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Blackjack-34: One Deadly Day of Courage, Carnage, and Ultimate Sacrifice for the Mobile Guerrilla Force in Vietnam
“Here we go, I said to myself as my system electrified with the familiar rush of adrenaline.”
On July 18, 1967, Staff Sergeant James Donahue and the men of Special Forces Detachment A-304 were on an operation; code-name Blackjack-34. Their to find and engage an enemy battalion that was thought to be operating in an enemy-controlled area north of Quon Loi, Vietnam.
Now Donahue bears witness to the horrific events of that day and the exceptional grit and heroism of his teammates. Blackjack-34 is a magnificent tribute to the warriors of the Mobile Guerrilla Force―their courage and willingness to press on, no matter what the odds.
On July 18, 1967, Staff Sergeant James Donahue and the men of Special Forces Detachment A-304 were on an operation; code-name Blackjack-34. Their to find and engage an enemy battalion that was thought to be operating in an enemy-controlled area north of Quon Loi, Vietnam.
Now Donahue bears witness to the horrific events of that day and the exceptional grit and heroism of his teammates. Blackjack-34 is a magnificent tribute to the warriors of the Mobile Guerrilla Force―their courage and willingness to press on, no matter what the odds.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 5, 2012
I always had a great respect for Special Forces and what they could achieve. In Blackjack - 34, code name for this particular mission, a handful of American SF Soldiers lead a company size force, comprised of Cambodians and Chinese Nung mercenaries, to locate a large enemy unit thought to be operating in the area. The "Bodes" are meticulous and excellent hunters, moving stealthy through the dense jungles without a sound. Some believed they have a special gift, because they can sense when the enemy is near. It is early morning when this group locates the enemy, and the first bullets of their day-long battle ensues. It is soon clear that this group is vastly outnumbered and soon surrounded by enemy soldiers.
One of the Americans, James Donahue, is also a medic and finds himself in a dual role during this skirmish. The Special Forces also trained the "Bodes" to be medics, their competencies saved many lives that day. Even while the battle is raging, these young Cambodian soldiers are yelling obscenities and hurling insults at the enemy; taking great joy in this and feeling like they have the upper hand. These Asians despised the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular soldiers, and fought ferociously without a sign of fear - even at these odds.
Helicopters are not able to land to retrieve the wounded and ammunition had to be dropped from speeding Hueys as they flew overhead. Unfortunately, some crates landed outside of their perimeter and had to be retrieved in order for them to have any chance of survival. I found myself intrigued a few times while reading the story, especially when discussing the "Bodes" and their customs. Seems that each of them carried a small Buddha figurine to protect them. Then later, when it appeared they may be overrun, these you men placed the Buddha figurines in their mouths and continued the fight. This gave them some comfort in knowing that if they died, their "God" would take care of them. There was also a time during the fighting when one of the "Bodes" in his team turned to Donahue and said with a smile, "Don't worry Donahue, if you die, I eat your heart." This also caught the author off guard and when he responded that he didn't want him to do this, the "bode" was hurt and dejected. The Bode explained that it was an honor to have somebody eat your heart - it will help in his travels through the afterlife. James then provided an explanation which seemed to appease and satisfy the youth.
Bac Si Donahue is eventually wounded himself, but continues to treat the injured Bodes; sewing one man's face back together after it is ripped apart by shrapnel, and then to stop the bleeding, stuffed gauze into a bullet hole running from the roof of the man's mouth to the top of his head. Accomplishing these feats with a steady hand even after losing much blood himself.
The battle continues to wage through the day - leaving scores of enemy soldiers littering the ground outside of the perimeter. The author has well developed characters - readers feel the sadness and loss when some of them are killed.
Will the Mike Force arrive in time to save the heroic group of survivors? How many more will die? You'll have to buy the book to find out these answers. At the end, Mr. Donahue also provides an update and current status of many of the characters in this well-written story. This book is about only one day in the war, many of the men continued fighting for years before the war finally ends for them. Recommended read for anyone wanting to know more about the Mibile Guerrilla Forces in Vietnam.
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
One of the Americans, James Donahue, is also a medic and finds himself in a dual role during this skirmish. The Special Forces also trained the "Bodes" to be medics, their competencies saved many lives that day. Even while the battle is raging, these young Cambodian soldiers are yelling obscenities and hurling insults at the enemy; taking great joy in this and feeling like they have the upper hand. These Asians despised the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular soldiers, and fought ferociously without a sign of fear - even at these odds.
Helicopters are not able to land to retrieve the wounded and ammunition had to be dropped from speeding Hueys as they flew overhead. Unfortunately, some crates landed outside of their perimeter and had to be retrieved in order for them to have any chance of survival. I found myself intrigued a few times while reading the story, especially when discussing the "Bodes" and their customs. Seems that each of them carried a small Buddha figurine to protect them. Then later, when it appeared they may be overrun, these you men placed the Buddha figurines in their mouths and continued the fight. This gave them some comfort in knowing that if they died, their "God" would take care of them. There was also a time during the fighting when one of the "Bodes" in his team turned to Donahue and said with a smile, "Don't worry Donahue, if you die, I eat your heart." This also caught the author off guard and when he responded that he didn't want him to do this, the "bode" was hurt and dejected. The Bode explained that it was an honor to have somebody eat your heart - it will help in his travels through the afterlife. James then provided an explanation which seemed to appease and satisfy the youth.
Bac Si Donahue is eventually wounded himself, but continues to treat the injured Bodes; sewing one man's face back together after it is ripped apart by shrapnel, and then to stop the bleeding, stuffed gauze into a bullet hole running from the roof of the man's mouth to the top of his head. Accomplishing these feats with a steady hand even after losing much blood himself.
The battle continues to wage through the day - leaving scores of enemy soldiers littering the ground outside of the perimeter. The author has well developed characters - readers feel the sadness and loss when some of them are killed.
Will the Mike Force arrive in time to save the heroic group of survivors? How many more will die? You'll have to buy the book to find out these answers. At the end, Mr. Donahue also provides an update and current status of many of the characters in this well-written story. This book is about only one day in the war, many of the men continued fighting for years before the war finally ends for them. Recommended read for anyone wanting to know more about the Mibile Guerrilla Forces in Vietnam.
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
April 29, 2015
Amazing account of how reality was in Vietnam for the select few who get the honor of wearing the Green Beret. The writing really brought out the tightness of the group in a simple way, and showed the affection and emotion that is involved between the combat brotherhood. The story is simple and straightforward, just like it should be and doesn't get into the politics of war. A great read
February 9, 2023
Not for me did not have enough action. Didn't know who he was writing about. Not in to doctoring and wounds. Just not my kind of reading.
Just not my kind of reading . If you like reading about what kind of awards some of the people received that's fine. Nothing against the writer just not my kind of reading.
Just not my kind of reading . If you like reading about what kind of awards some of the people received that's fine. Nothing against the writer just not my kind of reading.
November 12, 2018
Like Blackjack 33, I really enjoyed this book, very candid and personal account of SF combat in Vietnam. Would highly recommend.
August 6, 2024
Another excellent book from Donahue. His respect for the Cambodians that served with him shines through.
August 4, 2015
Amazing story of American soldiers working side by side with indigenous troops behind enemy lines. This first person narrative is filled with hair raising accounts of stalking the NVA behind enemy lines. Not filled with fluff it delivers non-stop action. Very similar to "Blackjack-33"
April 14, 2019
Many times I thought I was reading Blackjack 33. Too much time spent on would care than personnel or combat. Enjoyed the book but thought it should be different than 33 to a degree. As a Vietnam vet I have read many books of th war and these were certainly different
November 22, 2010
Special operations in the Vietnam War. Good lively writing.
October 1, 2014
Lots of time describing battle wounds and the process of patching people up. Clearly something that left an impression on the autor.
January 31, 2017
Interesting read about a battle in the jungle of Vietnam.
November 23, 2010
great true account
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews