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Blaze of Light: The Inspiring True Story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient
For fans of Unbroken and Hacksaw Ridge comes the powerful true story of a Medal of Honor recipient who faced more than his fair share of battles—and overcame them through perseverance and faith.
“What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable—and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come.”—Gary Sinise
After dawn the siege began. It was April 1, 1970, and Army Green Beret medic Gary Beikirch knew the odds were stacked against their survival. Some 10,000 enemy soldiers sought to obliterate the twelve American Special Forces troops and 400 indigenous fighters who stood fast to defend 2,300 women and children inside the village of Dak Seang. For his valor and selflessness during the ruthless siege, Beikirch would be awarded a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest and most prestigious military decoration.
But Gary returned home wounded in body, mind, and soul, struggling with drug addiction. To overcome his addiction and find himself again, Gary retreated to a cave in the mountains of New England, where a redemptive encounter with God allowed Gary to find peace.
New York Times best-selling author Marcus Brotherton chronicles the incredible true story of a person who changed from lost to found. Gripping and unforgettable, and written with a rich and vivid narrative voice, Blaze of Light will inspire you to answer hurt with ingenuity, to reach for faith, and to find clarity and peace within any season of storm.
“What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable—and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come.”—Gary Sinise
After dawn the siege began. It was April 1, 1970, and Army Green Beret medic Gary Beikirch knew the odds were stacked against their survival. Some 10,000 enemy soldiers sought to obliterate the twelve American Special Forces troops and 400 indigenous fighters who stood fast to defend 2,300 women and children inside the village of Dak Seang. For his valor and selflessness during the ruthless siege, Beikirch would be awarded a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest and most prestigious military decoration.
But Gary returned home wounded in body, mind, and soul, struggling with drug addiction. To overcome his addiction and find himself again, Gary retreated to a cave in the mountains of New England, where a redemptive encounter with God allowed Gary to find peace.
New York Times best-selling author Marcus Brotherton chronicles the incredible true story of a person who changed from lost to found. Gripping and unforgettable, and written with a rich and vivid narrative voice, Blaze of Light will inspire you to answer hurt with ingenuity, to reach for faith, and to find clarity and peace within any season of storm.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
95 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Brotherton
43 books221 followersMarcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and coauthor dedicated to writing books that inspire heroics, promote empathy, and encourage noble living. His commendations include the Christopher Award for literature “that affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”
His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves
His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
March 8, 2020
Blaze of Light shares the jaw dropping actions Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch took in Vietnam that earned him the Medal of Honor.
My initial introduction to Marcus Brotherton was through Feast of Thieves which is a historical fiction novel. The way he pens non-fiction is equally compelling. I could feel, smell and see much of what was described in the pages.
My heart broke for Gary and the many difficulties he lived through, some self-inflicted and others not. The way Vietnam Veterans were treated after returning to the United States is so hard to imagine as today's returning soldiers are thankfully treated with much more appreciation and respect.
While Gary's actions in Vietnam are a critical part of his story, it was his journey after returning that showed how difficult it can be for a soldier to continue on with life and find meaning in their existence.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook Multnomah for a complimentary NetGalley copy. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
My initial introduction to Marcus Brotherton was through Feast of Thieves which is a historical fiction novel. The way he pens non-fiction is equally compelling. I could feel, smell and see much of what was described in the pages.
My heart broke for Gary and the many difficulties he lived through, some self-inflicted and others not. The way Vietnam Veterans were treated after returning to the United States is so hard to imagine as today's returning soldiers are thankfully treated with much more appreciation and respect.
While Gary's actions in Vietnam are a critical part of his story, it was his journey after returning that showed how difficult it can be for a soldier to continue on with life and find meaning in their existence.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook Multnomah for a complimentary NetGalley copy. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 27, 2019
On the 1st of April, 1970, the People’s Army of Vietnam (“PAVN”) numbering around twenty thousand attacked a camp called Dak Seang which was established by the US Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) northwest of Kon Tum in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. More than two thousand enemy rounds rained down upon the camp in the form of 82 millimeter mortars and 122 millimeter rockets. The siege of Dak Seang lasted until the 8th of May 1970 and required a monumental effort on the part of the American land and air forces before the dust could settle. A mind numbing conflation of 2,829 fighter sorties, 154 gunship sorties, 114 bombing sorties and 164 aerial resupply sorties were employed during which a total of 2,922 Viet Cong perished.
Sergeant Gary Burnell Beikirch an Army Green Beret and a combat medic found himself in the eye of the storm during the attack of Dak Seang. Despite being grievously injured during the shelling, he displayed exemplary courage and unparalleled nobility in tending to the wounded before himself passing out overcome by fatigue and loss of blood. This singularly stupendous act of bravery earned Beikirch, he United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
In his inspiring new book, ‘Blaze of Light’, Marcus Brotherington chronicles the life of Beikirch as he struggles to overcome the demons of Vietnam relentlessly plaguing him. He also faces an insurmountable hurdle in the form of non-acceptance as his own countrymen look at him with disdain and heap scorn on him for having participated in the Vietnam War. Fleeing friends, and family and desperately trying to flee from the enemies within, Mr. Beikirch resorts to an assortment of ameliorating measures ranging from the sublime to the silly. From sampling Aldous Huxley’s famous mescaline to finding refuge in a cave nestled amongst a group of boulders named Dome Rock in the Appalachian Mountain Range, Mr. Beikirch desperately tries to win an inner battle which every passing day garners strength and threatens to sap the last vestiges of his energy. Finally, by a quirk of incredible coincidence and fate, Mr. Beikirch seeks refuge in the teachings of Christ and finds solace. As the final shards of self-doubts assailing him are given a permanent burial, Mr. Beikirch ascends to a plateau of acceptance and peace.
Mr. Brotherton does a stellar job in assiduously bringing to his reader the triumphs, travails and tribulations of Mr. Beikirch. As Mr. Brotherton points out, Mr. Beikirch’ s battles with life seems to have been decided preternaturally for him. Falling twenty feet, headfirst from an open window when he was just a toddler of eighteen months, Mr. Beikirch needed more than 100 stitches and multiple medical interventions before he could be plucked away, literally, from the jaws of death. Later on in his teens, Mr. Beikirch is overcome by a desire to emulate one of his closest friends Don Jacques, who enlists himself for the combat in Vietnam before unfortunately losing his life in the battlefield. Mr. Beikirch after an incredulously exacting bout of rigorous physical and mental training, earns his stripes as a Green Beret. He is posted to Vietnam where he works as a medic in the camp of Dak Seang. Mr. Brotherton describes in a brilliantly poignant manner, the deep relationship and bonds forged by Mr. Beikirch in the camp with the indigenous Montagnard people. Mercilessly hunted down, discriminated and brutalized by the North Vietnamese, the Montagnard tribe look to the American forces to lend them the much sought after protection from being completely annihilated. A fifteen-year-old teenager named Deo is assigned to be his body guard. Mr. Biekirch is particularly struck by an inscription found on a plaque above a door in Camp Dak Seang:
“To really live, you must almost die,
To those who fight for it, life has a meaning the protected will never know.”
This quote gets etched indelibly in the heart of Mr. Beikirch and the profundity of it imprinted in his thoughts, words and deeds. Unfortunately for Mr. Biekirch, the true meaning of the inscription on the plaque plays out in agonizing detail in front of his own eyes when the siege of Dak Seang begins. Deo, in an act of incomparable selflessness and indescribable courage, sacrifices his own life when, in trying to protect Mr. Beikirch from the perils of a mortar assault, flings himself on top of Mr. Biekirch. This incident leaves a massive scar on the conscience of Mr. Beikirch and he is racked by a sense of deep and painful sense of guilt.
Mr. Biekirch’ s list of injuries itself resembles a litany of woes right out of hell. After being shot at least three times, before being blown up and thrown through the air, Mr. Beikirch gets hit by shrapnel near his spine. Jagged metal finds refuge in his insides, while the intestines are ripped out and hang in clusters outside his body. Even in this seemingly irredeemable condition, Mr. Beikirch continues dragging himself to the fallen nearest to him and treating their injuries.
“A Blaze of Light” is the unparalleled biography of a gallant soldier who valued altruism more than achievement, who placed more faith and trust in magnanimity over money and whose currency was brotherhood, bonding and blessing. Mr. Brotherton does an exemplary job in bringing the story of this heroic individual to millions across the globe. For this Mr. Brotherton receives our wholehearted appreciation.
Sergeant Gary Burnell Beikirch an Army Green Beret and a combat medic found himself in the eye of the storm during the attack of Dak Seang. Despite being grievously injured during the shelling, he displayed exemplary courage and unparalleled nobility in tending to the wounded before himself passing out overcome by fatigue and loss of blood. This singularly stupendous act of bravery earned Beikirch, he United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
In his inspiring new book, ‘Blaze of Light’, Marcus Brotherington chronicles the life of Beikirch as he struggles to overcome the demons of Vietnam relentlessly plaguing him. He also faces an insurmountable hurdle in the form of non-acceptance as his own countrymen look at him with disdain and heap scorn on him for having participated in the Vietnam War. Fleeing friends, and family and desperately trying to flee from the enemies within, Mr. Beikirch resorts to an assortment of ameliorating measures ranging from the sublime to the silly. From sampling Aldous Huxley’s famous mescaline to finding refuge in a cave nestled amongst a group of boulders named Dome Rock in the Appalachian Mountain Range, Mr. Beikirch desperately tries to win an inner battle which every passing day garners strength and threatens to sap the last vestiges of his energy. Finally, by a quirk of incredible coincidence and fate, Mr. Beikirch seeks refuge in the teachings of Christ and finds solace. As the final shards of self-doubts assailing him are given a permanent burial, Mr. Beikirch ascends to a plateau of acceptance and peace.
Mr. Brotherton does a stellar job in assiduously bringing to his reader the triumphs, travails and tribulations of Mr. Beikirch. As Mr. Brotherton points out, Mr. Beikirch’ s battles with life seems to have been decided preternaturally for him. Falling twenty feet, headfirst from an open window when he was just a toddler of eighteen months, Mr. Beikirch needed more than 100 stitches and multiple medical interventions before he could be plucked away, literally, from the jaws of death. Later on in his teens, Mr. Beikirch is overcome by a desire to emulate one of his closest friends Don Jacques, who enlists himself for the combat in Vietnam before unfortunately losing his life in the battlefield. Mr. Beikirch after an incredulously exacting bout of rigorous physical and mental training, earns his stripes as a Green Beret. He is posted to Vietnam where he works as a medic in the camp of Dak Seang. Mr. Brotherton describes in a brilliantly poignant manner, the deep relationship and bonds forged by Mr. Beikirch in the camp with the indigenous Montagnard people. Mercilessly hunted down, discriminated and brutalized by the North Vietnamese, the Montagnard tribe look to the American forces to lend them the much sought after protection from being completely annihilated. A fifteen-year-old teenager named Deo is assigned to be his body guard. Mr. Biekirch is particularly struck by an inscription found on a plaque above a door in Camp Dak Seang:
“To really live, you must almost die,
To those who fight for it, life has a meaning the protected will never know.”
This quote gets etched indelibly in the heart of Mr. Beikirch and the profundity of it imprinted in his thoughts, words and deeds. Unfortunately for Mr. Biekirch, the true meaning of the inscription on the plaque plays out in agonizing detail in front of his own eyes when the siege of Dak Seang begins. Deo, in an act of incomparable selflessness and indescribable courage, sacrifices his own life when, in trying to protect Mr. Beikirch from the perils of a mortar assault, flings himself on top of Mr. Biekirch. This incident leaves a massive scar on the conscience of Mr. Beikirch and he is racked by a sense of deep and painful sense of guilt.
Mr. Biekirch’ s list of injuries itself resembles a litany of woes right out of hell. After being shot at least three times, before being blown up and thrown through the air, Mr. Beikirch gets hit by shrapnel near his spine. Jagged metal finds refuge in his insides, while the intestines are ripped out and hang in clusters outside his body. Even in this seemingly irredeemable condition, Mr. Beikirch continues dragging himself to the fallen nearest to him and treating their injuries.
“A Blaze of Light” is the unparalleled biography of a gallant soldier who valued altruism more than achievement, who placed more faith and trust in magnanimity over money and whose currency was brotherhood, bonding and blessing. Mr. Brotherton does an exemplary job in bringing the story of this heroic individual to millions across the globe. For this Mr. Brotherton receives our wholehearted appreciation.
April 20, 2020
I don’t think anyone could ever read this book without feeling affected deep inside of themselves. Gary’s journey—his hopes, his hurts, his battles, his losses—felt so real it was raw and painful.
Through every step, I longed for him to find that true comfort in Jesus, and when he finally met the One he’d been looking for, I was overjoyed.
His story is one that challenges, encourages, and prods a person to look deeper into the meaning of life. It teaches courage. It teaches honor. It sheds a new and reverenced light on the soldiers who fought in Vietnam—and it teaches the amazing power and healing of simply meeting Christ.
The author’s style was so real, so moving, that I could not only see Gary’s world, but also enter it. Definitely a book that I will not forget. I highly recommend!
Through every step, I longed for him to find that true comfort in Jesus, and when he finally met the One he’d been looking for, I was overjoyed.
His story is one that challenges, encourages, and prods a person to look deeper into the meaning of life. It teaches courage. It teaches honor. It sheds a new and reverenced light on the soldiers who fought in Vietnam—and it teaches the amazing power and healing of simply meeting Christ.
The author’s style was so real, so moving, that I could not only see Gary’s world, but also enter it. Definitely a book that I will not forget. I highly recommend!
March 22, 2020
I've read many books on World War II, some on World War I, but not many at all on the Vietnam War. Blaze of Light is a fascinating (and sometimes horrifying) memoir of the life of Green Beret Gary Beikirch. I enjoyed all the details in this book, it started with Gary's childhood and went all the way through present day. I felt that this really gave a deeper picture of who Gary is and what motivated him to first of all enlist in the army and then to go on to become a Green Beret medic in the US Special Forces.
The depictions of the war in Vietnam were disturbing to be sure. The blood shed and lives lost were astronomical. Gary was gravely injured while stationed as a medic in the village of Dak Seang. He was hospitalized for ten months, recovering from gunshot wounds, and an explosion that filled his body with shrapnel and ripped apart his stomach and intestines. He nearly bled to death, was paralyzed from the waist down and had an colostomy bag. He was in excruciating pain and unconscious much of the time, but it was while he was in the hospital that he met Jesus.
Gary's life didn't immediately change. He was not miraculously healed of his injuries. He still dealt with PTSD from the war. He still distrusted people and had anger issues, but the Lord was working in his life. God used many people, Gary's cousin and her husband, Gary's long-estranged father, a college professor and most of all Gary's wife, Lolly, to help heal his emotional wounds. God also used his own creation, the Appalachian wilderness as a place of spiritual healing for Gary.
If you like true stories of courage, adventure and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, you will definitely enjoy this book, as I did.
The depictions of the war in Vietnam were disturbing to be sure. The blood shed and lives lost were astronomical. Gary was gravely injured while stationed as a medic in the village of Dak Seang. He was hospitalized for ten months, recovering from gunshot wounds, and an explosion that filled his body with shrapnel and ripped apart his stomach and intestines. He nearly bled to death, was paralyzed from the waist down and had an colostomy bag. He was in excruciating pain and unconscious much of the time, but it was while he was in the hospital that he met Jesus.
Gary's life didn't immediately change. He was not miraculously healed of his injuries. He still dealt with PTSD from the war. He still distrusted people and had anger issues, but the Lord was working in his life. God used many people, Gary's cousin and her husband, Gary's long-estranged father, a college professor and most of all Gary's wife, Lolly, to help heal his emotional wounds. God also used his own creation, the Appalachian wilderness as a place of spiritual healing for Gary.
If you like true stories of courage, adventure and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, you will definitely enjoy this book, as I did.
October 29, 2019
This is a story of great heroism, sacrifice, grief, despair, forgiveness, love and hope. It’s a story of desperation, first of desperation for belonging, then desperation for healing. It’s also a story of understanding.
Beikirch longs for us to understand what happened to him in Vietnam and afterward. First, he wants us to understand the motivation behind his service. He wants us to glimpse the friendship and love that he had for those he met and served in the Army and at Dak Seang. Then he wants us to understand just how devastating his experiences both during and after combat were. To do that he carefully walks us through his personal struggles to overcome PTSD. He shows us how his pain and isolation bring him to the very end of himself, then and only then he reaches out and God grasps him and brings him peace. It’s heartbreaking but also comforting and hopeful.
I deeply appreciate how clean this book is. He doesn’t gloss over the dark, violent, or evil that surrounds him, but he handles it all discretely. I truly appreciate their choice to write in a God-honoring manner.
It is not a book about doctrine, but the few glimpses we get of some of his practices lead me to believe he may lean toward the charismatic side of Christianity. I don’t endorse all of the beliefs or doctrines in this book, but I highly recommend the book. I believe it will be an encouragement to every reader.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah. No favorable review was required, and it was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
Beikirch longs for us to understand what happened to him in Vietnam and afterward. First, he wants us to understand the motivation behind his service. He wants us to glimpse the friendship and love that he had for those he met and served in the Army and at Dak Seang. Then he wants us to understand just how devastating his experiences both during and after combat were. To do that he carefully walks us through his personal struggles to overcome PTSD. He shows us how his pain and isolation bring him to the very end of himself, then and only then he reaches out and God grasps him and brings him peace. It’s heartbreaking but also comforting and hopeful.
I deeply appreciate how clean this book is. He doesn’t gloss over the dark, violent, or evil that surrounds him, but he handles it all discretely. I truly appreciate their choice to write in a God-honoring manner.
It is not a book about doctrine, but the few glimpses we get of some of his practices lead me to believe he may lean toward the charismatic side of Christianity. I don’t endorse all of the beliefs or doctrines in this book, but I highly recommend the book. I believe it will be an encouragement to every reader.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah. No favorable review was required, and it was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
May 5, 2022
Oh, but this book will tear your heart out. Having friends, several classmates, and many family members who were seriously injured or KIA in Vietnam, I feel deeply for the brave men who fought the ferocious battle of Dak Seang Special Forces Camp, northwest of Kon Tum in the Central Highlands.
Young Sgt Gary Beikirck, was a Green Beret combat medical aidman at Dak Saeng. Dak Saeng was aptly named - meaning "river of blood." Though severely injured repeatedly during that battle, he attempted to save as many of his soldier brethren as he possibly could. For his heroic actions, President Richard M. Nixon awarded Beikirch with the Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973.
This is a true story about despair, sacrifice, hope, love, faith, redemption, and healing of both mind and body.
A must see: Watch him speak inspiring words to the American youth in this video on YouTube:
Dear Young American
Sadly, we lost Sgt BeiKirck December 26, 2021, age 74.
I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy the nonfiction war genre.
Young Sgt Gary Beikirck, was a Green Beret combat medical aidman at Dak Saeng. Dak Saeng was aptly named - meaning "river of blood." Though severely injured repeatedly during that battle, he attempted to save as many of his soldier brethren as he possibly could. For his heroic actions, President Richard M. Nixon awarded Beikirch with the Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973.
This is a true story about despair, sacrifice, hope, love, faith, redemption, and healing of both mind and body.
A must see: Watch him speak inspiring words to the American youth in this video on YouTube:
Dear Young American
Sadly, we lost Sgt BeiKirck December 26, 2021, age 74.
I highly recommend this book for all who enjoy the nonfiction war genre.
April 13, 2020
I really knew nothing about the Vietnam War when I started this book. I did know it was a controversial war in the US, but other than that, not much.
Gary is a Green Beret medic, committed to the Montagnard people he was there to protect. They became his friends and he loved them. When April 1, 1970 dawned and the siege of Dak Seang began, Gary was all in. Even though he was badly injured himself, he persisted in being dragged around in the midst of the battle, to help others who were injured. What he saw and what he endured was unimaginable. This is not a spoiler, it's in the prologue of the book.
But this doesn't end up being Gary's biggest battle, he has his own internal demons to fight and they are determined to win. I don't want to give more of the story away, but to say this, Jesus gave him the answer to his hurts and struggles, but it wasn't an instant change. It still took time and grace.
I was appalled at the way Vietnam vets were treated; again I think this is pretty common knowledge, but to hear someone's personal experiences, it is really sad. It doesn't matter what my own feelings are about something another person did, they still deserve respect and kindness. And as an army man, Gary didn't have control over where he went and what wars the army was involved in and yet the vets were the ones who were treated so disgracefully.
This was just a really compelling story that pulled me in and held me to the last page. First, the gripping tale of Vietnam and then Gary's own personal battles, it was all engaging and gripping and I would recommend reading the book. I want to end with a quote from Gary at the end of the book.
"My story is God's story, this medal is not about me. This medal is about him. Without God's grace, I wouldn't have been able to survive Vietnam. Without his forgiveness in my life, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. Without his love, I wouldn't have healed from my wounds. This medal is ultimately about him, and I wear it for his honor."
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Gary is a Green Beret medic, committed to the Montagnard people he was there to protect. They became his friends and he loved them. When April 1, 1970 dawned and the siege of Dak Seang began, Gary was all in. Even though he was badly injured himself, he persisted in being dragged around in the midst of the battle, to help others who were injured. What he saw and what he endured was unimaginable. This is not a spoiler, it's in the prologue of the book.
But this doesn't end up being Gary's biggest battle, he has his own internal demons to fight and they are determined to win. I don't want to give more of the story away, but to say this, Jesus gave him the answer to his hurts and struggles, but it wasn't an instant change. It still took time and grace.
I was appalled at the way Vietnam vets were treated; again I think this is pretty common knowledge, but to hear someone's personal experiences, it is really sad. It doesn't matter what my own feelings are about something another person did, they still deserve respect and kindness. And as an army man, Gary didn't have control over where he went and what wars the army was involved in and yet the vets were the ones who were treated so disgracefully.
This was just a really compelling story that pulled me in and held me to the last page. First, the gripping tale of Vietnam and then Gary's own personal battles, it was all engaging and gripping and I would recommend reading the book. I want to end with a quote from Gary at the end of the book.
"My story is God's story, this medal is not about me. This medal is about him. Without God's grace, I wouldn't have been able to survive Vietnam. Without his forgiveness in my life, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself. Without his love, I wouldn't have healed from my wounds. This medal is ultimately about him, and I wear it for his honor."
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 26, 2020
Gary Beikirch's story is exciting and inspiring- it's hard to believe it's actually true! And it shines under the pen of Marcus Brotherton, who crafts it as carefully as if it was the story of his own life.
War stories are simultaneously the most interesting, and the most challenging, books to read. Every time I read a story of war heroism like this one, I'm floored by what these brave heroes encounter. It's hard to hear about the things Gary Beikirch endured, but it's good that we do so we understand and respect these vets. I'd definitely recommend everyone- teens, adults, and elderly alike- read this book.
I used to think non-fiction was boring, that my novels were better, but how can you beat a true-life tale like this? Beikirch's is adventure, history and inspirational all rolled into one.
It can be somewhat difficult to review a true story. How can you critique what really and truly happened? However, even if it was fiction, "Blaze of Light" has little to nothing I'd point out anyway. It's an amazing story that should definitely be read!
Caution: Is a wartime book, so I would just recommend for teens and up, no younger.
I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.
War stories are simultaneously the most interesting, and the most challenging, books to read. Every time I read a story of war heroism like this one, I'm floored by what these brave heroes encounter. It's hard to hear about the things Gary Beikirch endured, but it's good that we do so we understand and respect these vets. I'd definitely recommend everyone- teens, adults, and elderly alike- read this book.
I used to think non-fiction was boring, that my novels were better, but how can you beat a true-life tale like this? Beikirch's is adventure, history and inspirational all rolled into one.
It can be somewhat difficult to review a true story. How can you critique what really and truly happened? However, even if it was fiction, "Blaze of Light" has little to nothing I'd point out anyway. It's an amazing story that should definitely be read!
Caution: Is a wartime book, so I would just recommend for teens and up, no younger.
I voluntarily received this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.
April 10, 2020
Blaze of Light
By Marcus Brotherton
Blaze of Light is the biography of Gary Beikirch, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism as a Green Beret medic during the Vietnam War. This book is a well written account of Gary Beikirch’s life and the powerful experiences that shaped him and ultimately lead to his many awards and accomplishments. The author clearly captures Beikirch’s love, respect, and support of the Montagnards, an indigenous tribe in Dak Seang, caught in the middle of the Vietnam War. When the village was attacked, Gary did not hesitate to administer aid to others despite being under heavy fire and seriously wounded himself. Not only did Gary fight to live and heal from his physical injuries, he also had to fight on the homefront with the night terrors of PTSD and the unwelcoming atmosphere for soldiers in the USA during the Vietnam era. Gary had to continually balance his war experiences and the need to close his heart with his beautiful family and the need to experience all the joys of it. Blaze of Light is an inspiring story. It captures Gary’s search for what is important in life, love and sacrifice to God and country, and an unwavering determination to be of service to others and lead a life of significance. It is a great read!
By Marcus Brotherton
Blaze of Light is the biography of Gary Beikirch, a Medal of Honor recipient for his heroism as a Green Beret medic during the Vietnam War. This book is a well written account of Gary Beikirch’s life and the powerful experiences that shaped him and ultimately lead to his many awards and accomplishments. The author clearly captures Beikirch’s love, respect, and support of the Montagnards, an indigenous tribe in Dak Seang, caught in the middle of the Vietnam War. When the village was attacked, Gary did not hesitate to administer aid to others despite being under heavy fire and seriously wounded himself. Not only did Gary fight to live and heal from his physical injuries, he also had to fight on the homefront with the night terrors of PTSD and the unwelcoming atmosphere for soldiers in the USA during the Vietnam era. Gary had to continually balance his war experiences and the need to close his heart with his beautiful family and the need to experience all the joys of it. Blaze of Light is an inspiring story. It captures Gary’s search for what is important in life, love and sacrifice to God and country, and an unwavering determination to be of service to others and lead a life of significance. It is a great read!
January 17, 2025
3.5⭐ the writing style of this book wasn't for me, but the contents of the book (the actions of the courageous Green Beret and all he went through with PTSD and not being welcomed home back in the states) is crazy and I enjoyed what I learned.
March 7, 2020
First of all a big thank you to Random House, WaterBrook, Netgalley and Edelweiss for letting me read this biography of a Vietnam war veteran. It was one of the better ones about this conflict I've read in a whiel. If you like to read about the Vietnam war or special forces or maybe about wartime medics this one is for you.
April 8, 2020
At a charity dinner in Texas in late 2019, I had the privilege of hearing Gary Beikirch speak, along with recent Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia, at a roundtable discussion about the meaning of the Medal, the burden that entails and road that brought them be in such a select and elite group of people. In that setting, it was hard for Gary to go into to much detail about his story and things such as his "cave", but I was very interested to learn more about this humble, unassuming hero. Marcus Brotherton vividly brings his story to life and gives me the details that answer the questions I had and make me understand how it all ties together and gives us a man dedicated to service to others. Brotherton effectively conveys the ultimate message and meaning of Gary's complex and compelling road from his troubled childhood, to grievously injured combat veteran, to Medal of Honor recipient, to ultimately finding peace, forgiveness and purpose in life. I am not a person of faith or religion, however I have always been very interested in how others come to have faith and religion in their lives. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, Gary Beikirch's journey to faith is something we can all learn from and by the the time you reach the final page, you are acutely aware that Gary Beikirch is a living example of the six value of the Medal of Honor: Courage, Sacrifice, Patriotism, Citizenship, Integrity and Commitment. These values are eternal and timeless, whether or not you are a person of faith and religion.
April 17, 2020
This is the true life story of a Vietnam war hero named Gary Beikirch. He was an Army Green Beret and combat medic who was stationed in the village of Dak Seang. The first section of the book goes into detail about his early life and how he came to fight in the Vietnam War. Gary was forced to see and do things we cannot even imagine. He was severely wounded during a massive fire fight with the enemy. Despite his injuries, Gary continued to rescue and/or provide aid to his fellow soldiers. This simple act of bravery earned him the United States military’s highest award, the Medal of Honor.
The second section of the book goes into deal about Gary Beikirch's life after the war. Gary struggles to overcome the demons and nightmares, it is the aftermath of war that haunts him. Being apart of the Vietnam war changes him, he connected with the people of the village and cannot forget. He struggled with what is now recognized as PTSD. With help of some family members and other good people he met along the way in his life, he slowly began to turn to faith in Christ for comfort. After retreating to the Appalachian wilderness was he able to heal and find peace within his own mind. He eventually is able to marry, have children, along with a full-filling job he loves, while still finding time to help out fellow veterans.
In summary, this is a truly unbelievable real life story, of one man's journey of self discovery. Sergeant Gary Beikirch did not choose to be a war hero, but with faith, he learned to accept that God chose him to be that kind of savior to others. This is a story about redemption, triumphs, and tribulations. Utimately, this is true tale of a man who finds solace in life, by seeking refuge in the teachings of Christ. Overall, this is a very detailed, well written novel by author Marcus Brotherton.
* I received a copy of Blaze of Light for this review thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. All book review opinions are strictly my own and have not been influenced in any manner. Your opinion may vary from that of my own. Thank you. *
The second section of the book goes into deal about Gary Beikirch's life after the war. Gary struggles to overcome the demons and nightmares, it is the aftermath of war that haunts him. Being apart of the Vietnam war changes him, he connected with the people of the village and cannot forget. He struggled with what is now recognized as PTSD. With help of some family members and other good people he met along the way in his life, he slowly began to turn to faith in Christ for comfort. After retreating to the Appalachian wilderness was he able to heal and find peace within his own mind. He eventually is able to marry, have children, along with a full-filling job he loves, while still finding time to help out fellow veterans.
In summary, this is a truly unbelievable real life story, of one man's journey of self discovery. Sergeant Gary Beikirch did not choose to be a war hero, but with faith, he learned to accept that God chose him to be that kind of savior to others. This is a story about redemption, triumphs, and tribulations. Utimately, this is true tale of a man who finds solace in life, by seeking refuge in the teachings of Christ. Overall, this is a very detailed, well written novel by author Marcus Brotherton.
* I received a copy of Blaze of Light for this review thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah. I was not required to write a positive review. All book review opinions are strictly my own and have not been influenced in any manner. Your opinion may vary from that of my own. Thank you. *
April 10, 2020
BLAZE OF LIGHT
Inspiring true story of Green Beret Medic, Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient
Marcus Brotherton
I received this Kindle edition of Blaze of Light from Multnomah and Waterbrook Publishing for the purpose of review. This is an incredible story of a man who endured many challenges to be allowed into the Green Beret, fought in Vietnam and how to heal from the Vietnam days.
Having been one of the millions who had friends die in Vietnam, I read with many emotions throughout the book. In the beginning I slugged through his background and motives for military. To me it became rather long and detailed in his earlier life but as I continued reading I came to realize it was necessary to understand this man, Gary Beikirch.
From high school and into the military years Gary was trying to find purpose and who he was. He tried all the things a directionless teen/early 20's boys tries. He was very unsuccessful in his quest. He had basically run away from home pressures and school boredom. So, he decided the military would give him direction. The Army became his challenge and Green Berets his goal. He accomplished that goal but still no direction.
Stationed in Vietnam brought many many difficulties and he managed to go too far off the rails during that time. He did many years later receive the Medal of Honor and even that didn't help the longing he faced.
BUT God, pursued Gary many times and the day came multiple years later to finally stop looking for purpose and finding that purpose. With that came many wonderful things. However, in that period Gary had to come face to face with his hurt and pain from Vietnam and face it. The pain was great when in the loss of fellow soldiers and returning home to the US brought untold pain as rejected and actually beat up because he was a soldier. PTSD is real and I came away with a much better understanding of PTSD.
I strongly suggest the people remember that war and the subsequent years following the end of the war read and digest the contents thru the heart of this brave soldier.
I trust as we are again in a war that has no end is raging, no soldier returning home from the Middle East, Africa and many bases of service NEVER has the pain of returning home.
Inspiring true story of Green Beret Medic, Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient
Marcus Brotherton
I received this Kindle edition of Blaze of Light from Multnomah and Waterbrook Publishing for the purpose of review. This is an incredible story of a man who endured many challenges to be allowed into the Green Beret, fought in Vietnam and how to heal from the Vietnam days.
Having been one of the millions who had friends die in Vietnam, I read with many emotions throughout the book. In the beginning I slugged through his background and motives for military. To me it became rather long and detailed in his earlier life but as I continued reading I came to realize it was necessary to understand this man, Gary Beikirch.
From high school and into the military years Gary was trying to find purpose and who he was. He tried all the things a directionless teen/early 20's boys tries. He was very unsuccessful in his quest. He had basically run away from home pressures and school boredom. So, he decided the military would give him direction. The Army became his challenge and Green Berets his goal. He accomplished that goal but still no direction.
