M*A*S*H Vietnam: What it's like to be a war nurse

by Lorna Griess

M*A*S*H Vietnam shows how one young nurse survived the day-to-day drama in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital in South Vietnam. Dealt in a frank, no-holds-barred tone, the book uncovers the operations of a MASH unit in a combat zone and the bleak hardships of war. This story is not so much about a war but about a regular nurse who followed her passion, her desire to do good, into the middle of a war zone, and her mixed emotions going home to a country torn by an unpopular war, uncertain how she will be treated and even uncertain how she will relate to family and friends. This firsthand, behind-the-scenes account of what Vietnam was really like in the middle of war is memorable, informative, and ought to be required reading for everyone in our war-prone world.

Genres: History, War, Biography Memoir

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2018

Reviews

[Lorna House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an objective account of one nurse’s experiences in VietNam. It is not full of drama, blood and guts, and woe is me I am working so hard that I need to drink and smoke marijuana every chance I get. If that is what you are looking for this book is not for you. The author has described her account in VietNam in straight forward factual remembrances of her time in Vietnam. Having served as an Army Nurse in VietNam 69-70, I found myself reading between the lines and once again felt the tiredness and emotional drain, smelled the smells, heard the sounds of choppers, and experienced both the adrenaline rush and sadness. I was most taken with the author’s feelings and experiences after returning to the States. I too remained in the army for 28 years and also felt I had a story that no one was really interested in hearing. Thank you, Lorna, for your heartfelt story.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would venture to guess that most of us, even some youngsters, have watched the amazing and classic program M*A*S*H on the television. This book was written by a nurse who served in a MASH unit during the war in Vietnam.

I read this book over a 2-day period, while I ate, and until I couldn't stay awake any longer, or when real life got in the way.

This is an unfiltered look inside a MASH unit by a nurse who served, mostly in the ICU and critical care unit, during a very hard time in our history. She worked some 24-hour days and nights. She sat with the wounded, the ones in pain, the ones far from home (just like her) which is bad enough, but also sick and injured with no loved ones close by.

I appreciate the view into that world that she gave me, knowing there are people who devote their lives to helping others - no matter who they are, what they look like, or what religion they are. She took care of our wounded and a few prisoners of war from the other side. In the end, they are human beings thrown into a terrible situation.

I thank her for her service, and for all of the men and women who serve in war time, but especially Vietnam veterans who came home to a less than welcoming crowd. Thank you Lorna. Thank you daddy (Korean War Veteran), thank you grandpa (WWI Italian Army). Just...thank you.

[John McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this rather good book, a very quick read at that, five stars not so much that it was "the Great American Novel" in any way but more for the sincerity of the author and as well to recognize that here was an ordinary woman who did extraordinary things in her life. Vietnam was but one (she had a full Army career). One has to read between the lines to discern what she experienced during her tour, and place yourself in her boots during the time 1966-67. Again, the reading is easy and you can plow through this narrative a a few days at most. The chapters are short, vignette focused, and easy to follow. I think it's difficult to describe, especially years after the fact, one's frame of mind and emotions when dealing with both mundane and very difficult situations such as the author did. Lorna (there's a terrific mid-century name!) did a great job though. I admire her not so much for this record of her tour but for what she chose to do with her life.

[Jill Miclean · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a story about a nurse's one year rotation in Vietnam with no war, next to no death and hardly any patient stories this is for you. It's a very light account and although well written, the lack of emotion kept me for giving it any more stars. She doesn't have any human stories and it's like the author didn't make any friends as there are no stories of her interacting on a deep, personal level with anyone during her time in Vietnam. There are a few superficial encounters with others but it was like she was there almost entirely by herself with only a random patient to attend to. She definitely focused only on the positives of her experience and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I wanted more.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vietnam War I consider to be “my” war

I was too young to serve, and graduated High School in 1974, but it was very much a part of my life, and the lives of many friends and relatives. I still read as much as I can, and watch films, etc., as often as I can. It was an extremely large part of my life, and still is. I’d like to think it somewhat shaped who I am today, and to this day I consider it to be a very sad part of American culture. Reading the account of a M.A.S.H. surgical nurse was very much a learning experience and to this day I still try to learn as much as I can about the events of the lives of those directly involved in the conflict.

[Lori Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

More detail needed.

I found this to be very short and non- specific. More detail into the lives of the people she interacted with would've been better. It was mostly, I woke up, ate, worked, ate, and slept. Lots of bugs in Vietnam, I get it! It's a very generalized description of life as a nurse. I appreciate the dedication and service to our country and am very thankful to those who serve. I feel like the book was a huge miss on educating future generations on what it was really like.

[Gary W. Suffern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memories

I too am a disabled Viet Nam veteran crediting nurses with saving my life in 1969. I wrote a book, 'Pacified Zone' published in 2004 covering my military time from 1966 to 1969. I was in Vietnam from November '68 to October '69. I will be forever thankful for the rapid work they did on me.

[Autumn Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instead of the day in the life of an American nurse in Vietnam, it's more like the war in the life of an American nurse. It contains sweat, hate, mildew, fear, panic, excitement, exhaustion, awe, appreciation, love, and compassion.

Thank you for your service. Ms. Griess.

[Debra L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read

This is the second book I've read written by a nurse regarding her service while in Vietnam.

As the wife of a Vietnam Veteran who is fighting Agent Orange my heart goes out to you. I thank you for your service and God Bless you.

[Veronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The things I valued had changed. My frame of reference was Vietnam, and nobody wanted to hear about it."

[Avary Doubleday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting memories of a nurse who served for a year in Vietnam. I read this for comparison with Kristin Hannah's "The Women."

[Richard Failla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

An excellent read written by a very courageous woman. God bless you and to all who have served 🙏 thank you

[Cheryl Fennewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this honest first hand account of what it was like written by my great aunt’s cousin!