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Alpha One Sixteen: A Combat Infantryman's Year in Vietnam
In this “great and necessary addition to the canon of Vietnam War memoirs” the author “is a thoroughly human Virgil guiding us through the hell of combat” (New York Journal of Books). Peter Clark’s year in Vietnam began in July 1966, when he was shipped out with hundreds of other young recruits as a replacement in the 1st Infantry Division. Assigned to the Alpha Company, Clark gives a visceral and vivid account of life in the platoon as he progresses from green recruit to seasoned soldier over the course of a year. Alpha One Sixteen follows Clark as he discovers how to handle the daily confusion of distinguishing combatants from civilians. The Viet Cong were a largely unseen enemy who fought a guerrilla war, setting traps and landmines everywhere. As he continues his journey, Clark gradually learns the techniques for coping with the daily horrors he encounters, the technical skills needed to fight and survive, and how to deal with the awful reality of civilian casualties. Fighting aside, it rained almost every day, and insect bites constantly plagued the soldiers as they moved through dense jungle, muddy rice paddies, and sandy roads. From the food they ate to the inventive ways they managed to shower—and the off-duty time they spent in the bars of Tokyo—every aspect of the platoon’s lives is explored in this revealing book. A Military Book Club main selection.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 9, 2021
Emotional yet accurate description
This had to be a burden to write. At times it was difficult to read. We are the same generation. Medically, I was unable to serve. War sucks, and Vietnam had a crushing effect on the country. This book deserves a lot for the truth it tells, and for that reason should be read by all. Highly recommend.
This had to be a burden to write. At times it was difficult to read. We are the same generation. Medically, I was unable to serve. War sucks, and Vietnam had a crushing effect on the country. This book deserves a lot for the truth it tells, and for that reason should be read by all. Highly recommend.
August 1, 2019
A Hero's Real Life Drama
I liked the way this book allowed me to imagine that I was there with Alpha company of the 1/16. I was able to see the futility of fighting a jungle war - you did not know where the enemy was until you were fired upon and the enemy usually knew where you were or where you would be. There are some choppy sentences and one significant error - there were no F-16s in the Vietnam War; the. F-16 was not in tactical use until after the war was over.
I liked the way this book allowed me to imagine that I was there with Alpha company of the 1/16. I was able to see the futility of fighting a jungle war - you did not know where the enemy was until you were fired upon and the enemy usually knew where you were or where you would be. There are some choppy sentences and one significant error - there were no F-16s in the Vietnam War; the. F-16 was not in tactical use until after the war was over.
April 5, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “THE INSEPERABLE MIXTURE OF GUILT AND JOY THAT COMES WITH SURVIVAL”
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The author went in the service in 1965… I went in in 1968 at the age of nineteen. It bothered me then and bothers me now… that when I enlisted from California… I was old enough to kill… but not old enough to legally drink. A few weeks ago I hit the fiftieth anniversary of my enlistment… and for almost the last forty-six years… there are things I’ve tried very hard to forget… there were things I did finally forget… and then there were the things… that when I was debriefed… I was told I couldn’t possibly remember them… because they never happened. (*classified*) This book written fifty-years after Peter Clark’s honorable heroic service is written with the absolute PERFECT writing “touch” for what is still a very sensitive… confusion of feelings for many who served. .. from start to finish. (And please make sure and read the final acknowledgments… as they add the final perfect icing on the literary cake… as Peter explains how the book came to be written… and addresses something that was hovering above my mind throughout the reading of the book… how could he possibly remember such detail from so long ago!?) In the thousands of books I’ve read over the years… this book is probably only about the tenth one that the acknowledgements were especially meaningful… and not akin to someone’s Christmas card mailing list.
I won’t say the book was entertaining… because a book like this should not have a goal of entertainment. This book educated me… touched me… and made me gently remember some of the things that were worth remembering. The author should be highly praised in how he shared the descriptions of… and data regarding our brave Brothers-In-Arms… who gave the all too over-used term in the world outside the people who actually serve… “The-Ultimate-Sacrifice”. Dignity… respect… and allegiance… are the words that come to mind… in his delicate handling of these circumstances.
As a reader and reviewer of many books… I also want to compliment the author… on proving the old adage… “Sometimes… less… is more”. He did not fall prey… to what many authors do… and try to bury you in an avalanche of words to make a point. Peter used the power of truth and experience. Right from the beginning he hit home with me… and said it all… better than a poet… and he literally moved me back in time… to those brutal days… in the ultimate American melting pot… basic training… when he wrote: “At the beginning of basic I hadn’t a clue about how to fit in with my new comrades, but by the end I was starting to figure out that character, both good and bad, was pretty evenly distributed without regard to race or privilege.”
All types of human beings entered America’s Vietnam military. Some wanted to go… some didn’t… some had to… some just came. It’s hard to use the word “sweet” in a book about war… but Clark always loved the idea of the military growing up… and even when he was starting to learn what it was really like… including being bounced around on large cargo flights like un-insured freight… to being bounced around in the back of trucks… he got a childish kick out of all the lines of army vehicles. As he stated so eloquently in the final acknowledgements… “I have done my best not to edit my younger self, or to attempt to improve upon him. I think, and hope, that if I had written this book when I was 22, it would be pretty much as you see it now.” It is my belief that he has succeeded in that goal. I was also gratified that he wasn’t afraid to tell of cowards as well as heroes… because believe me there are and were both.
It took me years… decades… to fall asleep without imagining I was taking apart my M-16 and putting it back together blind folded… to stop jumping out of bed and swinging… if a twig hit the window… I finally forgot what was in C-rations… I still sleep with my arm (sans M-16) across my throat... but I haven’t thought of an entrenching tool ever… but that’s the one thing that will now be in my thoughts quite often… and if that’s the one memory reactivated… that’s a major victory.
Peter… getting your story published… and out into the world… at this stage of your life… has to be as satisfying as counting down your/our days to go home from “being a two-digit-midget”… to “being too short to have a conversation”… and then Honorable Discharge in hand… out!
Keep the faith Brother.
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The author went in the service in 1965… I went in in 1968 at the age of nineteen. It bothered me then and bothers me now… that when I enlisted from California… I was old enough to kill… but not old enough to legally drink. A few weeks ago I hit the fiftieth anniversary of my enlistment… and for almost the last forty-six years… there are things I’ve tried very hard to forget… there were things I did finally forget… and then there were the things… that when I was debriefed… I was told I couldn’t possibly remember them… because they never happened. (*classified*) This book written fifty-years after Peter Clark’s honorable heroic service is written with the absolute PERFECT writing “touch” for what is still a very sensitive… confusion of feelings for many who served. .. from start to finish. (And please make sure and read the final acknowledgments… as they add the final perfect icing on the literary cake… as Peter explains how the book came to be written… and addresses something that was hovering above my mind throughout the reading of the book… how could he possibly remember such detail from so long ago!?) In the thousands of books I’ve read over the years… this book is probably only about the tenth one that the acknowledgements were especially meaningful… and not akin to someone’s Christmas card mailing list.
I won’t say the book was entertaining… because a book like this should not have a goal of entertainment. This book educated me… touched me… and made me gently remember some of the things that were worth remembering. The author should be highly praised in how he shared the descriptions of… and data regarding our brave Brothers-In-Arms… who gave the all too over-used term in the world outside the people who actually serve… “The-Ultimate-Sacrifice”. Dignity… respect… and allegiance… are the words that come to mind… in his delicate handling of these circumstances.
As a reader and reviewer of many books… I also want to compliment the author… on proving the old adage… “Sometimes… less… is more”. He did not fall prey… to what many authors do… and try to bury you in an avalanche of words to make a point. Peter used the power of truth and experience. Right from the beginning he hit home with me… and said it all… better than a poet… and he literally moved me back in time… to those brutal days… in the ultimate American melting pot… basic training… when he wrote: “At the beginning of basic I hadn’t a clue about how to fit in with my new comrades, but by the end I was starting to figure out that character, both good and bad, was pretty evenly distributed without regard to race or privilege.”
All types of human beings entered America’s Vietnam military. Some wanted to go… some didn’t… some had to… some just came. It’s hard to use the word “sweet” in a book about war… but Clark always loved the idea of the military growing up… and even when he was starting to learn what it was really like… including being bounced around on large cargo flights like un-insured freight… to being bounced around in the back of trucks… he got a childish kick out of all the lines of army vehicles. As he stated so eloquently in the final acknowledgements… “I have done my best not to edit my younger self, or to attempt to improve upon him. I think, and hope, that if I had written this book when I was 22, it would be pretty much as you see it now.” It is my belief that he has succeeded in that goal. I was also gratified that he wasn’t afraid to tell of cowards as well as heroes… because believe me there are and were both.
It took me years… decades… to fall asleep without imagining I was taking apart my M-16 and putting it back together blind folded… to stop jumping out of bed and swinging… if a twig hit the window… I finally forgot what was in C-rations… I still sleep with my arm (sans M-16) across my throat... but I haven’t thought of an entrenching tool ever… but that’s the one thing that will now be in my thoughts quite often… and if that’s the one memory reactivated… that’s a major victory.
Peter… getting your story published… and out into the world… at this stage of your life… has to be as satisfying as counting down your/our days to go home from “being a two-digit-midget”… to “being too short to have a conversation”… and then Honorable Discharge in hand… out!
Keep the faith Brother.
May 30, 2020
A tell it like it is of one man's year in Vietnam. At the beginning his excitement at going to Vietnam is palpable, but soon enough a matter of fact tone is dominant. He describes dangerous skirmishes in much the same way he does the boring routines of being back at base. This doesn't detract from the writing at all although you might expect it to; the fact that he writes so dispassionately brings home some of the awfulness of being in Vietnam. He ends up in a favourable job close to the Unit Commander and knows a little sooner than others what is unfolding, or about to unfold. Until close to the end of his tour, his unit was relatively lucky, but the last chapter or so describes a huge battle in which many soldiers are killed or badly wounded, including him, and includes excerpts from others who were there. A couple of things irritated me; at the beginning he is continually telling you what Acronyms are with phrases such as 'in Vietnam speak' and he also gives some of his fellow soldiers real names, but often says ....'who I will call Name.' And you know that Name won't be doing anything good.
December 5, 2018
I have to admit that I did not have extremely high expectations for this book. I am not sure why I just didn't.
This book is a ground-level view of what it was like for the author as a soldier in Vietnam.
Clark does well with many things, such as honoring the service of other soldiers including those that lost their lives, explaining just how mundane certain situations were, giving readers a look into combat, as well as outings on R&R. I thought he did well offering his opinion without going overboard one way or the other politically.
There were some slow spots in the book and it was during those especially slower chapters that I wished he had injected more of his sarcasm and wit. I enjoyed those chapters more when it was beyond just fact reporting.
The final battle that Clark was involved with was the best part of the book and the most intense. It was not until the end of the book that I learned he had received a medal, proof that the book was not just about him, but about others.
This book is a ground-level view of what it was like for the author as a soldier in Vietnam.
Clark does well with many things, such as honoring the service of other soldiers including those that lost their lives, explaining just how mundane certain situations were, giving readers a look into combat, as well as outings on R&R. I thought he did well offering his opinion without going overboard one way or the other politically.
There were some slow spots in the book and it was during those especially slower chapters that I wished he had injected more of his sarcasm and wit. I enjoyed those chapters more when it was beyond just fact reporting.
The final battle that Clark was involved with was the best part of the book and the most intense. It was not until the end of the book that I learned he had received a medal, proof that the book was not just about him, but about others.
May 12, 2021
Alpha One Sixteen by Peter Clark is a memoir of his time with the 1st Infantry Division in 1966. He begins as an infantryman and relates how difficult it was for him to get the proper equipment upon his arrival. He spent weeks in the bush with stateside boots and thick fatigues. He carried the radio for the Platoon Leader and eventually was assigned to the Alpha Company Command Platoon and carried the Battalion radio for the captain. He shares his R&R experience, free time at the basecamp, and boring times out on neverending patrols to find the enemy. There are also firefights and adrenaline-raising times when the enemy was near but wasn't seen.
The author pays tribute to those soldiers killed at the end of each chapter.
A good book without a lot of dialogue. A true account of what it was like to hump and sleep in the boonies for a 12-month tour. Mr. Clark is injured in his 11th month and shares his experiences in the hospitals during his months of recovery and return to civilian life.
The author pays tribute to those soldiers killed at the end of each chapter.
A good book without a lot of dialogue. A true account of what it was like to hump and sleep in the boonies for a 12-month tour. Mr. Clark is injured in his 11th month and shares his experiences in the hospitals during his months of recovery and return to civilian life.
July 21, 2018
A grunt’s eye view of the Vietnam War. Clark volunteered for infantry service in Vietnam. He gives a day by day account of his year in country. Most of his time was spent in routine tasks, but he was involved in two major battles when his unit was almost overrun.
Clark details the courage of individual soldiers and the stupidity of the commanders. The futility of the Vietnam War is evident without the author having to take a political position. Clark honors those he served with by detailing acts of bravery and cowardice; cruelty and compassion; honor and dishonor.
I did not expect much when I started this book, but I was captivated and could not put it down. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Clark details the courage of individual soldiers and the stupidity of the commanders. The futility of the Vietnam War is evident without the author having to take a political position. Clark honors those he served with by detailing acts of bravery and cowardice; cruelty and compassion; honor and dishonor.
I did not expect much when I started this book, but I was captivated and could not put it down. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2021
Made me glad and sad....
I enlisted in the Army at 19 in December of 1973. By then we were drawing down our presence in Vietnam, pursing the dream of "peace with honor"... A noble idea. At the time I was greatly relieved for being spared what SP4 Clark went through. Reading this brought what could have been into glaring light. I felt honored to have volunteered and grateful the check never got cashed. Thanks Peter, for a great read and a compelling story. And thank you and all your brothers.
I enlisted in the Army at 19 in December of 1973. By then we were drawing down our presence in Vietnam, pursing the dream of "peace with honor"... A noble idea. At the time I was greatly relieved for being spared what SP4 Clark went through. Reading this brought what could have been into glaring light. I felt honored to have volunteered and grateful the check never got cashed. Thanks Peter, for a great read and a compelling story. And thank you and all your brothers.
August 19, 2021
Excellent first hand experience
I was grateful for the down to earth writing style in Alpha One Sixteen. I have found that in almost all military memoirs I have read. The men are just normal folks with an incredibly dangerous job in incredibly dangerous locations. I am so thankful for people over the years like Peter Clark. They stood the test for us to keep the freedoms we still enjoy today.
This is an easy paced read for anyone who wants to get a real understanding of the day to day life of a US Army soldier in the jungles of Vietnam.
I was grateful for the down to earth writing style in Alpha One Sixteen. I have found that in almost all military memoirs I have read. The men are just normal folks with an incredibly dangerous job in incredibly dangerous locations. I am so thankful for people over the years like Peter Clark. They stood the test for us to keep the freedoms we still enjoy today.
This is an easy paced read for anyone who wants to get a real understanding of the day to day life of a US Army soldier in the jungles of Vietnam.
January 13, 2020
3.5 stars- This book took me a lot to get into it. The first 100 pages were tough and I thought I was just going to call it quits. The second hundred went down I a couple of days.
Clark does a nice job of walking us through the life and the day of an infantry soldier. I definitely enjoyed the end of the book with the large battle from June 7.
I am happy we have authors and books like this to read.
Clark does a nice job of walking us through the life and the day of an infantry soldier. I definitely enjoyed the end of the book with the large battle from June 7.
I am happy we have authors and books like this to read.
January 22, 2019
Medals earned
I am glad that Pete remains proud of the medals he earned. They represent more than most men will ever understand. I now understand how some men felt compelled to do second and even third tours in the Vietnam war machine in spite of the fact it had chewed them up some. The men they fought with were like their second families.
I am glad that Pete remains proud of the medals he earned. They represent more than most men will ever understand. I now understand how some men felt compelled to do second and even third tours in the Vietnam war machine in spite of the fact it had chewed them up some. The men they fought with were like their second families.
August 13, 2019
Couldn’t put it down.
I never made it across the pond, but heard from many contemporaries who served as grunts about events in South Vietnam. This account reminded me of these early conversations. The writing is excellent, refreshing, a story that traces the one year war of a CIB winner. Thank you Peter Clark for your service. And thank you for sharing your story.
I never made it across the pond, but heard from many contemporaries who served as grunts about events in South Vietnam. This account reminded me of these early conversations. The writing is excellent, refreshing, a story that traces the one year war of a CIB winner. Thank you Peter Clark for your service. And thank you for sharing your story.
May 22, 2021
Superb Account of a rifleman's time in the Vietnam War
Well written and honest description of fighting as an 11B in the RVN during the Vietnam War. Describes well his accession, training, in country service, being WIA and recovery in CONUS. Thoughtful and insightful. One of the best of this era.
Well written and honest description of fighting as an 11B in the RVN during the Vietnam War. Describes well his accession, training, in country service, being WIA and recovery in CONUS. Thoughtful and insightful. One of the best of this era.
June 7, 2021
Fascinating Account
As a retired soldier, I thoroughly enjoyed this account of the author's tour of duty. It provided an excellent look at a snapshot in time that motivated me to follow in the footsteps of my family's military heritage and serve our great nation as a soldier for 20-years.
As a retired soldier, I thoroughly enjoyed this account of the author's tour of duty. It provided an excellent look at a snapshot in time that motivated me to follow in the footsteps of my family's military heritage and serve our great nation as a soldier for 20-years.
July 9, 2019
A really good look at the day to day life of an infantryman in Viet Nam. He does a good job of both the relative boredom and relative terror that was a year in the life. There are hundreds of books about the Viet Nam experience but this should be a must read.
July 12, 2019
Intense beyond belief!
Impossible to imagine the raw courage of these young men. As a Korean vet, I experienced fear and hardship, but Vietnam seems a world beyond belief. This is an exceptional read!
Impossible to imagine the raw courage of these young men. As a Korean vet, I experienced fear and hardship, but Vietnam seems a world beyond belief. This is an exceptional read!
July 17, 2019
A great novel for an understanding of what it felt like to be a young man during the mid-60s with a war for that generation to define that generation. Good paced story, great details, and easy read for the Summer lazy beach days.
August 5, 2019
Infantryman’s life
I enjoyed reading Peter Clark’s book about his year in Vietnam. He gave us a good look at the life of an infantryman in combat during his time in country and his R&R experiences as well. I also enjoyed his art work of the time. Peter, thank you for sharing.
I enjoyed reading Peter Clark’s book about his year in Vietnam. He gave us a good look at the life of an infantryman in combat during his time in country and his R&R experiences as well. I also enjoyed his art work of the time. Peter, thank you for sharing.
March 22, 2020
Excellent book...well written..provides insight on what any infantryman in vietnam experienced while serving in a combat unit...made me feel as if I was back there again...did three tours myself in the very early 60,s....earned CIB also
September 24, 2020
A good look at what Vietnam was like for our troops in the 1960's. They say war is 90% boredom and 10% stark terror or something close to that. Those guys just never got the respect they deserved. The other side of the 60's lest we forget the fallen heroes.
November 11, 2020
Excellent
Mr. Clark takes the reader on a journey, to Vietnam at the height of the conflict. To the battlefield, with all its confusion, unknowns and fear. If you want a glimpse into this world, read the book.
Mr. Clark takes the reader on a journey, to Vietnam at the height of the conflict. To the battlefield, with all its confusion, unknowns and fear. If you want a glimpse into this world, read the book.
February 8, 2021
A great read into A soldiers life in 1967
A thoughtful amd easy to read insight of a young man with the big Red 1 in view=tnam in 1966 -67. Great relationship piece with a proud, happy to have served his nation flavour
A thoughtful amd easy to read insight of a young man with the big Red 1 in view=tnam in 1966 -67. Great relationship piece with a proud, happy to have served his nation flavour
April 28, 2021
A great read from an eyewitness
Author does a great job making you feel like you're there, without sensationalizing his experiences. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Vietnam conflict.
Author does a great job making you feel like you're there, without sensationalizing his experiences. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the Vietnam conflict.
July 23, 2021
Humbling
All of these men who fought for their country are heroes and should never be forgotten. Americas shameful treatment of them afterwards which should also be remembered as a low point in that country’s history.
All of these men who fought for their country are heroes and should never be forgotten. Americas shameful treatment of them afterwards which should also be remembered as a low point in that country’s history.
June 14, 2022
Outstanding first-hand account of war.
If you're wondering what it was like to be a combat infantryman in Vietnam, this book is for you. Very well written and extremely interesting personal memoir.
If you're wondering what it was like to be a combat infantryman in Vietnam, this book is for you. Very well written and extremely interesting personal memoir.
January 21, 2024
Honest and accurate account
Excellent read, no politics or rehashing of failures in Vietnam. I felt it was an honest and accurate account of one soldier's year in country. Well done Mr. Clark.
Excellent read, no politics or rehashing of failures in Vietnam. I felt it was an honest and accurate account of one soldier's year in country. Well done Mr. Clark.
February 7, 2024
Wow. Really good book, plenty of detail. Respectful of his fallen comrades. Not afraid to point out the military issues- warts and all. I have read a lot of these books and this one of the better ones.
October 29, 2018
This was a recounting of what took place 50+ years ago from a slice of the author's life. It was seriously blah!
February 6, 2019
Viet Nam experience of Lai Khe, 1st Infantry Division
June 6, 2019
Highly recommend this book
A well written book by a someone who was in the front lines and witnessed the traumas and sometimes poignant experiences of combat.
A well written book by a someone who was in the front lines and witnessed the traumas and sometimes poignant experiences of combat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews