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Tiger Bravo's War: An epic year with an elite airborne rifle company of the 101st Airborne Division's "Wandering Warriors", during the height of the Vietnam War
A war that defined a generation. A band of paratroopers that defied the odds. A bond that couldn’t be broken.
In the bloodiest year (1968) of a decade long war, a company called “Tiger Bravo” fought across the battlefields of Vietnam, as part of an elite Strike Force nicknamed the “Wandering Warriors.” By the time the last chopper departed, Tiger Bravo had amassed a staggering 150 Purple Hearts and mourned the loss of 30 brothers in arms.
In Tiger Bravo’s War, you’ll discover the trials and tribulations of life in the combat zone from soldiers’ letters and the personal stories of survivors. You’ll learn what it was like to trudge through the dark heart of the jungle, take to the streets in the Tet Offensive, launch a daring rescue mission, and dodge booby-traps deep within enemy territory. Through unbearable hardships, gut wrenching losses and rare moments of joy and laughter, you’ll watch as a company of America’s youth transforms itself from a collection of total strangers in civilian life to an elite unit of highly trained paratroopers and, as their Vietnam odyssey unfolds, to battle-hardened, war-weary veterans willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their brothers.
In St John's compelling memoir, you’ll discover:
- An episodic narrative taking the reader on a journey with Tiger Bravo, from stateside training through its first year of combat.
- Light-hearted antics between missions, featuring rock n’ roll in the mess hall and drunken hijinks.
- Personal stories from surviving veterans, including a west Texas oilfields high school dropout, a medic abandoned by his mother, and the son of a World War II Japanese fighter pilot turned Silver Star recipient.
- A glimpse of the lasting impact of the war, including failed marriages, alcoholism, and PTSD.
- In-depth research, including interviews from more than 20 veterans, battlefield journals and letters, seven hundred plus primary source footnotes and much, much more!
In the bloodiest year (1968) of a decade long war, a company called “Tiger Bravo” fought across the battlefields of Vietnam, as part of an elite Strike Force nicknamed the “Wandering Warriors.” By the time the last chopper departed, Tiger Bravo had amassed a staggering 150 Purple Hearts and mourned the loss of 30 brothers in arms.
In Tiger Bravo’s War, you’ll discover the trials and tribulations of life in the combat zone from soldiers’ letters and the personal stories of survivors. You’ll learn what it was like to trudge through the dark heart of the jungle, take to the streets in the Tet Offensive, launch a daring rescue mission, and dodge booby-traps deep within enemy territory. Through unbearable hardships, gut wrenching losses and rare moments of joy and laughter, you’ll watch as a company of America’s youth transforms itself from a collection of total strangers in civilian life to an elite unit of highly trained paratroopers and, as their Vietnam odyssey unfolds, to battle-hardened, war-weary veterans willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their brothers.
In St John's compelling memoir, you’ll discover:
- An episodic narrative taking the reader on a journey with Tiger Bravo, from stateside training through its first year of combat.
- Light-hearted antics between missions, featuring rock n’ roll in the mess hall and drunken hijinks.
- Personal stories from surviving veterans, including a west Texas oilfields high school dropout, a medic abandoned by his mother, and the son of a World War II Japanese fighter pilot turned Silver Star recipient.
- A glimpse of the lasting impact of the war, including failed marriages, alcoholism, and PTSD.
- In-depth research, including interviews from more than 20 veterans, battlefield journals and letters, seven hundred plus primary source footnotes and much, much more!
- GenresHistoryWarNonfiction
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2017
600 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Rick St. John
3 books22 followersRick St John --- story-teller, poet and historian --- has authored a wide range of creative works, from light-hearted, children’s stories to poetry of the Vietnam War. In his latest book, Tiger Bravo’s War, he returns to Vietnam to chronicle the exploits of a company of young paratroopers in the 101st Airborne Division during some of the war’s heaviest fighting. A story he knows only so well, as he was one of those paratroopers. With two successful careers behind him, retiring as a US Army Colonel in 1993 and as a Group Executive of a global, financial transactions processing company in 2012, Rick is now working on his “bucket list” - - - teaching and writing. He lives and writes in the woods, by a small lake, in South Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 16, 2018
The true nitty gritty
Most accounts of the infantry action is portrayed in many stories is sketchy and some times made more heroic than actual, not this one.
Most accounts of the infantry action is portrayed in many stories is sketchy and some times made more heroic than actual, not this one.
February 3, 2018
I'd like to start with a small disclaimer, I don't read too many war/military books and don't feel that I have the right background/experience to critique them. With that being said however, I feel that Rick St. John has done us all a great service in writing his powerful novel/memoir Tiger Bravo's War.
In his own words, St. John describes Tiger Bravo's War as a chronicle [of] the exploits of the men of B Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry- an airborne rifle company in the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during one year of combat operations in the Vietnam War. The year was 1968, the bloodiest year of a decade-long war, marked by strife at home and deadly combat on the battlefield.
St. John touches only a little on the home-front and larger strategies of the war, instead focusing his narrative on the day to day life of his comrade-in-arms and some of the tactical positions they found themselves in. Some may call it a brutal retelling, missing context of the enemy's point of view or the overall strategies of the US government, but I would disagree on two counts. St. John never falls into sentiment or misrepresentation by assigning motive behind either the enemy's, or their own, actions. He experienced these events first hand or when not actually present, has an overwhelming amount of research to back up his narrative (over 750 citations are noted in the book).
Secondly, the narrative provided is not meant to touch on those broader strategies or motivations. From the very beginning, when St. John briefly touches on the training they received back in the States, or the fortuitous early deployment that gave his unit enough time to acclimate to Vietnam before the Tet offensive kicked off, to the grueling grindhouse that his men suffered through during the summer/late fall. From the near constant patrols, constant quick-turn deployments, hopping from the lowlands to the highlands, fighting in the jungles, mountains, rice paddies, and cities, his focus is always on the men. Between inexperienced commanders, green replacement troops, and the harsh reality of the environment they were living in he describes the slow erosion of pride and confidence from his elite unit.
It's a heartbreaking story. It's an inspiring story. In one year they had experienced a staggering 309 days of combat and if assigned to Tiger Bravo in 1968, you had greater than a 50% probability that you would be killed or wounded.
St. John, thank you for putting pen to paper. We are all in debt to your service, and to all those who have served and fought. Thank you.
I received Tiger Bravo's War free from GoodReads for a fair and honest review.
In his own words, St. John describes Tiger Bravo's War as a chronicle [of] the exploits of the men of B Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 506th Infantry- an airborne rifle company in the 3rd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, during one year of combat operations in the Vietnam War. The year was 1968, the bloodiest year of a decade-long war, marked by strife at home and deadly combat on the battlefield.
St. John touches only a little on the home-front and larger strategies of the war, instead focusing his narrative on the day to day life of his comrade-in-arms and some of the tactical positions they found themselves in. Some may call it a brutal retelling, missing context of the enemy's point of view or the overall strategies of the US government, but I would disagree on two counts. St. John never falls into sentiment or misrepresentation by assigning motive behind either the enemy's, or their own, actions. He experienced these events first hand or when not actually present, has an overwhelming amount of research to back up his narrative (over 750 citations are noted in the book).
Secondly, the narrative provided is not meant to touch on those broader strategies or motivations. From the very beginning, when St. John briefly touches on the training they received back in the States, or the fortuitous early deployment that gave his unit enough time to acclimate to Vietnam before the Tet offensive kicked off, to the grueling grindhouse that his men suffered through during the summer/late fall. From the near constant patrols, constant quick-turn deployments, hopping from the lowlands to the highlands, fighting in the jungles, mountains, rice paddies, and cities, his focus is always on the men. Between inexperienced commanders, green replacement troops, and the harsh reality of the environment they were living in he describes the slow erosion of pride and confidence from his elite unit.
It's a heartbreaking story. It's an inspiring story. In one year they had experienced a staggering 309 days of combat and if assigned to Tiger Bravo in 1968, you had greater than a 50% probability that you would be killed or wounded.
St. John, thank you for putting pen to paper. We are all in debt to your service, and to all those who have served and fought. Thank you.
I received Tiger Bravo's War free from GoodReads for a fair and honest review.
December 12, 2017
My brother was a member of Tiger Bravo; like many veterans, he didn't talk much about his year in Vietnam. This book gave me a sense of the conditions in which he lived and fought: the smells, the sounds, the sights, and even the occasional light moments. What stunned me was the list of those KIA. I'd forgotten how young they were - how young we all were. The author was the company's twenty-three year old first lieutenant. In writing this book he called upon not only his own memories, correspondence and reports, but also those of the men he led.