Stationed in Vietnam brought many many difficulties and he managed to go too far off the rails during that time. He did many years later receive the Medal of Honor and even that didn't help the longing he faced.
BUT God, pursued Gary many times and the day came multiple years later to finally stop looking for purpose and finding that purpose. With that came many wonderful things. However, in that period Gary had to come face to face with his hurt and pain from Vietnam and face it. The pain was great when in the loss of fellow soldiers and returning home to the US brought untold pain as rejected and actually beat up because he was a soldier. PTSD is real and I came away with a much better understanding of PTSD.
I strongly suggest the people remember that war and the subsequent years following the end of the war read and digest the contents thru the heart of this brave soldier.
I trust as we are again in a war that has no end is raging, no soldier returning home from the Middle East, Africa and many bases of service NEVER has the pain of returning home.
March 31, 2020
“Blaze of Light: The Inspiring Story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch, Medal of Honor Recipient” by Marcus Brotherton (Waterbrook, 2020) is the remarkable biography of Gary Beikirch. His is an incredible life of opposite emotions from despair to faith, helplessness to hope, hate to love. He is a man of great inner strength and talents, but who suffered from emotional setbacks as a child and as a young adult. A run-in with the law led him to military service where, through his own tenacity and determination, he became a Green Beret medic at a forward base in Vietnam. When the base was attacked by the North Vietnamese, he faced the horrors of combat yet was able to continue to treat the wounded even though he himself had grievous wounds.
Back home he faced a long recovery from his injuries while suffering from PTSD. However, through this time of trial, he had an inner drive to find answers to his problems and to life itself. This led him on a meaningful faith journey. During this period, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor.
Marcus Brotherton has written several books on the men of World War II. This is his first about the Vietnam era and it is a winner. Brotherton has a descriptive style that few contemporary authors can match. Through his words you feel the raw emotions, the horror of the battlefield, the inner conflicts, and the ultimate peace. The book works on many levels as it weaves together stories of resilience, reconciliation, and redemption. I highly recommend it.
Back home he faced a long recovery from his injuries while suffering from PTSD. However, through this time of trial, he had an inner drive to find answers to his problems and to life itself. This led him on a meaningful faith journey. During this period, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor.
Marcus Brotherton has written several books on the men of World War II. This is his first about the Vietnam era and it is a winner. Brotherton has a descriptive style that few contemporary authors can match. Through his words you feel the raw emotions, the horror of the battlefield, the inner conflicts, and the ultimate peace. The book works on many levels as it weaves together stories of resilience, reconciliation, and redemption. I highly recommend it.
March 28, 2020
American Professor of literature Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949) finds that all myths share similar structures and that the hero’s journey was a metaphor for the transformation that heroes in all times and places share- a journey that Campbell describes as follows:
“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man”(24)
Gary Beikirch’s book is a prime example of the “Hero’s Journey.” From the very beginning, his name Gary - “Spear- loyal warrior” puts a prophetic legend in place (Brotherton 8). Indeed, many little “breadcrumbs” lead the reader on Beikirch’s spiritual journey in terms of events and people who come in and out of his life, carefully building this mythic structure leading to a climatic point. This point is not the battle at Dak Seang, the sacrificial lamb in this story. No, the religious epiphany circles back to the motto “To really live, you must almost die. To those who fight for it, life has a meaning the protected will never know (Brotherton 57). For those seeking a truly deep, complex book that examines the very essence of humanity and what a life with purpose means, this book will help guide them on the path to self-discovery. It is truly a journey of “light.”
Brotherton, Marcus. Blaze of Light: Courage for Battle, Faith for Crisis. Waterbrook, 2020.
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton UP, 1968.
“A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man”(24)
Gary Beikirch’s book is a prime example of the “Hero’s Journey.” From the very beginning, his name Gary - “Spear- loyal warrior” puts a prophetic legend in place (Brotherton 8). Indeed, many little “breadcrumbs” lead the reader on Beikirch’s spiritual journey in terms of events and people who come in and out of his life, carefully building this mythic structure leading to a climatic point. This point is not the battle at Dak Seang, the sacrificial lamb in this story. No, the religious epiphany circles back to the motto “To really live, you must almost die. To those who fight for it, life has a meaning the protected will never know (Brotherton 57). For those seeking a truly deep, complex book that examines the very essence of humanity and what a life with purpose means, this book will help guide them on the path to self-discovery. It is truly a journey of “light.”
Brotherton, Marcus. Blaze of Light: Courage for Battle, Faith for Crisis. Waterbrook, 2020.
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton UP, 1968.
March 25, 2020
A Combat Veteran Struggles to Adjust and Finds Faith
Gary Beikirch, a Green Beret combat medic, was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong attacked the village of Dak Saeng. Gary treated the wounded until he succumbed to his own wounds. For his bravery, he was presented the Medal of Honor.
Gary was one of the lucky ones, although his wounds were serious, including an injury to his spine, he recovered and was able to walk again, but his mind was also wounded. He experienced bouts of anger, addiction and PTSD. Finally, in an effort to find himself, he retreated to a cave in the Appalachian Mountain Range. There he found God and gave himself up to his faith.
This excellent book celebrates the trials and successes of one of our brave soldiers. After the Vietnam War, many people who did not believe in the war were not supportive of the returning soldiers. Gary’s story is only one of many. It reminds us of how lucky we are as Americans to have soldiers who will defend us.
The scenes in the battle for Dak Saeng are vivid and frightening. Painting a picture of the horrific events that led up to Gary’s hospitalization and subsequent problems. The author did an excellent job of telling the story. The pace is fast. It’s hard to put the book down. I recommend this book. It will help you understand how much our soldiers give both in and out of uniform.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.
Gary Beikirch, a Green Beret combat medic, was seriously wounded when the Viet Cong attacked the village of Dak Saeng. Gary treated the wounded until he succumbed to his own wounds. For his bravery, he was presented the Medal of Honor.
Gary was one of the lucky ones, although his wounds were serious, including an injury to his spine, he recovered and was able to walk again, but his mind was also wounded. He experienced bouts of anger, addiction and PTSD. Finally, in an effort to find himself, he retreated to a cave in the Appalachian Mountain Range. There he found God and gave himself up to his faith.
This excellent book celebrates the trials and successes of one of our brave soldiers. After the Vietnam War, many people who did not believe in the war were not supportive of the returning soldiers. Gary’s story is only one of many. It reminds us of how lucky we are as Americans to have soldiers who will defend us.
The scenes in the battle for Dak Saeng are vivid and frightening. Painting a picture of the horrific events that led up to Gary’s hospitalization and subsequent problems. The author did an excellent job of telling the story. The pace is fast. It’s hard to put the book down. I recommend this book. It will help you understand how much our soldiers give both in and out of uniform.
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for this review.
March 27, 2020
Blaze of Light is a true story of Green Beret Medic Gary Beikirch by author Marcus Brotherton.
I am a big advocate of reading the prologue and epilogue of a book. So, from the prologue to the end I experienced all sorts of emotions. I have family members that have served, or are serving, so this book really hits close to home. Be sure and have a box of tissues close by.
It was interesting to learn what it takes to become a Green Beret and a little about basic training. It gave me a new respect for our military. I have always admired the military and thank God for those serving and their families.
This is an inspiring story of God’s healing grace. I didn’t want to put it down, and now that it has ended I feel I have met a friend through the pages. I highly recommend this book to readers interested in learning more about the Vietnam War and Green Berets.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
I am a big advocate of reading the prologue and epilogue of a book. So, from the prologue to the end I experienced all sorts of emotions. I have family members that have served, or are serving, so this book really hits close to home. Be sure and have a box of tissues close by.
It was interesting to learn what it takes to become a Green Beret and a little about basic training. It gave me a new respect for our military. I have always admired the military and thank God for those serving and their families.
This is an inspiring story of God’s healing grace. I didn’t want to put it down, and now that it has ended I feel I have met a friend through the pages. I highly recommend this book to readers interested in learning more about the Vietnam War and Green Berets.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
September 25, 2022
I suspect most Medal of Honor recipients would make excellent book subjects and this one is pretty interesting. I always enjoy books by Marcus Brotherton; he has an engaging way of story telling. What I enjoyed most about Gary’s story was his love for the Montagnard people and then later his discovery of faith. His actions to receive his medal are secondary in this story and that is very admirable.
April 8, 2020
This book was sent to me by the publisher @waterbrookmultnomah in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Gary Beikirch was an incredible story of heroism and sacrifice during the Vietnam War. It’s also gives a glimpse into what PTSD can look like post deployment. The author didn’t go into deep detail but you get an real sense of the turmoil and the hardship that war can cause a soldier to experience who has been in combat. It helps the reader see that even though a soldier is now back at home, life is not ever the same.
This is also a story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Gary's dream was to be a Green Beret in the US Army and he made it happen. Throughout the book you will get to see glimpses of his resolve to be the best at his job and the pain he had to endure to heal from the physical, mental and emotional wounds from doing his job.
I could not put this book down. I was so emotionally involved from the very beginning. I laughed some here and there but mostly I read in a state of awe. I cried at the hardships and the depictions of what war was like for him. The book showed Gary’s personal experience with how Vietnam War Veterans were not welcomed home with appreciation for their service. They received persecution, verbal abuse and physical abuse by protesters.
My father is a Vietnam veteran so this story really hit home for me. I really enjoyed this book and want to tell every Vietnam veteran, thank you for your service!
The story of Gary Beikirch was an incredible story of heroism and sacrifice during the Vietnam War. It’s also gives a glimpse into what PTSD can look like post deployment. The author didn’t go into deep detail but you get an real sense of the turmoil and the hardship that war can cause a soldier to experience who has been in combat. It helps the reader see that even though a soldier is now back at home, life is not ever the same.
This is also a story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Gary's dream was to be a Green Beret in the US Army and he made it happen. Throughout the book you will get to see glimpses of his resolve to be the best at his job and the pain he had to endure to heal from the physical, mental and emotional wounds from doing his job.
I could not put this book down. I was so emotionally involved from the very beginning. I laughed some here and there but mostly I read in a state of awe. I cried at the hardships and the depictions of what war was like for him. The book showed Gary’s personal experience with how Vietnam War Veterans were not welcomed home with appreciation for their service. They received persecution, verbal abuse and physical abuse by protesters.
My father is a Vietnam veteran so this story really hit home for me. I really enjoyed this book and want to tell every Vietnam veteran, thank you for your service!
March 30, 2020
Military. Memoirs. Miracles. Perseverance. Pursuit. Passion. So many things in one great book. I love a good redemption story, and this one did not disappoint. It took a little bit for me to really engage, but once I did I was hooked and all of my heart strings were being pulled in all directions. What a great world we would have if more people were like Gary Beikirch. I would highly recommend this book.
I also have to say that this book is a miracle worker. MY husband HATES to read and hasn't read a book in years. He saw I had this book, took it, and FINISHED it on just over a day. If that doesn't give the best recommendation to read it, I do not know what will.
I received an advanced copy of this book to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
I also have to say that this book is a miracle worker. MY husband HATES to read and hasn't read a book in years. He saw I had this book, took it, and FINISHED it on just over a day. If that doesn't give the best recommendation to read it, I do not know what will.
I received an advanced copy of this book to read. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2020
I have given this book a 5 star rating for so many reasons but the most outstanding are:
The amazing courage, commitment and true honesty it took to share this true story that must have been so difficult to relive and describe so vividly.
The unbelievable love and compassion for his fellow man .
The willingness to give his life for others.
How inspiring it is to see these real life experiences and see how faith in God can change our lives to give true meaning to life itself.
The amazing courage, commitment and true honesty it took to share this true story that must have been so difficult to relive and describe so vividly.
The unbelievable love and compassion for his fellow man .
The willingness to give his life for others.
How inspiring it is to see these real life experiences and see how faith in God can change our lives to give true meaning to life itself.
August 7, 2024
This was good. Honestly the only reason I’m not giving it five stars is I feel like it could have been longer. I wanted more of his time in the green berets … it felt like it left a lot out.
March 20, 2020
On April 1st, 1970 in Dak Saeng, Vietnam Gary Beikirch distinguished himself with selfless acts of bravery and duty which later earned him the Medal of Honor.
Marcus Brotherton tells Gary's story in the troubled years leading up to that day and the things that brought him to Dak Saeng that day. I loved how this story showed Gary's love for the Montagnard people, and how they accepted him as one of their own as he built friendships and relationships with them. This book also tells of the troubled years after that day, and Gary's struggles with coming home, addiction, relationships and God.
Gary's story is vividly told, from his rebellious years and military service, to his journey of faith and the struggles of a returning Vietnam Vet. His story is compelling, and honest, not shying away from his failures, but also not going into explicit detail, all the while showing God's hand in his life, even he couldn't see it. I was inspired by how his faith grew in steps forward and back, it wasn't one moment that changed it all, yet those moments were seeds sown and it took time for those seeds to take root.
Overall, a well written, compelling, true story of one man's commitment to his duty and his journey to faith. I highly recommend this read, it's a great reminder of what Vietnam War Veterans faced upon their return home, as well as one man's journey of faith. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Marcus Brotherton tells Gary's story in the troubled years leading up to that day and the things that brought him to Dak Saeng that day. I loved how this story showed Gary's love for the Montagnard people, and how they accepted him as one of their own as he built friendships and relationships with them. This book also tells of the troubled years after that day, and Gary's struggles with coming home, addiction, relationships and God.
Gary's story is vividly told, from his rebellious years and military service, to his journey of faith and the struggles of a returning Vietnam Vet. His story is compelling, and honest, not shying away from his failures, but also not going into explicit detail, all the while showing God's hand in his life, even he couldn't see it. I was inspired by how his faith grew in steps forward and back, it wasn't one moment that changed it all, yet those moments were seeds sown and it took time for those seeds to take root.
Overall, a well written, compelling, true story of one man's commitment to his duty and his journey to faith. I highly recommend this read, it's a great reminder of what Vietnam War Veterans faced upon their return home, as well as one man's journey of faith. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 24, 2020
The author did a good job of sharing facts and details enough to keep you engaged with the story. Those of us who've not serve our country as Gary Beikirch did get to pull the curtain back for a slight peek into what our service men and women endure for our freedom.
The book also gives a glimpse into the poor treatment we give our service personnel when they return home. I've seen it with my own eyes towards family and friends who've served and it's a shame.
I recommend this book for someone who likes military history and especially for someone who struggles in their faith. Gary's story inspires one to dig deep within and to grow your faith.
I hope this book gets into many hands and people start standing up for our Veterans.
Green Beret Sergeant Gary Beikirch, and the soldiers of CampA-245, THANK YOU for your service.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group with no expectation in return. The above comments are my own.
The book also gives a glimpse into the poor treatment we give our service personnel when they return home. I've seen it with my own eyes towards family and friends who've served and it's a shame.
I recommend this book for someone who likes military history and especially for someone who struggles in their faith. Gary's story inspires one to dig deep within and to grow your faith.
I hope this book gets into many hands and people start standing up for our Veterans.
Green Beret Sergeant Gary Beikirch, and the soldiers of CampA-245, THANK YOU for your service.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group with no expectation in return. The above comments are my own.
March 24, 2020
Gary Beikirch, Army Green Beret was awarded the Medal of Honor. April 1, 1970, 10,000 enemy soldiers sought to obliterate 12 American Special Forces troops and 400 indigenous fighters who stood fast to defend 2300 women and children inside the village of Dak Seang. Gary returned home wounded in body, mind, and soul. To find himself again, Gary retreated to a cave in the mountains of New England, where he had an encounter with God.
During this COVID-19 stressful crisis, it makes a perfect companion.
The read was incredible. Gary's life from boot camp to throughout his life was exciting and interesting. I felt the harshness of hell week. The fear of missions. And the God he serves. This truly is an inspiring story, one I'll go back to many times. Both in memory and in reading. I'll keep the book close by. I can't begin to say what impact it had on my life - so real. - so good. - so lasting.
During this COVID-19 stressful crisis, it makes a perfect companion.
The read was incredible. Gary's life from boot camp to throughout his life was exciting and interesting. I felt the harshness of hell week. The fear of missions. And the God he serves. This truly is an inspiring story, one I'll go back to many times. Both in memory and in reading. I'll keep the book close by. I can't begin to say what impact it had on my life - so real. - so good. - so lasting.
March 25, 2020
“To really live, you must almost die. To those who fight for it, life has a meaning the protected will never know.” This is a quote that is mentioned several times throughout this book and it’s evident that its guiding principle had great meaning for Gary Beikirch throughout his life’s journey. This story- of a man who “almost died” on more than one occasion- is truly inspiring. Brotherton narrates in a way that the reader clearly witnesses Beikirch’s experiences as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War, but also describes his challenges before and after his military service. Even before Biekirch found solace for his troubled spirit, his views and his actions were motivated by love and the value he placed on people, ultimately leading him to a place where he could find redemption and forgiveness in his life. For this reason, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in receiving the encouragement and perspective that can come from observing the life of another.
March 19, 2020
Brotherton has created a very readable and engaging account of Beikirch's experiences.
There were the physical struggles. At one point, surgeons managed to remove seventeen pieces of shrapnel from his back and a rusty nail from a jerry-rigged NVA claymore mine that had lodged near his kidneys. Yet thirty-four additional pieces of shrapnel, seen in X-rays, still needed to be removed. (141) He had an ileostomy for some time, allowing what was left of his intestines to heal.
There were the psychological struggles. I cannot imagine the interior battles Beikirch experienced after seeing the horrors of that war. Then there were the hurtful comments made by people when he returned to the U.S. There were nightmares and flashbacks. There was anger, alcohol, and drugs. Peace only came when Beikrich surrendered his life to God.
Beikirch no longer tries to forget. “He knows the scars of the Vietnam War will always remain. Yet Gary has used his scars to develop a passion for helping people heal and thrive.” (236)
This book is an encouraging account of one man moving through the obstacles he faced. He had the help of many others and of the life transforming God. I recommend the book to readers who are looking for an encouraging story to inspire them to continue on to victory.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
There were the physical struggles. At one point, surgeons managed to remove seventeen pieces of shrapnel from his back and a rusty nail from a jerry-rigged NVA claymore mine that had lodged near his kidneys. Yet thirty-four additional pieces of shrapnel, seen in X-rays, still needed to be removed. (141) He had an ileostomy for some time, allowing what was left of his intestines to heal.
There were the psychological struggles. I cannot imagine the interior battles Beikirch experienced after seeing the horrors of that war. Then there were the hurtful comments made by people when he returned to the U.S. There were nightmares and flashbacks. There was anger, alcohol, and drugs. Peace only came when Beikrich surrendered his life to God.
Beikirch no longer tries to forget. “He knows the scars of the Vietnam War will always remain. Yet Gary has used his scars to develop a passion for helping people heal and thrive.” (236)
This book is an encouraging account of one man moving through the obstacles he faced. He had the help of many others and of the life transforming God. I recommend the book to readers who are looking for an encouraging story to inspire them to continue on to victory.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 9, 2020
I have known Gary Beikirch for many years but as a veteran (Bosnia and Afghanistan), we never needed to swap war stories. They remain as unspoken knowledge and mutual understanding. So looking into Gary's life, experience, and outcome in book format really helped me put my own military-related trauma into perspective. Thank you Marcus for recognizing the extraordinary characters of Gary and his wife, Lolly. You brought to life a clear and inspirational account of heroism, strength, sacrifice, selflessness, recovery and faith. I believe readers will be better able to close the book on trauma through perseverance and love. I highly recommend this narrative of an extraordinary life.
April 13, 2020
Absolutely amazing story! True example of selflessness and discovery! Once I started reading I couldn’t seem to put the book down. I truly felt immersed in every word. A highly recommended read for all! The epitome of a pure soul!
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