict. Many of my AIT companions went to Vietnam and some did not come back alive. I have the greatest respect for all ho served there. This book is a testimony to their sacrifice..

[Barbara A. Hoffert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality

This book was well written so that the "civilian" can understand quite well what happened. My brother did 2 tours in Nam, was first in at Grenada and than Desert Storm. When he came home, my brother was not the same person and has never "come back" . Reading this book allowed me, his sister, to see and understand some of what he did and saw . We also live outside Millersville too, so it sort of made me feel like there was a commonality with the author. Anyone who has family or friends having served in Viet Nam, this book is worth th read.

[Graeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vietnam as it really was

It's a good book that I kept returning to over the couple of days it took me to read it. Its unflinching in some of its descriptions but anyone reading a Vietnam war memoir with this title should expect that. It's a great look at the day-to-day life of the young men who served in Vienam.

Unfortunately in the Kindle edition there are some formatting errors at the end but I've given the book 5 stars anyway as they dont spoil the book. However,I hope Amazon sorts them out