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THERE IT IS...IT DON'T MEAN NOTHIN': A Vietnam War Memoir
There it is, and It don’t mean nothin' are two phrases the grunts used to describe their situation in Vietnam. The first covered the insanity, and the second, the result. At the request of his daughters, Charles Hensler set out to write a brief summary of his time in Vietnam. The project evolved into a cathartic journey, resulting in a compelling, heartfelt memoir. Weaving threads of the events back home throughout his personal story, Hensler skillfully sets a scene integral to understanding how he and his compatriots felt in Vietnam in 1968, a year of transition. A year many Americans turned their backs on the war, and in a way, on those who fought in it. Hensler tells his story in a relatable way, creating a memoir with broad appeal. He held several occupations, giving an opportunity to understand many aspects of the war through his eyes. Through these varied roles, he was able to connect with locals on a different level than most troops. His recollection of these unlikely friendships is sincere and real. Hensler deftly paints scenes, some bloody and some beautiful. He reveals conflicted feelings about being in Vietnam, and how his experiences there affected him for years after his tour finished. He tells it all in a conversational tone, reminding us throughout of the personal nature of the project— explaining to his daughters a part of their father they never knew. Hensler’s memoir, in his words, was a journey retaken and in some ways, finally completed.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 3, 2018
Readable reflection on a difficult topic.
Written as a letter to his daughters, Mr. Hensler takes a matter of fact approach to sharing his personal experiences in Vietnam. As history student myself, I appreciate that he connects his experiences with touch stone historical events happening in Vietnam, such as the Tet Offensive, and external events, such as the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I certainly recommend this title and author to readers looking for Vietnam war memoirs focused on the every day soldier. Hensler's conversational tone and accessible style make this an informative read about a time period America sometimes tries to forget. Thank you Mr. Hensler for your service and your willingness to share your story.
Written as a letter to his daughters, Mr. Hensler takes a matter of fact approach to sharing his personal experiences in Vietnam. As history student myself, I appreciate that he connects his experiences with touch stone historical events happening in Vietnam, such as the Tet Offensive, and external events, such as the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I certainly recommend this title and author to readers looking for Vietnam war memoirs focused on the every day soldier. Hensler's conversational tone and accessible style make this an informative read about a time period America sometimes tries to forget. Thank you Mr. Hensler for your service and your willingness to share your story.
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March 23, 2020MWSA Review
A gripping firsthand account of the Vietnam War, Charles Hensler's memoir There it is…It don't mean nothin' captures the experiences of a young man and the soul of an era. Written in a straightforward and easygoing manner, the book is refreshingly candid. Hensler takes a well-organized approach, giving readers unfamiliar with the Vietnam War a context for events and themes in this rich autobiographical account.
Hensler's vivid and direct writing style is riveting, giving the reader an experience like listening to his storytelling in person. He adds depth and color to the narrative by noting important historical and cultural events, giving a view of the larger world around him as he experienced the war. Other enriching details incorporated into the story include brief guides to military slang and common Vietnamese phrases, which truly make the era come alive.
The book is deeply moving, humorous at times, and very honest. It imparts a deeper understanding of the experiences of young American servicemen during the Vietnam War. For those seeking to enhance their knowledge of the war and the men who lived through it, Hensler's story is an essential read
Review by Zita Ballinger Fletcher (March 2020)
A gripping firsthand account of the Vietnam War, Charles Hensler's memoir There it is…It don't mean nothin' captures the experiences of a young man and the soul of an era. Written in a straightforward and easygoing manner, the book is refreshingly candid. Hensler takes a well-organized approach, giving readers unfamiliar with the Vietnam War a context for events and themes in this rich autobiographical account.
Hensler's vivid and direct writing style is riveting, giving the reader an experience like listening to his storytelling in person. He adds depth and color to the narrative by noting important historical and cultural events, giving a view of the larger world around him as he experienced the war. Other enriching details incorporated into the story include brief guides to military slang and common Vietnamese phrases, which truly make the era come alive.
The book is deeply moving, humorous at times, and very honest. It imparts a deeper understanding of the experiences of young American servicemen during the Vietnam War. For those seeking to enhance their knowledge of the war and the men who lived through it, Hensler's story is an essential read
Review by Zita Ballinger Fletcher (March 2020)
December 8, 2020
A Healing Story
I graduated high school in 1965 and watched my classmates enlist or be drafted. The war was something we watched on TV during the nightly news. Woodstock happened, hippies were the rage, the music was great but the war didn’t touch me. Then in 1970 I married a Vietnam combat vet. He didn’t talk much about it but what he did say was very similar to the author of this book. The powerful part of the book to me was after he returned home and his struggles to reintegrate into “The World”. My husband was determined - he was successful but my brother-in-law who did three tours came home very messed up. Ended up setting himself on fire on the steps of a VA hospital. I hurt for all the Vietnam vets. I also honor and respect them all. This book spills the author’s guts out - he tells all his feelings. This story is all about him and a poignant story it is.
I graduated high school in 1965 and watched my classmates enlist or be drafted. The war was something we watched on TV during the nightly news. Woodstock happened, hippies were the rage, the music was great but the war didn’t touch me. Then in 1970 I married a Vietnam combat vet. He didn’t talk much about it but what he did say was very similar to the author of this book. The powerful part of the book to me was after he returned home and his struggles to reintegrate into “The World”. My husband was determined - he was successful but my brother-in-law who did three tours came home very messed up. Ended up setting himself on fire on the steps of a VA hospital. I hurt for all the Vietnam vets. I also honor and respect them all. This book spills the author’s guts out - he tells all his feelings. This story is all about him and a poignant story it is.
April 16, 2019
Spoiler alert: I quote a key sentence from the ending of the book.
I am the author’s brother so I am naturally biased in giving him 5 stars. I am totally awestruck that he could write so well. Although I was classified 1-A I somehow escaped the draft and Vietnam. My only knowledge of the war was what I saw on the nightly news. Chuck’s book really opened my eyes to what it was like. But what really struck me was his homecoming. He writes, “I can’t recall, even in my own family, anyone asking me how I felt about the war. It was like, ‘Thank God he is home safe, now we don’t have to think about it anymore.’” You would think that during the ensuing years that I would have had at least one conversation with my brother about the war, but no. I regret that. I’m pleased that he finally got the ordeal out in the open.
I am the author’s brother so I am naturally biased in giving him 5 stars. I am totally awestruck that he could write so well. Although I was classified 1-A I somehow escaped the draft and Vietnam. My only knowledge of the war was what I saw on the nightly news. Chuck’s book really opened my eyes to what it was like. But what really struck me was his homecoming. He writes, “I can’t recall, even in my own family, anyone asking me how I felt about the war. It was like, ‘Thank God he is home safe, now we don’t have to think about it anymore.’” You would think that during the ensuing years that I would have had at least one conversation with my brother about the war, but no. I regret that. I’m pleased that he finally got the ordeal out in the open.
March 21, 2020
I am a Vietnam vet also (navy 70-72 Mekong).
This was my first read of a VN story. I felt this was a pretty good depiction of the war and the times.
A very interesting story that held my attention. I fell like I could relate to a lot of what was described here.
Well done and,
WELCOME HOME BROTHER. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
This was my first read of a VN story. I felt this was a pretty good depiction of the war and the times.
A very interesting story that held my attention. I fell like I could relate to a lot of what was described here.
Well done and,
WELCOME HOME BROTHER. 🇺🇸🇺🇸
June 4, 2021
Epic!
gpcavana819@yahoo.com.
So many books written by soldiers who served in Vietnam end with their DEROS. I found it amazingly brave of you to carry your story past that point.
From one Vet (1983_1988) to another...
Salute, Sir!
J.Cavanaugh (SSgt, USAF)
gpcavana819@yahoo.com.
So many books written by soldiers who served in Vietnam end with their DEROS. I found it amazingly brave of you to carry your story past that point.
From one Vet (1983_1988) to another...
Salute, Sir!
J.Cavanaugh (SSgt, USAF)
January 12, 2023
Different from other Vietnam Books
As a Vietnam vet I've read dozens of books about the experiences of U.S. soldiers. This one was different to me because of its extreme introspection. I arrived in country infantry trained with an 11B MOS. I've always considered myself lucky that I ended up in a support position in the Hdqts Co of an aviation unit. Yet there is also a small part of me - admittedly the foolish part - that wishes he had experienced some combat and the camaraderie, fear and what some describe as excitement that came with it. In the back of my mind I always wonder how I would have fared, and if I would have survived in the jungle and, if so, what my life would be like today. Although there is no comparison between the hardships the author went through and my relatively safe 13 months in country, we both felt some guilt, he for surviving some dangerous situations that others didn't survive, and me for avoiding any survival situations. I'm glad for the way things finally turned out for him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think anyone who served in Vietnam will enjoy it too
As a Vietnam vet I've read dozens of books about the experiences of U.S. soldiers. This one was different to me because of its extreme introspection. I arrived in country infantry trained with an 11B MOS. I've always considered myself lucky that I ended up in a support position in the Hdqts Co of an aviation unit. Yet there is also a small part of me - admittedly the foolish part - that wishes he had experienced some combat and the camaraderie, fear and what some describe as excitement that came with it. In the back of my mind I always wonder how I would have fared, and if I would have survived in the jungle and, if so, what my life would be like today. Although there is no comparison between the hardships the author went through and my relatively safe 13 months in country, we both felt some guilt, he for surviving some dangerous situations that others didn't survive, and me for avoiding any survival situations. I'm glad for the way things finally turned out for him. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think anyone who served in Vietnam will enjoy it too
May 4, 2021
3.5 stars. This author is clearly not a professional writer. His memoir is organized chronologically and reads more like a journal than a shaped narrative. There’s considerable repetition of information and insights across chapters, and there are many little anecdotes that don’t build to anything. But the prose is unassuming, straightforward, and clean; acronyms and slang are well-defined; and there’s a ton of detailed, ground-level info about the war. It’s a bonus that Hensler tries to embed his experiences into a larger perspective of what was happening in the U.S. and in the world at the time, and that, despite being conflicted about his service, he comes across as a decent, responsible, stoic, and eminently honorable infantryman. All soldiers should be like him.
May 1, 2023
This Book helped save my sense of self!
This book is another account of a young man’s personal journey in Vietnam. I have read quite a few books with the same theme.
This account is different from the others however. The author has a
God given talent to explain the feelings and emotions generated by
experiencing contrasting emotions living day after day in a dangerous and
deadly environment.
I have suffered all my life from not being able to experience the full emotions of love,happiness sadness and joy. This book helped me realize that I too suffer PTSD from having to detach myself from reality during my experiences in the military.
Thank you so much Mr. Hensler for helping me realize that I wasn’t born this way and am not alone.
This book is another account of a young man’s personal journey in Vietnam. I have read quite a few books with the same theme.
This account is different from the others however. The author has a
God given talent to explain the feelings and emotions generated by
experiencing contrasting emotions living day after day in a dangerous and
deadly environment.
I have suffered all my life from not being able to experience the full emotions of love,happiness sadness and joy. This book helped me realize that I too suffer PTSD from having to detach myself from reality during my experiences in the military.
Thank you so much Mr. Hensler for helping me realize that I wasn’t born this way and am not alone.
April 23, 2020
BORING
While I’m grateful for the authors’ service, his experience in Vietnam makes for tedious and boring reading. I’ve read many books on the subject and this is one that shouldn’t have been done. He claims he didn’t feel emotionally when he visited the wall. Understandable since he had little to no combat experience to relate, spending more time in a hammock with a Vietnamese hooker, and dodging assignments and hiding out in villages when he should have been in the field. Glad your life post war is good. I have friends who saw intense battles and participated in furious firefights and returned permanently damaged. Their stories are far more interesting.
While I’m grateful for the authors’ service, his experience in Vietnam makes for tedious and boring reading. I’ve read many books on the subject and this is one that shouldn’t have been done. He claims he didn’t feel emotionally when he visited the wall. Understandable since he had little to no combat experience to relate, spending more time in a hammock with a Vietnamese hooker, and dodging assignments and hiding out in villages when he should have been in the field. Glad your life post war is good. I have friends who saw intense battles and participated in furious firefights and returned permanently damaged. Their stories are far more interesting.
June 3, 2019
Title is a bit misleading, it meant A lot would have been more appropriate
Being a Vietnam veteran myself, and having a base camp located next door to the 199th base camp, brought back a lot of memories of the my arrival to Vietnam in December 1969. remembering Tet of 1969, was made vivid by Charles recording.
I was part of the Indiana Rangers as we were called being the activated National Guard unit that was the only national guard unit to serve as combat Airborne Rangers to Nov 1969. Rangers Lead the Way. Thanks for a great read
Being a Vietnam veteran myself, and having a base camp located next door to the 199th base camp, brought back a lot of memories of the my arrival to Vietnam in December 1969. remembering Tet of 1969, was made vivid by Charles recording.
I was part of the Indiana Rangers as we were called being the activated National Guard unit that was the only national guard unit to serve as combat Airborne Rangers to Nov 1969. Rangers Lead the Way. Thanks for a great read
November 12, 2020
A nostalgic trip into my youth
Now on the downslope of my septuagenarian decade, I found this book an authentic vehicle to finally give an honest examination to the life passage that truly formed the next half century of my journey. At times funny, at times sad to the point of moving this jaded leatherneck to tears, I found an honest man telling his personal truth. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the hot chapters of Cold War history, or anyone who can identify with the unconditional love of parenthood. Well done, Chuckie.
Now on the downslope of my septuagenarian decade, I found this book an authentic vehicle to finally give an honest examination to the life passage that truly formed the next half century of my journey. At times funny, at times sad to the point of moving this jaded leatherneck to tears, I found an honest man telling his personal truth. I recommend this book for anyone interested in the hot chapters of Cold War history, or anyone who can identify with the unconditional love of parenthood. Well done, Chuckie.
May 12, 2020
Thanks man!
Thanks Hensler. Vietnam was second adventure for me.I love and hate it. Your writing style and experiences mirror my. I was in the Big Red One.
I remember we were guarding a couple bulldozers at a fork in the road in middle the bush. That was the beginning of Long Binh ! I was at the Wall the night before it open. It was emotional . A large group of us spent the night drinking and smoking. Yeah great book. Thank you..
O
Thanks Hensler. Vietnam was second adventure for me.I love and hate it. Your writing style and experiences mirror my. I was in the Big Red One.
I remember we were guarding a couple bulldozers at a fork in the road in middle the bush. That was the beginning of Long Binh ! I was at the Wall the night before it open. It was emotional . A large group of us spent the night drinking and smoking. Yeah great book. Thank you..
O
January 24, 2021
This Is Real
The writing may not be the best, but this is Vietnam as I remember it. This is real. The filthy clothes, the ground in dirt and slime on every inch of the soldier's body, the savage humps under heavy packs, the rain, and the feelings of tiredness and interrupted sleep. And then there is the fear, as pitiless and unrelenting as the rain, and the knowledge that you have seen and done things that no one back in the world will ever understand.
The writing may not be the best, but this is Vietnam as I remember it. This is real. The filthy clothes, the ground in dirt and slime on every inch of the soldier's body, the savage humps under heavy packs, the rain, and the feelings of tiredness and interrupted sleep. And then there is the fear, as pitiless and unrelenting as the rain, and the knowledge that you have seen and done things that no one back in the world will ever understand.
March 25, 2024
Charles Hensler relates is time in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade from April 1968 to April 1969. 19 years old Hensler does a great job telling his story in a very relatable way. His insight into the psychi of the average soldier in Vietnam is informative and honest. He deals with racial issues, FNGs, local Vietnamese and a host of other topics that help the reader better understand the ground soldier in Vietnam.
April 15, 2024
The year.
Charles took me on the journey I didn't have to take. A different 1969 than I experienced. It took me awhile to read about his tour of duty, I looked forward to reading what he had to say every time I opened the book. A very sensible guy in a tucked situation. Thanks Charles For sharing your time in country. Glad you we're able to come home whole and finally find the Peace you deserve.
Terry McDonald.
Charles took me on the journey I didn't have to take. A different 1969 than I experienced. It took me awhile to read about his tour of duty, I looked forward to reading what he had to say every time I opened the book. A very sensible guy in a tucked situation. Thanks Charles For sharing your time in country. Glad you we're able to come home whole and finally find the Peace you deserve.
Terry McDonald.
December 7, 2018
A good book written by one of the good guys
This well written book was obviously authered by a vet that was capable of expressing his honest feelings well. His through updates of events taking place in the US and other locations outside Vietnam were a bonus. It would make great reading for children whose parents were young in the Vietnam war era.
This well written book was obviously authered by a vet that was capable of expressing his honest feelings well. His through updates of events taking place in the US and other locations outside Vietnam were a bonus. It would make great reading for children whose parents were young in the Vietnam war era.
April 6, 2019
An excellent read. I entered the Marine Corps the end of 1979 in the delay entry program . I just missed Vietnam and books like this one bring home what my fellow brothers in arms had to endure. Thank you.
This book was an exceptional read and I liked everything about the book. I just missed Vietnam and it is good to be able to try and understand what they had to endure.
This book was an exceptional read and I liked everything about the book. I just missed Vietnam and it is good to be able to try and understand what they had to endure.
April 12, 2019
Excellent rendition of one soldier's view of warfare in Southeast Asia
This writer depicts an in-depth expression of the thoughts regarding this soldier's tour of duty in a world so totally opposite from home. It's an emotional display of the many events that creates feeling of excitement, fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, depression, and finally relief. Well done!
This writer depicts an in-depth expression of the thoughts regarding this soldier's tour of duty in a world so totally opposite from home. It's an emotional display of the many events that creates feeling of excitement, fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, depression, and finally relief. Well done!
April 29, 2019
Excellent read. Covers many aspects of what a soldier does in a variety of positions throughout his year in Vietnam. Specifically enjoyable as the author served in many positions..not all of them engaged in direct combat. Written well and his descriptions of all are easily understandable even to folks that never been associated with the military.
January 12, 2021
Having been for a year in the mid-1960s on a 48 hour standby to be sent to Vietnam with my infantry battalion, the war there has since held a form of horrified fascination for me. Hensler's account of his year in Vietnam at aged nineteen, is a dispassionate account of his time there, tinged with a degree of self-deprecating humour. A must read for anybody interested in the Vietnam War.
February 19, 2022
Amazing
The author writes a personal war memoir from the heart. So eloquent and real. I once learned that the army does one thing right: selection of the best and brightest to carry on. The author represents the soldier of the duration of the Vietnam war, in my book. God bless him, still. For someone up there surely took care of him during his tour.
The author writes a personal war memoir from the heart. So eloquent and real. I once learned that the army does one thing right: selection of the best and brightest to carry on. The author represents the soldier of the duration of the Vietnam war, in my book. God bless him, still. For someone up there surely took care of him during his tour.
May 25, 2024
Vietnam. This is one of the best books I have read about a young man and his experiences in Vietnam. I thought it started out a little slow but then it picked up speed and I truly enjoyed reading it to the end. He does a nice job of adding events taking place at home while he was in Vietnam and also adds some statistics that helps one understand various aspects of the war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2019
I forgot, worrying about Trump, what a true life and generational sacrifice I actually lived through.
Being the same age and with all the intervening years, the author’s account, is a compelling reminder of an America at war with itself.
Being the same age and with all the intervening years, the author’s account, is a compelling reminder of an America at war with itself.
January 24, 2019
Historic battlefields do eventually embrace wildflowers.
Once the mind has been traumatised clicking the delete button doesn't make the memory go away, one simply consents to overwrite the experience, making recall less desirable over time.
Great story well written.
Once the mind has been traumatised clicking the delete button doesn't make the memory go away, one simply consents to overwrite the experience, making recall less desirable over time.
Great story well written.
January 26, 2019
Been there
I can't believe that I lived only a few miles from the author. Only difference instead of infantry i was placed into artillery. Great read and I highly recommend this book. I could really relate. Thanks for sharing
I can't believe that I lived only a few miles from the author. Only difference instead of infantry i was placed into artillery. Great read and I highly recommend this book. I could really relate. Thanks for sharing
January 27, 2019
Hensler, wrote a book that actually describes what happens when you send a teenager to war for little reason other than politics, His is a realistic portrait of what this war was all about and how the Veterans of it coped once they returned home to much divide .
February 1, 2019
Could not have said it better myself.
This author described his experiences and conclusion clearly from the heart. I was there a year before, and share many similar feelings. I highly recommend this book. It is as clear the written word can describe personal combat.
This author described his experiences and conclusion clearly from the heart. I was there a year before, and share many similar feelings. I highly recommend this book. It is as clear the written word can describe personal combat.
February 14, 2019
very well written book, loved it. as a Vietnam vet who served approximately same time I can relate to the feelings he had upon return home, same with me, you're left with all these emotions and nobody to share them with, not even family wants to hear about it. it's a long, long, time before you're able to move on and put it behind you. Thumbs up to author, he has unique ability to put experiences into words that few do.
LAH
LAH
April 1, 2019
Memories
The authors memory of his time in Vietnam was a catalyst that helped me, after two tours I couldn’t remember hardly anything. A truly remarkable reflective account of the daily grind of being in country which spurred me to recall my own personal experiences. Thank you.
The authors memory of his time in Vietnam was a catalyst that helped me, after two tours I couldn’t remember hardly anything. A truly remarkable reflective account of the daily grind of being in country which spurred me to recall my own personal experiences. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews