They Were Soldiers: The Sacrifices and Contributions of Our Vietnam Veterans

by Joseph L. Galloway, Marvin J. Wolf

New York Times  bestselling author Joseph Galloway and coauthor Marvin Wolf bring to life the inspirational stories of Vietnam veterans who returned home from the "lost war" to enrich America's present and future. 

For decades, the soldiers who served in Vietnam were shunned by the American public and ignored by their government. Many were vilified or had their struggles to reintegrate with society magnified by distorted depictions of veterans as dangerous or demented. Even today, Vietnam veterans have not received their due. Until now.      

In this groundbreaking new book, veterans Joseph Galloway, New York Times bestselling author of We Were Soldiers Once and Young, and award-winning author Marvin J. Wolf reveal the private lives of those who returned from Vietnam to make astonishing contributions in science, medicine, business, and other arenas, changing America for the better. These profiles are touching and courageous and often startling. They include veterans both known and unknown, including Frederick Wallace (“Fred”) Smith, founder of FedEx, Marshall Carter who became chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, and Eileen Moore, a former combat nurse and current appellate judge who also serves as a mentor in California's Combat Veterans Court.

Engrossing, moving, and eye-opening, They Were Soldiers is a magnificent tribute that gives long overdue honor and recognition to the soldiers of this "forgotten generation."

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War

448 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2020

About the author

Joseph L. Galloway, one of America’s premier war and foreign correspondents for half a century, recently retired as the senior military correspondent for Knight Ridder Newspapers. Before that he held an assignment as a special consultant to General Colin Powell at the State Department.

Galloway, a native of Refugio, Texas, spent twenty-two years as a foreign and war correspondent and bureau chief for United Press International, and nearly twenty years as a senior editor and senior writer for U.S. News & World Report magazine. He joined Knight Ridder in the fall of 2002.

During the course of fifteen years of foreign postings—including assignments in Japan, Indonesia, India, Singapore and three years as UPI bureau chief in Moscow in the former Soviet Union—Galloway served four tours as a war correspondent in Vietnam and also covered the 1971 India-Pakistan War and half a dozen other combat operations.

From 1990 to 1991, Galloway covered Desert Shield/Desert Storm, riding with the 24th Infantry Division (Mech) in the assault into Iraq. Galloway also covered the Haiti incursion and made trips to Iraq to cover the current war in 2003 and from 2005 to 2006.

Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf called Galloway “the finest combat correspondent of our generation—a soldier’s reporter and a soldier’s friend.”

He is co-author, with Lt. Gen. (retired) Hal G. Moore, of the national bestseller We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young, which has been made into a critically acclaimed movie We Were Soldiers, starring Mel Gibson. We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young is presently in print in six different languages and more than 1.2 million copies have been sold.

Galloway also co-authored Triumph Without Victory: The History of the Persian Gulf War for Times Books. In 2008, he and Gen. Moore published their sequel to We Were Soldiers, a work titled: We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.

Last year Military History magazine polled fifty leading historians to choose the ten greatest books ever written on war. We Were Soldiers Once . . . and Young was among those ten books.

On May 1, 1998, Galloway was decorated with a Bronze Star Medal with V for rescuing wounded soldiers under fire in the Ia Drang Valley, in November 1965. His is the only medal of valor the US Army awarded to a civilian for actions during the Vietnam War.

Galloway received the National Magazine Award in 1991 for a U.S. News & World Report cover article on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Ia Drang Battles, and the National News Media Award of the U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1992 for coverage of the Gulf War. In 2000, he received the President’s Award for the Arts of the Vietnam Veterans Association of America. In 2001, he received the BG Robert L. Denig Award for Distinguished Service presented by the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association. In 2005, he received the Abraham Lincoln Award of the Union League Club of Philadelphia, and the John Reagan (Tex) McCrary Award of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Galloway was awarded the 2011 Doughboy Award, the highest honor the Infantry can bestow on an individual. Few civilians have ever received a Doughboy. On Veterans Day, 2011, he received the Legacy of Service Award of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

Galloway is a member of the boards of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the nonprofit organization No Greater Love founded to assist the victims of war, the 1st Cavalry Division Association, the National Infantry Museum, the School of Social Studies of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, the Museum of America’s Wars, and the Military Reporters and Editors Association.

Galloway is the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Norwich University and Mount St. Mary’s College of Newburgh, New York.

In early 2012 Galloway was named Journalist-in-Residence at Texas A&M University’s Corpus Christi campus.

He has lived in his native South Te

Reviews

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a lot of books about this conflict and the people involved and is surprised that authors still can surprise me with new information. This is a great addition to that knowledge. Great idea to try and find so many different types of duties people served in. Also great to get some information about when they returned and what happened then. I have to thank the authors for writing this book and Netgalley and Nelson Books for letting me read it. I can recommend this one.

[Megan Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about soldiers who served in Vietnam. Which describe stories of soldiers and what they faced during their service. It was a interesting read and it was great to read things you don’t always hear about. Also thank to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about men and women both who either lived or served in Vietnam and then after returning to the U.S. either went into government, officeholders, healers, artists, CEOs. Each would come from different ranks from the lowest to the highest which was also interesting.
Growing up during this time and in a military home my uncle fought in Vietnam two tours, he then would become one of the first air marshals in the 70’s. I would also work later on in life with veterans of the war who were either working side by side with me or in one of the supervisor positions. So, I got to see some of these examples first hand. I also remember a few nurses’ when I was younger who had severed in Vietnam, but when you live around the military that is what happens you live with veterans of all wars. This is a very good book especially for some people who still have harsh feelings about the war. I received this book from Netgalley.com Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Kendra McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start with I love history- but I’m not as familiar with the war in Vietnam as I am others. So this book was a much slower read for me. I took my time with each chapter so I could appreciate the content. I found some of it difficult to follow as the timelines within each “chapter” jumped. I have a greater appreciation and understanding now of our Vietnam vets

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a fan of history. history lover i would be considered. (i did get this as a Goodreads win, so thankful for that, so thankful, truly. i got a paperback read. awesome.) i am amazed by the book cover and i feel grateful to see into these men and women lives, get a better idea or their perspective. (i don't think you can rate this low, it is a look into their life, how they felt, dealt with, etc.) i will say my experience would be i know a lot of people who didn't like or have not had anything good to say about the Vietnam war. i've met one man, ONE, who is a friend of a friend ...he really went on and on about how great it was, even shared many photos with myself and my hubby, many of the photos were graphic, not fun to see or look at, but i guess it makes you realize what they did deal with, it is not the four season, i think a lot us common folks maybe never realize the life they did lead or go through, we are just clueless ... i was just shocked by his excitement. maybe excitement is not the right word, but he wanted to share his experience, the time he was there, he apparently took it well??! i will say i recently watched a documentary about Jane Fonda ...and how i had no clue why every one (a lot of folks, maybe not every one, President Nixon, i know it was on HBO, but i am not finding the name at the moment, let me google it??! here it is: "Jane Fonda in Five Acts") really hated, and was just so angry over what she did, i guess we will only know what we hear from each side ... i wanted more information. i love learning and have always refused to just listen to just one source. whether it be "fake news"?? gotta say that recently i have gotten to understand it all, or what i see through my eyes and ears. i get tired of the news and truly prefer to hear it from some one not the silly newscasters??! but u love what you so desire. and i will do me. give me more info please. i've always like her and her work, work out videos, i love her movies, i have the ability to separate someone and their lives (what they do outside of what i am truly watching them for) if it is a singer, i listen to their music, not caring about their outside activities (kind of like you watch someone in the Olympics for their swimming not caring if they do drugs, i am not saying it is right or wrong?? i am saying every one does deserve their "private life" why or how do u think some on can live up to those standards, no one is a saint. that is not realistic. stop the judgement. we are all human, doing the best we can, living our best, or at least i would hope so. give folks a break and just live your life. please.) ... i think u can be interested in and do lots of things .. not saying that those bits of your life do not rub off onto other parts of you life and whatnot??!? ...but i am not going to hate or dislike some one because of their political views, feelings, their music, whatever ...we are all human ... and if you will be so kind ... u just might learn something from any one and everyone. promise. i have been around lots of military folks ... well a fair share of them (it is eye opening, very very moving book. i enjoyed how it was laid out. section. i've always gotten emotional over the service folks, these men and ladies have done for this amazing country we call home, i thank the heavens that they felt called to this duty, whatever service, Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine. But i will say that when u mix up the service that, that said man you are talking 2?? Geez Louise, the man will pick on you forever ...sorry ... my Dad was in the Army. My Father In Law was in the Navy. so you know what you know. i respect and feel thankful for their service.)... never seen any disrespect toward them, when i have been present, only the utmost respect, words of thanks, curiosity, i have been a young kid and just the awe of watching kids watch them is just a sight. i was in a military wedding and it was so cool, very neat to see. ... so i am shocked to see or hear of it happening ... terrible. i recall as a kid going to the wall in Washington ("The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall provides one of the National Mall's most powerful scenes. In truth, the “wall” is actually made up of two identical walls that each stretch 246 feet and 9 inches, containing more than 58,000 names.") and seeing so many folks touch it and just feel the emotions that they did go through, i have always been a very compassionate person, easy (emotional) felt those feelings. i am truly grateful to have had the chance to read this book wow!! from the beginning of Michael Reagan section "We cannot know what heaven is, but we should hope that when we stand before our Creator to be judged, we will not be asked how numerous were our good deeds. Instead, we will be asked, "How much love did we put into what we did?"" (i did wish to quote that and didn't know how to say it without writing the whole bit, so well said, so true!!) must read, i think it has been such a moving moment for me ... i was touched. thank you. i enjoy learning. and will continue to try and learn each and every day. learning is good. listen and learn. read and learn. learning is good.

[Military Writers Society of America (MWSA)]

MWSA Review

Marvin Wolf and Joseph Galloway have provided poignant, stirring accounts of the lives of nearly fifty Vietnam veterans in They Were Soldiers. Going beyond a simple retelling of their Vietnam experiences, Wolf and Galloway depict how these events shaped the lives of these people once they made it back home. Whether in Vietnam or back in the United States, these persons have made a broad impact on their families, friends, states, and nation, and their contributions are shared publicly in this book.

Wide-ranging is an accurate description of these narratives. Well-known names such as Chuck Hagel and Oliver Stone can be found alongside unfamiliar names such as Ted Gostas and Hal Kushner. The authors’ goal is to present a cross-section of individuals that accurately represent those that served in Vietnam. Men and women of each race and ethnicity, including Vietnamese refugees, are included in this broad category. They all share one characteristic: they came back from the war changed by their experiences. Their stories are told in simple, plain terms, often incorporating their own words. The danger, sorrow, and despair of the war hang heavily in the book’s pages but clash deeply with the hope and resilience expressed by these individuals since the end of the war. The result is definitively inspiring.

This book should be considered a must-read by anyone interested in personal accounts from the Vietnam War. In addition, the uplifting, honest stories will more than likely make a positive impact for veterans in their post-war lives.

Review by Braden Hall (May 2021)

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth reading just for the fascinating stories about veterans who served, and their lives after the war. A few were particularly grabbing—Fred Smith, the founder of FedEx, is one who comes behind. I was also surprised at the number of bets in the book who (rightfully) called out the US government for their appalling lack of policy and direction while service members were in Viet Nam.

Be aware that this book is very pro-military, and that the subjects chosen for inclusion are all success stories. (Although to be fair, more than enough has been written about the “crazed Vietnam vet”). Many of them also seemed to deal with PTSD and/or substance abuse when they got home, a subject that was rarely elaborated on and often glossed over. Not being a military buff, I was often confused by the technical jargon in each story (although I know how easy it to fall into this trap, as I am fluent in the foreign language of MedicalSpeak.

The author even included a chapter on his Vietnamese wife, who was never a soldier once, young or otherwise.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a moving portrait of many soldiers who served in Vietnam. You read the accounts of many individuals - male, female, American, and Vietnamese - they tell their own stories. What is most important is how these individuals used their wartime experiences, which were often terrible, to move forward in life after their service. In most cases it was a sobering maturing experience. As the daughter of a battalion commander killed on the eve of the Tet Offensive, I found it very enlightening and informative. Thanks to Joe for his dedication to these often unrecognized men.

[Rosey Mccartney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really liked General Hal Moore and his books that he wrote about Vietnam. I was sad when he passed away he was a real Patriot. It seems that Joe Galloway doesn't nail it with his writing and the book seems to lack what was captured by Gen. Moore. I was going to give this one star but I gave it to two stars for the effort that Joe Galloway tried to put into it. I don't think Hollywood's going to be knocking at anyone's door for this book.

[Shelbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book would be informative and helpful towards readers who are interested in military history and American history. The author describes various duties and perspectives during the war. This book is definitely helpful towards learning more about American wars and, specifically, about the soldiers who fought in the wars.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the book was interesting in some parts, it seemed very repetitive. It was difficult to make it to end of the book because of the repetition.. It seemed to drag on. A better editing job may have made the book easier to read and enjoy.

[Richard A Lambing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read. I learned things I didn’t know. Our Vietnam vets could, & did adjust normally. Most of them. They went on to be very successful too. They have a lot to contribute to society. And did so too.

[Bob Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Baby Boomer should read this book, then pass it on to someone younger.

[Bill Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book.

[Peggy Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a chapter in this book on my uncle, Charles Siler. I very much enjoyed reading about this part of my uncle’s life. The book is well written.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow!!!!!!

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of stories of individuals who served and/or lived in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and then returned to the United States of America. Each story has two parts. The first part tells of how each individual came to be in Vietnam and how they served there. The second part tells of their struggles and service After Their Return from Vietnam.

Service to others, and particularly Vietnam Veterans is the theme throughout this collection. The book is divided into four distinct sections determined by the vocation / service rendered After the War – 1) Artists and Professionals, 2) Healers, 3) Office Holders and 4) Government Service.

These individuals range from privates to generals; from all branches of the military and include those who served in the Red Cross. The reader will discover how they survived the war and then survived the return.

There are community volunteers to CEOs of multinational corporations. Each individual and story is unique. The collection of stories / experiences / memoirs will present a view of the war and aftermath that few will have heard.

Each story is an individual treasure. The combination of these stories creates a classic.

This is a wonderful addition to any study of the Vietnam War, Vietnam Veterans or service after the war.