A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam's A Shau Valley

by Bennie G. Adkins, Katie Lamar Jackson, Chuck Hagel (Foreword)

Foreword by Chuck Hagel, former Secretary of Defense and Senator from Nebraska

Adaptable. Cunning. Ferocious. Fearless. The Indochinese tiger is just one of the formidable predators roaming Vietnam's jungle. In 1966 a small band of US Special Forces soldiers--most especially Bennie Adkins--spent four grueling days facing down the "tiger" among them.

While the rain and mist of an early March moved over the valley, then-Sergeant First Class Bennie Adkins and sixteen other Green Berets found themselves holed up in an undermanned and unfortified position at Camp A Shau, a small training and reconnaissance camp located right next to the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, North Vietnam's major supply route. And with the rain came the North Vietnamese Army in force.

Surrounded 10-to-1, the Green Berets endured constant mortar and rifle fire, direct assaults, treasonous allies, and volatile jungle weather. But there was one among them who battled ferociously, like a tiger, and when they finally evacuated, he carried the wounded to safety. Forty-eight years later, Command Sergeant Major Bennie Adkins's valor was recognized when he received this nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

Filled with the sights, smells, and sounds of a raging battle fought in the middle of a tropical forest, A Tiger Among Us is a riveting tale of bravery, valor, skill, and resilience.

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

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sgt First class Bernie Atkins takes you back in time in the Vietnam War and his time with the Green Berets. He leads you through his early years before enlisting and then takes you through his boot camp and regular enlistment until he decided to volunteer for the Green Berets. He then takes you through some of their training back then. You also get a small sample of his first deployment to Vietnam. The book is really about when most Special forces were assigned or working with a program called SOG which really was not talked about much until after the 70’s. My father being in the military I had heard about it but did not know what they did. Hear in this book this man will talk about it somewhat. What this story is really about is his actions along with others when they were outnumbered 10-1. Sgt Atkins would lay down fire, rescue down helicopter pilots that had come in to try to take out the wounded. Proved cover when other choppers came in to take out wounded and would hopefully drop off ammo because they were running out. All the while keeping his men on point to not be over run. This area was located near the Ho Chi Men trail an area where we Americans were not supposed be but where the Vietnamese were getting all of their supplies, and men. So in any other war cutting of supply lines is always one goal towards victory, not this war because we were not allowed to go into that country. Hence why Special Force’s units like this one was there. Also why it took 40 years for then Command Sgt Major Bernie Atkins to be recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor. This is an excellent story and what makes it so good is that it is real. I am glad he and others Veterans are being recognized all of these years later for the acts of valor. A very good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick engaging read from the retired command sergeant major and his coauthor. He was a tiger in battle and a real tiger saved him from the NVA pursuing him during his escape and evasion.

The Battle of the A Shau Valley in which the SF Camp is overrun is one of those epic fights that belongs on the same level with Thermopylae. Twenty Green Berets and 400 unreliable Vietnamese irregulars take on an entire NVA division. It’s like Dien Bien Phu without a surrender. Calls for reinforcements are not heeded. Weather takes away the ability to accurately target the enemy as well as sustain the camp. Higher headquarters refuses to believe the reports from the men at the tip of the spear. Sounds like the Chosin Reservoir all over again.

This is a memoir and not a history but we learn of so many interesting accounts of valor. Lots of aircraft lost. The first MOH for an AF pilot for landing on the camp’s airfield under intense fire to pickup his downed wingman. Marine helo squadron commander put up for court martial/ investigation for giving order to shoot friendly Vietnamese troops who were swamping helos that we’re evacuating wounded. We meet the elite mercenaries of Vietnam, the Nungs, who had the American’s trust unlike the CIDG’s who engaged in what we would now call insider attacks. Also we witness the discrimination against the Montagnards.

Adkins is awarded the DSC and goes on with his life never looking back. He makes a complete break with military life and moves on. It’s sort of amazing though that he has no desire to go back to Vietnam. He is still haunted by a comrade who he had to leave on the trail while evading. Now that he has been upgraded to the MOH life is not the same. He keenly feels the responsibility of the medal. He’s a role model for sure.

[Melissa Dawn (pages.for.dawn) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was difficult to read. Not because of how it was written, but because of the content. It is the story of Benny Atkins and fifteen other Special Forces soldiers and their struggle to survive in the harsh jungles of South Vietnam. They endured unimaginable horrors during the Vietnam War. Many of these men gave the ultimate price, others were never the same post-war. But Benny and five of those men were determined to carry on with a normal life after retirement. Together, those five men, including Benny, reunited to share their story and write this book. A Tiger Among Us is a glimpse into each of their lives before, during, and after their time in the military. I couldn’t peel myself away from the pages as I read these stories. The writing is simple l, straightforward and engaging. I felt as if I were there with them, many times feeling heartbroken, at other times hopeful. But most of all, I am thankful for their courage, endurance, strength, and survival. We know the cost of war is high and the consequences often go beyond the days of war. But after reading Benny’s book, I can’t help but think people in today’s society have forgotten the price paid by these heroic men and women who serve and protect freedom and humanity. Everyone should read A Tiger Among Us. It is an eye opener.

[Michael Papier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story that is hard to even wrap your head around. As important as this A Camp was and with the length of the battle there, it's hard to believe they were not supported better and taken care of better by the powers above them in the Army and Marine Corps. The Air Force showed some real guts in their support, the air drops were good (needed more and should have planned for missing the target when there's ground fire at the transports dropping it) but there didn't seem to be any considerations for contingencies that might involve beating back a large VC ground force intent on over running the Camp. The American Special Forces soldiers and the Nungs (Vietnamese Nationals of Chinese heritage) fought valiantly as well as SOME of the CIDG (Civilian Irregular Defense Group) soldiers but others CIDG soldiers displayed less that admirable abilities while whole groups proved their loyalty was NOT with their fellow soldiers within the Camp. There was uncommon bravery and courage from many of the American soldiers that would have warranted the highest Military Awards to more than one soldier and one Air Force pilot but many high ranking officers felt Special Forces units recommended their soldiers too often with complaints like "We aren't running a medal factory" when men would be submitted for high level awards. In fact, it took behind the scenes work for about five decades for CSM Bennie Atkins to get the Congressional Medal of Honor because it had been downgraded (not uncommon for that to happen during Vietnam). Read this book and I think you'll agree, he deserved it!!!

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent memoir of a true American hero. Unfortunately, Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins passed away last year and we lost a great American. In 1966 assigned as aGreen Beret Sgt in the notorious A Shau valley Adkins and his fellow green berets were attacked by several thousand NVA regular troops. Not only did Adkins and his small force of green berets and indigenous soldiers have to fight the NVA they also had to fight their so called allies the ARVN south Vietnamese troops inside the camp. During the course of the fire fight over several days Adkins sustained 18 separate wounds and continued to take the fight to the enemy killing an estimated 150-200 troops during the engagement. Unfortunately not everyone in our military wanted to honor Adkins courage at the time of the fight and he had to wait until 2013 to receive a long overdue Congressional Medal of Honor medal. Due to lack of support from the generals the base fell and despite being severely wounded Bennie had to lead a group of his men, as well as downed helicopter personnel, out of the A Shau valley while being hunted by the NVA. Fortunately, Adkins had a Tiger on his side literally while on a hill top a Tiger came between his men and the NVA scaring the NVA off and allowing Adkins and his fellow soldiers to be rescued. A true American hero and I am damn glad he wrote this memoir before his passing in 2018.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The memoir of a Medal of Honor recipient who served in the Vietnam War. It is nearly unbelievable and incomprehensible what a two-day nonstop battle looks like in the jungles of Vietnam in enemy territory surrounded by thousands of attackers. The battle for Camp A Shau was then followed by a two-day escape through the jungle being chased by enemies before signaling a US aircraft for evacuation. Truly a remarkable story. I am glad that Adkins' story was told and this is far better than never having his story in writing as is the case for most veterans, but it is not necessarily well written. It is well edited and clean and easy to read, but it is not as engaging and compelling as his story and the harrowing battle deserves. The writing is very much like an after-action report. It is a nearly emotionless play by play often glancing over or quickly telling parts that I wanted to know more about. Great story, I'm glad it was told, but it could have been told much better.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the memoir of a Green Beret who survived the battle of the A Shau valley in Vietnam and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor over 40 years later. The book reads like the script to the John Wayne movie, The Green Berets. The movie has many elements of the true story: the camp in the A Shau valley being overrun by the NVA, the arrival of Puff the Magic Dragon airplane (which unfortunately was shot down before it could unleash its magic), and heroism of the Special Forces Green Berets. If you are interested in unvarnished true life stories, this is a good read. It is not written by a professional writer, but it moves quickly and is quite entertaining.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a pre-publication version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find books like this important. All too often people who serve our country do so without any recognition, even though most of them probably prefer it that way. This book is about Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins. It mainly covers his story during a battle in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam, March 1966, for which he was ultimately awarded the Medal of Honor. His toughness and dedication to his fellow soldiers make me proud to be an American, while at the same time I am ashamed how a majority of American's ignored or showed outright hostility to our Vietnam Veterans. People need to know these stories to learn what really happened and what kind of people we have serving our country. I thank Command Sergeant Major Adkins, and Katie Jackson for the book. And I thank Command Sergeant Major Adkins for his service to our country.

[Wharton Sinkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My title for this review would be "CHAOS." This is the first Special Forces memoir I have read and I learned a great deal and originally appreciated their ability to work around, over, in, up, down all aspects of the chain of command, but ended up being confused. This confusion became chaotic in battles because many of our so-called friends were enemies, shooting at us or other allied groups. The various groups like Nung and Montagnards (sorry spelling) I had not heard about, either at all or in such detail. I wanted to finished the book and honor the memoir and the author, but was having trouble until I realized the memoir's chaos accurately represented the soldier's experience.
I feel this is an important book, telling about a little known and often dark side of our presence in Vietnam -- and other nations.

[Evan Lakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

let me start by saying i have the upmost respect for our military veterans. especially the men who fought & died during the vietnam war. my uncle, being one of the men who served two tours and made it home. sadly he passed away in 2014. this was an excellent memoir about a mans survival during the war. i’m a huge history/buff so i was super intrigued about this book. i highly recommend this! RIP Bennie Adkins and thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[Bill Elston · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Award A long time coming

Very interesting story and unbelievable timeline. It’s unbelievable how the military 1) down grades awards, especially in the enlisted ranks and 2) how the paperwork seems to go missing many times wit no positive result. How many other members of our armed forces have been passed over because of this ineptness in the ranks. Thanks to the perseverance of Adkins friends in uniform for continuing to press the issue. Thank you all for your service.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy is amazing. He is a real American hero, and I loved reading about his time in the service. It was amazing what all he went through and what all he did. Everything from his training to his life after the service was remarkable. His name belongs in the same breath as Audie Murphy or Alvin York. He is a remarkable man.

[Gary Detrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. More of a memoir than some of the "battle intense" bio's and historical non-fiction books I have read. A honorable man of excellent character is the part I admired most upon reading his story. Also enjoyable are the storied quotes of the few former living members of their team and their experience in the A Shau Valley.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, the story of a Medal of Honor winner, was written in plain English. There was nothing grand or special in the language but the events it described & the man who lived the life is exceptional. BRAVO

[John Meitner · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt that Bennie G Adkins was an American Hero!!!
This book however has very interesting telltale comments and isextremely interesting but there are parts that do not really add to the dialog and history of events.

[Morgan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great snapshot of warriors facing up to great odds and prevailing. It painted the picture of great possibilities coming from humble beginnings. We never know what the leader in us is capable of until we are challenged.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story of a Green Beret hero. Although the title mentions a tiger, the tiger is mentioned in only a few paragraphs. Fir those who never served in Vietnam during the war, this gives you an excellent understanding of what it was like to fight and survive—and die there.

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super respect for Bennie Adkins and his peers who survived and demonstrated both valor and courage. Unfortunately, the book felt like a short story with extra padding to make it long enough for a book. 2.5 stars.

[Tom OConnor]

A tiger among us

Very interesting story of a real American hero. These soldiers fought the enemy outside the wire and also the enemy inside the wire wearing there uniforms. These soldiers were not treated right when they came home and it was something we should be ashamed about.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of Special Forces veteran in the Viet Nam War, achieving a Medal of Honor Medal

[terry smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vey good book...tells a good bit about the Special Forces and offers insight in to the organizatin and how it works.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five Star hero and story. Just a three star book in my opinion.

[Stephen Boiko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medal of Honor received 9/15/2014. For actions March 9-12 1966, Camp A Shau ROV.

[Aubrey Braddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

CSM Adkins was definitely humble in his writing. Instead of highlighting himself, he took a look at the men to his left and right during the A Shau battle.

[Eric Burgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of military history 📚 so this one is just another to add to the stack.

Give this one a listen or a read. Medal of Honor recipient. I believe it will be time well spent.

[John Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable memoir. Not action packed from cover to cover but the substantial back story gave insight as to who Bennie Adkins, as well as some of the others on the team, really were.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Veterans story of his Time in the A Shau Valley. CSM Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor for this battle.

[Michael Knolla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine as what it is, a very personal account of early action in the war. But despite some attempts in that direction lacks a lot of the context to place that action in the broader perspective of even the more military related aspects of the conflict.

[Wayne Ikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an atypical first person narrative of the author’s combat in Vietnam. What makes it different from similar books I’ve read is the author doesn’t spend pages and pages describing what a bad ass he is, and doesn’t regale the reader with unnecessary filler material such as how many prostitutes he had while off duty. Plus, the author is a Medal Of Honor winner, so his account of combat is backed up by what the army actually said he did.

[Tom]

Good factual account of Vietnam experience as a Special Forces soldier.