November 8, 2019
The best written Vietnam era history book I’ve read.
Thank you Mr St John for the history of aTiger Bravo company in the year 1968.
The author has done a great job writing a history book that is totally readable .
I guess when you lived it the emotion comes through.
Thank you Mr St John for the history of aTiger Bravo company in the year 1968.
The author has done a great job writing a history book that is totally readable .
I guess when you lived it the emotion comes through.
December 10, 2017
This book is a fantastic, tragic and all too real story of the brave men who served in Viet Nam in a company called Tiger Bravo. It hits home to me in that I was placed in a draft lottery at age 18, narrowly missing being drafted. This book is not for the faint of heart. The trials these brave men endured is displayed here wonderfully. I want to personally thank Mr. St. John for his service, allowing me the freedom I enjoy here in America.
April 20, 2018
A must read
Riveting story. Hard to put down. I am from the viet man era. Great respect for all veterans. Thank you!
Riveting story. Hard to put down. I am from the viet man era. Great respect for all veterans. Thank you!
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March 24, 2018MWSA Review
If you have never read a book about the Vietnam War, I recommend that you read this one. For that matter, if you’ve read fifty books about Vietnam, I still suggest that you read Tiger Bravo's War by Rick St John. Engagingly written, Tiger Bravo's War draws you into the maelstrom of war, one step at a time. It provides context and understanding of a divisive time in our nation’s history. It honors the men who lived and loved; laughed and cried; sacrificed and bled or died.
Civilians like me who have never experienced military life will be led through one company’s train-up to deployment, in-country training, year-long deployment, and homecoming without feeling disenfranchised by their lack of knowledge of military terms, acronyms, and special jargon. (Veterans will likely find enjoyment in the way that St John is able to define the experiences and vocabulary without condescending or over-explaining.)
Tiger Bravo is nonfiction military history covering a year in the lives of the soldiers of B Company, 2/506 of the 101st Airborne Division. It recounts the life and death struggles, the battles, the strategies, the humor, the horror, the victories, the defeats, the gains, and the losses during the company’s 1968 combat tour in Vietnam. St John allows us to see and feel what is going on through his superb writing, meticulously researched details, and seamlessly transitioned first-hand accounts of soldiers who were there. The numerous maps of battle plans allow us to understand how it went down from a bird’s-eye view. And the photos help us to realize that these were real people, not statistics—fellow citizens who were part of the Tiger Bravo company that year.
This is not an easy book to read. But it’s important. There were several times I had to put the book down, just to take some time off to absorb the difficulty and the horror of what our fighting men endured. And there were a couple times I just wanted it to end; the book seemed too long. However, I felt compelled to continue reading in honor of those who actually lived through the experience. If they could persevere and endure for a full year, I reasoned that I could continue reading for a few hours. No doubt they would have liked the luxury of time off to absorb the difficulty and horror. And no doubt they just wanted it to end. But they soldiered on. I could do no less.
MWSA Reviewer: Betsy Beard (March 2018)
If you have never read a book about the Vietnam War, I recommend that you read this one. For that matter, if you’ve read fifty books about Vietnam, I still suggest that you read Tiger Bravo's War by Rick St John. Engagingly written, Tiger Bravo's War draws you into the maelstrom of war, one step at a time. It provides context and understanding of a divisive time in our nation’s history. It honors the men who lived and loved; laughed and cried; sacrificed and bled or died.
Civilians like me who have never experienced military life will be led through one company’s train-up to deployment, in-country training, year-long deployment, and homecoming without feeling disenfranchised by their lack of knowledge of military terms, acronyms, and special jargon. (Veterans will likely find enjoyment in the way that St John is able to define the experiences and vocabulary without condescending or over-explaining.)
Tiger Bravo is nonfiction military history covering a year in the lives of the soldiers of B Company, 2/506 of the 101st Airborne Division. It recounts the life and death struggles, the battles, the strategies, the humor, the horror, the victories, the defeats, the gains, and the losses during the company’s 1968 combat tour in Vietnam. St John allows us to see and feel what is going on through his superb writing, meticulously researched details, and seamlessly transitioned first-hand accounts of soldiers who were there. The numerous maps of battle plans allow us to understand how it went down from a bird’s-eye view. And the photos help us to realize that these were real people, not statistics—fellow citizens who were part of the Tiger Bravo company that year.
This is not an easy book to read. But it’s important. There were several times I had to put the book down, just to take some time off to absorb the difficulty and the horror of what our fighting men endured. And there were a couple times I just wanted it to end; the book seemed too long. However, I felt compelled to continue reading in honor of those who actually lived through the experience. If they could persevere and endure for a full year, I reasoned that I could continue reading for a few hours. No doubt they would have liked the luxury of time off to absorb the difficulty and horror. And no doubt they just wanted it to end. But they soldiered on. I could do no less.
MWSA Reviewer: Betsy Beard (March 2018)
January 14, 2018
Tiger Bravo's War is a compendium of the stories of an entire Division. It outlines the journey of “A community of Sufferers” across battlefields, and through the struggles of an unpopular war. Rather than focus on a single battle, Rick St. John has followed the unit, which fought through every theater of Vietnam. He often pulls series of quotes that are not attributed to individuals, but rather give a picture of the average soldier in the Division.
The result is that you gain a composite image, or a snapshot of the “everyman” soldier, a picture of the American soldier in Vietnam, in much the same way that the book The Wives of Los Alamos presents the American wives of the Los Alamos scientists. It outlines an experience of war as a whole, rather than that of an individual.
The information presented in this thorough book is very well researched, and seems to be free of errors. It is not a fictional novel, but rather a summary of facts, awards earned, battles, and dates; a historical work. I enjoyed reading it for the information. I requested and received the Audible format free for review purposes, and recommend it for those wanting a good review of the details of warfare in Vietnam.
The result is that you gain a composite image, or a snapshot of the “everyman” soldier, a picture of the American soldier in Vietnam, in much the same way that the book The Wives of Los Alamos presents the American wives of the Los Alamos scientists. It outlines an experience of war as a whole, rather than that of an individual.
The information presented in this thorough book is very well researched, and seems to be free of errors. It is not a fictional novel, but rather a summary of facts, awards earned, battles, and dates; a historical work. I enjoyed reading it for the information. I requested and received the Audible format free for review purposes, and recommend it for those wanting a good review of the details of warfare in Vietnam.
December 28, 2021
In the company of Philip CThe sights, sounds and heartbreak blended together in a seamless flow. I admire the tireless amount of work that went into this writing. With at least 50 books read on the war, I would rate this in the top 5. A job well done. As a fellow trooper, I salute you.
In the company of Philip Caputo and James Webb- an epic read. The sights, sounds and heartbreak blended together in a seamless flow. I admire the tireless amount of work that went into this writing. With at least 50 books read on the war, I would rate this in the top 5. A job well done. As a fellow trooper, I salute you.
In the company of Philip Caputo and James Webb- an epic read. The sights, sounds and heartbreak blended together in a seamless flow. I admire the tireless amount of work that went into this writing. With at least 50 books read on the war, I would rate this in the top 5. A job well done. As a fellow trooper, I salute you.
February 3, 2025
What a Waste
This book about the American war in Vietnam brought home to me a number of truths, we should have either gone to war to win, or not gone at all, politicians should be made to put their money where their mouths are, you want a war Mr Senator, saddle up and get your butt out their with the grunts. The youth of America that went to war were young, brave and believing, so sad that such bravery and idealism was betrayed by the politicos
Russia and China were and potentially still are, our enemies but that is not our choice, we have no desire to control Russia or China so why can we not live and let live ?
This book about the American war in Vietnam brought home to me a number of truths, we should have either gone to war to win, or not gone at all, politicians should be made to put their money where their mouths are, you want a war Mr Senator, saddle up and get your butt out their with the grunts. The youth of America that went to war were young, brave and believing, so sad that such bravery and idealism was betrayed by the politicos
Russia and China were and potentially still are, our enemies but that is not our choice, we have no desire to control Russia or China so why can we not live and let live ?
July 18, 2021
Great Writing Skills
Why did Caputo have a best seller and St John get relegated to Kindle Unlimited? Timing I suspect. This book was written with great skill and an incredible eye for detail. I have often talked with a neighbor who was critically wounded “somewhere around Cu Chi in 1968 while serving as a paratrooper with the 101st. This history connects the dots for his story. Excellent work for a WP!
Why did Caputo have a best seller and St John get relegated to Kindle Unlimited? Timing I suspect. This book was written with great skill and an incredible eye for detail. I have often talked with a neighbor who was critically wounded “somewhere around Cu Chi in 1968 while serving as a paratrooper with the 101st. This history connects the dots for his story. Excellent work for a WP!
February 6, 2018
Airborne Warriors
A !of of true stories about every day life in the war. The never ending danger of being outside the wire.
I felt the book was too long. I got to the point where I was looking forward to the end. However, I can understand the authors desire to leave no one or their story out. Anyone who daily faced the dangers of life outside the wire is a hero!
A !of of true stories about every day life in the war. The never ending danger of being outside the wire.
I felt the book was too long. I got to the point where I was looking forward to the end. However, I can understand the authors desire to leave no one or their story out. Anyone who daily faced the dangers of life outside the wire is a hero!
June 16, 2021
I was a Marine Infantry Platoon Commander in Vietnam in 1969, and I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting a well-presented telling of one unit's activity during this period of the war. I just wish that I had kept a journal so that I could remember more details of my tour. What a horror show!
September 12, 2019
Wow
Amazing, touching, sad, exciting, an all around well written book! I wanted more info on Vietnam and I now understand what happened and why my dad, a Vietnam veteran himself was such an angry man throughout his life. God bless our men an women in the armed forces.
Amazing, touching, sad, exciting, an all around well written book! I wanted more info on Vietnam and I now understand what happened and why my dad, a Vietnam veteran himself was such an angry man throughout his life. God bless our men an women in the armed forces.
March 5, 2022
Well structured and easy to read, it's one of those "I'll just read a chapter" only to find yourself still reading it 2 hours later. If you have any interest in this period of history, I highly recommend this book.
March 24, 2022
Review
Great job rick. My best buddy was in the 101st. I was 1st 22nd infantry 4th division in 71. II corps. Thank you for your great read. Your detail was awesome. Thank you again . mac-1construction@cox.net
Great job rick. My best buddy was in the 101st. I was 1st 22nd infantry 4th division in 71. II corps. Thank you for your great read. Your detail was awesome. Thank you again . mac-1construction@cox.net
April 8, 2022
Excellent.
Liked the factual approach, the research definitely showed through. I have not read of Vietnam before it has been a great starting place to try to get a hint of a feel for what our soldiers went through.
Liked the factual approach, the research definitely showed through. I have not read of Vietnam before it has been a great starting place to try to get a hint of a feel for what our soldiers went through.
June 21, 2024
Really good read
One of the best first hand accounts of the Vietnam war I have read. Instructive, fascinating and well researched by a combat, veteran Officer. Thanks for your service!
One of the best first hand accounts of the Vietnam war I have read. Instructive, fascinating and well researched by a combat, veteran Officer. Thanks for your service!
June 11, 2018
Well written
, I thought this book was well written yarn with a lot of research. Good history of the unit for it's year in Nam.
Kudos
, I thought this book was well written yarn with a lot of research. Good history of the unit for it's year in Nam.
Kudos
September 21, 2018
A must read if you grew up in the 60s or 70s.
One of the most enlightening account of a young man and what he saw and felt during a time few people understand.
One of the most enlightening account of a young man and what he saw and felt during a time few people understand.
January 15, 2019
A solid memoir of a unit’s year in Vietnam
March 3, 2019
A great book worthy of any adults time. A much needed perspective on a highly controversial subject
September 22, 2019
This was well written and kept my interest to the end. I did not want to put it down until I finish. I have such admiration for the brave men.
September 30, 2019
A great read
Makes the reader feel you're there, being a part of Tiger Bravo's missions and firefights. You can't put it doen.
Makes the reader feel you're there, being a part of Tiger Bravo's missions and firefights. You can't put it doen.
February 14, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tiger Bravo's War gives an in depth look into the Vietnam war and some of the bloodiest most intense battles that took place. Rick St. John does an amazing job of helping the reader understand the human element of the war. In what is easily one of the most controversial armed conflicts in American history, Tiger Bravo's War puts the fighting in perspective from the point of view of the young men who lived it.
Tiger Bravo's War gives an in depth look into the Vietnam war and some of the bloodiest most intense battles that took place. Rick St. John does an amazing job of helping the reader understand the human element of the war. In what is easily one of the most controversial armed conflicts in American history, Tiger Bravo's War puts the fighting in perspective from the point of view of the young men who lived it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews