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The Green Berets
Robin Moore’s Flaming Blockbuster Novel About A New Kind of Soldier In A New Kind of War
334 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
March 29, 2020
The #5 bestseller in 1965 was a tough read for me. In 1965, I graduated from high school. By 1967, I was a full-blown protester against the Vietnam War. When I started My Big Fat Reading Project, reading books from the 1940s, I found many antiwar sentiments alongside books about, and even glorifying, war.
For decades I embraced pacifism. Now in my 70s, I realize that pacifism is a fine ideal but does not work out in real life. All the way from what would you do if someone was trying to destroy a loved one to what if some country is trying to destroy your own. I have also espoused non-violence but observed that eventually most oppressed humans resort to violence.
Robin Moore was a journalist who got permission to train as a Green Beret and then imbed himself with these Special Forces units in Vietnam to get first hand information on how and why they practiced guerilla warfare. He turned those experiences into fictional stories about some of the operations. According to him, JFK wholeheartedly backed the endeavor, including CIA involvement in some of the operations. The idea grew out of the realization that for Western nations to fight communism in the far east, it appeared impossible to win by conventional military manuevers.
Having read the book, mainly loathing it the whole way, I understand those pressures better. I also learned how the US Military was at war with itself over these new approaches and how some of the top generals actually sabotaged the Special Forces. I felt fortunate to have read The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, in which I got the story of the conflicts within the Vietnamese governments.
Fast forward to the present when the art of war has become even more complex. I don't need to explain. Just read the news.
I still believe that war is not the answer to human problems though it sure seems that to many it is just accepted as the way things are. I don't mean to discount the bravery, patriotism and commitment of soldiers but I do condemn the huge loss of human lives as the price we pay.
I really do wonder, if any entity could do a correct poll or survey, what the majority of human beings think about the necessity or inevitability of war. What do you think?
Now we are fighting another war against little invisible things called viruses. War news has suddenly become almost absent but it is for sure war and human beings are not united in this war either. Of course there are plenty of courageous and dedicated individuals doing all they can to save lives, to do the right things concerning the spread of the virus; there are officials taking appropriate steps to protect lives. We will get through it somehow but again the result is huge losses.
I am sorry if this post brings you down. I pondered whether or not I should enter this review into the conversation today. Still, this could be a time for us to dedicate ourselves to becoming more educated and responsible for our fellow man, to consider alternatives to the past and what we as individuals, families, groups, can do for each other and our planet. Out of suffering and mistakes and destruction can come new understandings and intelligence and bright ideas.
Keep the wisdom!
For decades I embraced pacifism. Now in my 70s, I realize that pacifism is a fine ideal but does not work out in real life. All the way from what would you do if someone was trying to destroy a loved one to what if some country is trying to destroy your own. I have also espoused non-violence but observed that eventually most oppressed humans resort to violence.
Robin Moore was a journalist who got permission to train as a Green Beret and then imbed himself with these Special Forces units in Vietnam to get first hand information on how and why they practiced guerilla warfare. He turned those experiences into fictional stories about some of the operations. According to him, JFK wholeheartedly backed the endeavor, including CIA involvement in some of the operations. The idea grew out of the realization that for Western nations to fight communism in the far east, it appeared impossible to win by conventional military manuevers.
Having read the book, mainly loathing it the whole way, I understand those pressures better. I also learned how the US Military was at war with itself over these new approaches and how some of the top generals actually sabotaged the Special Forces. I felt fortunate to have read The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, in which I got the story of the conflicts within the Vietnamese governments.
Fast forward to the present when the art of war has become even more complex. I don't need to explain. Just read the news.
I still believe that war is not the answer to human problems though it sure seems that to many it is just accepted as the way things are. I don't mean to discount the bravery, patriotism and commitment of soldiers but I do condemn the huge loss of human lives as the price we pay.
I really do wonder, if any entity could do a correct poll or survey, what the majority of human beings think about the necessity or inevitability of war. What do you think?
Now we are fighting another war against little invisible things called viruses. War news has suddenly become almost absent but it is for sure war and human beings are not united in this war either. Of course there are plenty of courageous and dedicated individuals doing all they can to save lives, to do the right things concerning the spread of the virus; there are officials taking appropriate steps to protect lives. We will get through it somehow but again the result is huge losses.
I am sorry if this post brings you down. I pondered whether or not I should enter this review into the conversation today. Still, this could be a time for us to dedicate ourselves to becoming more educated and responsible for our fellow man, to consider alternatives to the past and what we as individuals, families, groups, can do for each other and our planet. Out of suffering and mistakes and destruction can come new understandings and intelligence and bright ideas.
Keep the wisdom!
November 4, 2021
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read, and I read it early in life. I returned to it again and was reminded again how much ground this covers.
Moore is the master of the unstated conclusion. He leads you up to the edge, lays everything out like a theatrical scene or a flowchart, and then departs without using the voice of the author to say what you need to see.
Highly critical of how the Americans were fighting this war, but unlike most of the gibberish propaganda acknowledging the horrors of Communism (and the third world, as well as some spicy criticism of American consumerism and the blithe oblivion of first world democracies), this book looks into how warriors must get past the fog of human illusions to act effectively in the field, and how this makes them incompatible with how not just civilian society but human social systems work.
Parts of it are sheer nightmare fuel. Some of the stories in this, not just of the brutality of the Communists but of the careless inhumanity and animal abuse of the impoverished third world, will shake you to your core.
I think this provided much of the seed material for "Apocalypse Now," in addition to Conrad, Elliott, and Nietzsche of course.
Moore is the master of the unstated conclusion. He leads you up to the edge, lays everything out like a theatrical scene or a flowchart, and then departs without using the voice of the author to say what you need to see.
Highly critical of how the Americans were fighting this war, but unlike most of the gibberish propaganda acknowledging the horrors of Communism (and the third world, as well as some spicy criticism of American consumerism and the blithe oblivion of first world democracies), this book looks into how warriors must get past the fog of human illusions to act effectively in the field, and how this makes them incompatible with how not just civilian society but human social systems work.
Parts of it are sheer nightmare fuel. Some of the stories in this, not just of the brutality of the Communists but of the careless inhumanity and animal abuse of the impoverished third world, will shake you to your core.
I think this provided much of the seed material for "Apocalypse Now," in addition to Conrad, Elliott, and Nietzsche of course.
April 9, 2018
“The Green Berets” is a collection of fictional short-stories that are based on actual events. I seriously doubt the book could be written today because the US Government and the Army most likely wouldn’t allow a civilian reporter to complete the various training programs for the Green Berets nor would they allow a civilian to carry a weapon in an armed conflict. But, things were a lot different in the early 1960’s, and this book paints a picture of the brave men who earned the right to wear the green beret and serve in the special forces during the Vietnam Conflict.
The stories cover the early stages of the war when the Americans were serving in advisory roles, and there was still hope of actually winning in Vietnam; however, the author doesn’t pull any punches when he shows how unwinnable the war would became as the Green Berets battled not only against the Communists, but also against the Vietnamese government, the United States government, religious tolerance, greed, and corruption.
In this updated version, I was glad the author showed the human side of the war by including a short love story. The other stories got into some of the grisly things the soldiers had to endure and also into some of the tactics they used to fight against the Communists. The Vietnam Conflict is a sad era of the US Military, but the author showed the braveness and loyalty of the special breed of men we call Green Berets.
The stories cover the early stages of the war when the Americans were serving in advisory roles, and there was still hope of actually winning in Vietnam; however, the author doesn’t pull any punches when he shows how unwinnable the war would became as the Green Berets battled not only against the Communists, but also against the Vietnamese government, the United States government, religious tolerance, greed, and corruption.
In this updated version, I was glad the author showed the human side of the war by including a short love story. The other stories got into some of the grisly things the soldiers had to endure and also into some of the tactics they used to fight against the Communists. The Vietnam Conflict is a sad era of the US Military, but the author showed the braveness and loyalty of the special breed of men we call Green Berets.
April 5, 2015
Very good stories of the exploits of the special forces group. Well written as not a history but the memories of the writer. Very Recommended
November 4, 2024
The book that the John Wayne movie, and a newspaper comic strip were based on.
It's pretty exciting, even though it's told in the 60's journalistic style. Patriotic, which is a refreshing change from today.
From this, it's hard to believe that in just a couple of years, people would be spitting on soldiers.
It's pretty exciting, even though it's told in the 60's journalistic style. Patriotic, which is a refreshing change from today.
From this, it's hard to believe that in just a couple of years, people would be spitting on soldiers.
July 8, 2025
Vuonna 1965 alun perin ilmestynyt "Vihreät baretit" (Gummerus, 1966) on Robin Mooren tositapahtumiin perustuva bestseller amerikkalaisista erikoisjoukoista. Se koostuu yhdeksästä toinen toistaan miehuullisemmasta kertomuksesta, joissa taistellaan vihollisen linjojen takana tai suoritetaan erilaisia vaarallisia erikoisoperaatioita. Sodankäyntitapa on epäsovinnainen ja kaiketi myös epävirallinen, mutta yhtä kaikki, tarkoituksena on estää Vietnamia luisumasta kommunistien käsiin.
Robin Moore kirjoitti kirjan omiin Vietnam-kokemuksiinsa perustuen. Tyylilajiksi valikoitui puolipakolla kaunokirjallisuus, sillä osa kuvatuista asioista vaati jonkinasteista salailua, sota kun oli kirjan kirjoittamisen aikaan edellään meneillään ja tulisi jatkumaan vielä monta vuotta. Kaipa tätä voisi kutsua dokumenttiromaaniksi.
Sävy on propagandistinen ja vahvan antikommunistinen, tosin oman armeijan esikuntaupseereitakin arvostellaan, nämä kun eivät ymmärrä millä tavalla sotaa kuuluu käydä. Jos raakuuksia tapahtuu, ovat ne kuitenkin vihollisen tekemisiä. My Lain tarinasta tullaan kirjoittamaan vasta myöhemmin.
Vaikka tarinaniskentä on hetkittäin varsin viihdyttävää, on "Vihreät baretit" kokonaisuutena sen verran puuduttava, ettei kirjalle voi kuitenkaan kahta tähteä enempää antaa. Suomennos ei myöskään ole aina onnistunein mahdollinen, esimerkiksi helikoptereita kutsutaan kömpelösti "hakkaajiksi" (chopper).
Kiinnostavana yksityiskohtana mainittakoon, että kirjan avaavassa "Vihreä baretti - kaiken matkaa" -tarinassa esiintyvä kapteeni Sven Kornie on meidän ikioma sotahullumme Lauri Törni, joka "on tappanut enemmän vietkongilaisia kuin yksikään muu A-joukkue kolmen viikon aikana" (s. 26)! Hurraa! Torille!
Robin Moore kirjoitti kirjan omiin Vietnam-kokemuksiinsa perustuen. Tyylilajiksi valikoitui puolipakolla kaunokirjallisuus, sillä osa kuvatuista asioista vaati jonkinasteista salailua, sota kun oli kirjan kirjoittamisen aikaan edellään meneillään ja tulisi jatkumaan vielä monta vuotta. Kaipa tätä voisi kutsua dokumenttiromaaniksi.
Sävy on propagandistinen ja vahvan antikommunistinen, tosin oman armeijan esikuntaupseereitakin arvostellaan, nämä kun eivät ymmärrä millä tavalla sotaa kuuluu käydä. Jos raakuuksia tapahtuu, ovat ne kuitenkin vihollisen tekemisiä. My Lain tarinasta tullaan kirjoittamaan vasta myöhemmin.
Vaikka tarinaniskentä on hetkittäin varsin viihdyttävää, on "Vihreät baretit" kokonaisuutena sen verran puuduttava, ettei kirjalle voi kuitenkaan kahta tähteä enempää antaa. Suomennos ei myöskään ole aina onnistunein mahdollinen, esimerkiksi helikoptereita kutsutaan kömpelösti "hakkaajiksi" (chopper).
Kiinnostavana yksityiskohtana mainittakoon, että kirjan avaavassa "Vihreä baretti - kaiken matkaa" -tarinassa esiintyvä kapteeni Sven Kornie on meidän ikioma sotahullumme Lauri Törni, joka "on tappanut enemmän vietkongilaisia kuin yksikään muu A-joukkue kolmen viikon aikana" (s. 26)! Hurraa! Torille!
September 23, 2020
Sehr einseitig geschriebenes "Tatsachenbuch" über den Krieg in Indochina.
July 8, 2020
These are some amazing stories about Vietnam-era US Army Special Forces ("Green Berets") by an embedded reporter. It's hard to tell how much of this is accurate -- it was fictionalized for operational security reasons (among other reasons), but I believe it is widely perceived to be plausible/representative of that early stage of the conflict. I'm much more familiar personally with modern SF (2005-2010 or so), and this is pretty much another world from what "white" SF did in Iraq/Afghanistan, but that's because in those conflicts they were not really being used for their doctrinal mission, were kept on a short leash, and all the secret squirrel stuff was by definition done by JSOC.
The crazy thing (which could never happen today) is that the author went through Airborne/Jump School and SF training, and got very close to the action on various missions (to the level of carrying extra ammunition for others, but not generally a weapon.) At the time, SF wasn't directly fighting, just advising, so it is a little more understandable, but wow, times have changed.
Essentially, life at small bases, working with indigenous forces, struggles with the Republic of Vietnam government, interactions with CIA ("Combined Studies Group"), and some dirty tricks with agents (recruiting people who had personally been harmed by the communists, and operations across borders). Most of the stories are riveting while also being sad, and overall the whole thing is much sadder once you realize this was the early escalation phase of an ultimately doomed conflict.
A few of the stories seemed completely plausible -- details about how Vietnamese Government forces failed in the field, and politics between SF ODA and the conventional army. There was some weird fantasy stuff about running massive guerrilla operations with undercover networks and armies raised seems unlikely to have happened at that stage in the war.
The crazy thing (which could never happen today) is that the author went through Airborne/Jump School and SF training, and got very close to the action on various missions (to the level of carrying extra ammunition for others, but not generally a weapon.) At the time, SF wasn't directly fighting, just advising, so it is a little more understandable, but wow, times have changed.
Essentially, life at small bases, working with indigenous forces, struggles with the Republic of Vietnam government, interactions with CIA ("Combined Studies Group"), and some dirty tricks with agents (recruiting people who had personally been harmed by the communists, and operations across borders). Most of the stories are riveting while also being sad, and overall the whole thing is much sadder once you realize this was the early escalation phase of an ultimately doomed conflict.
A few of the stories seemed completely plausible -- details about how Vietnamese Government forces failed in the field, and politics between SF ODA and the conventional army. There was some weird fantasy stuff about running massive guerrilla operations with undercover networks and armies raised seems unlikely to have happened at that stage in the war.
March 31, 2020
It seems only right that the first Vietnam War novel would come out about the same time as Gulf of Tonkin resolution. Robin Moore got as close to the Green Berets as possible, going through jump school and special forces training to build trust with his subjects, and not be liability in the field. He definitely did go to Vietnam, and spend several months in a very secret war that most people didn't even know about.
The blend of first-hand reporting, war stories, and outright fiction is strongest when it sticks closest to Moore's personal experience. The defense of an isolated outpost, patrols, and helicopter med-evacs all have that live wire electricity of great reporting. The war stories are weirder: being the only white man commanding a Montagnard warrior band in Laos, or recruiting a female agent to honeypot a VC spy, and don't capture the psychological dimension of the characters. The last section of the book is an outright fantasy about setting up a guerrilla network in North Vietnam. Many attempts along these lines were made, and they universally ended in disaster against the Communist police state of the north.
Moore has some great little word portraits of the Special Forces and their Montagnard allies, a period look at sophisticated new weapons like the claymore mine and AR-15 rifle, and nothing but derision for the South Vietnamese and the remaining French. A fascinating bit of history, but one that has not aged well.
The blend of first-hand reporting, war stories, and outright fiction is strongest when it sticks closest to Moore's personal experience. The defense of an isolated outpost, patrols, and helicopter med-evacs all have that live wire electricity of great reporting. The war stories are weirder: being the only white man commanding a Montagnard warrior band in Laos, or recruiting a female agent to honeypot a VC spy, and don't capture the psychological dimension of the characters. The last section of the book is an outright fantasy about setting up a guerrilla network in North Vietnam. Many attempts along these lines were made, and they universally ended in disaster against the Communist police state of the north.
Moore has some great little word portraits of the Special Forces and their Montagnard allies, a period look at sophisticated new weapons like the claymore mine and AR-15 rifle, and nothing but derision for the South Vietnamese and the remaining French. A fascinating bit of history, but one that has not aged well.
May 6, 2016
A bit eye-rolling at times, caused by Testosterone Overload. It also didn't help to have Lee Greenwood constantly humming in my ear as I read.
Based on true stories but told as fiction, the book follows a civilian reporter who collects the personal stories of, trains with, and sometimes participates on missions along side of members of the Special Forces known as the Green Berets. They go around showing how Americans are the bestest of the restest. Manly men who are taller and stronger than the Asian men they're fighting with/against, as the author keeps reminding us. I found it interesting that whenever there was persuasive interviewing of prisoners going on, it was always done by our allies. Americans may suggest the torture, they may sit in and watch the torture going on, but they never did the torture. Because torture is unAmerican.
As to be expected by a book so top heavy with testosterone, what few female characters that are mentioned are usually given the shaft. Not even a hen gets away with retaining her dignity. Poor hen. Author Robin Moore mysteriously labels one story as a "romance" when all it is is a G.I. desperate to get into a local woman's drawers and the Vietnamese basically telling him, "Me not so horny. Me not love you long time. Me go to college." Another chapter details how the Special Forces successfully turn women into WAC's (Whores Against Communism). But it all works out in the end, as the money made from the whorehouse will go towards paying for teachers. Everybody wins!
*Note: before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I am not criticizing the actual Green Berets. This is a review of a book.
Based on true stories but told as fiction, the book follows a civilian reporter who collects the personal stories of, trains with, and sometimes participates on missions along side of members of the Special Forces known as the Green Berets. They go around showing how Americans are the bestest of the restest. Manly men who are taller and stronger than the Asian men they're fighting with/against, as the author keeps reminding us. I found it interesting that whenever there was persuasive interviewing of prisoners going on, it was always done by our allies. Americans may suggest the torture, they may sit in and watch the torture going on, but they never did the torture. Because torture is unAmerican.
As to be expected by a book so top heavy with testosterone, what few female characters that are mentioned are usually given the shaft. Not even a hen gets away with retaining her dignity. Poor hen. Author Robin Moore mysteriously labels one story as a "romance" when all it is is a G.I. desperate to get into a local woman's drawers and the Vietnamese basically telling him, "Me not so horny. Me not love you long time. Me go to college." Another chapter details how the Special Forces successfully turn women into WAC's (Whores Against Communism). But it all works out in the end, as the money made from the whorehouse will go towards paying for teachers. Everybody wins!
*Note: before anyone gets their panties in a wad, I am not criticizing the actual Green Berets. This is a review of a book.
October 6, 2014
This is a confusing book in many ways. It's a work of fiction. However, it's based on the authors experience. He went through Jump School and training with Special Forces before going over to Vietnam. It's hard to be sure what's representative and what might be fictional. It's represented by the author is being based on events with names and places changed to protect sources. It's worth reading, if for no other reason, than it influenced many to join the Green Berets, or so the author claims. It was the source material for the 1960's movie of the same title starring, John Wayne. I felt that the Americans came off as too good, and too clean to be fully true, but maybe I'm just a post Watergate cynic? I found the book read well overall. There is a extensive glossary up front which can help those not as familiar with a lot of the military terms and slang used. The last chapter of General Shelton seemed out of place somehow.
August 3, 2016
Educational.
Informative.
Disturbing.
"The men whose names are on The Wall, and thousands of others whose lives were destroyed by the Vietnam War, did not make their sacrifices so we would repeat our mistakes and fear "sending the wrong message". Their families do not want to believe their men died in vain. We must be a decisive nation when we recognize human catastrophes, whether we are dealing with African despots, Balkan dictators or Chinese human rights violators."
Excellent ending.
Informative.
Disturbing.
"The men whose names are on The Wall, and thousands of others whose lives were destroyed by the Vietnam War, did not make their sacrifices so we would repeat our mistakes and fear "sending the wrong message". Their families do not want to believe their men died in vain. We must be a decisive nation when we recognize human catastrophes, whether we are dealing with African despots, Balkan dictators or Chinese human rights violators."
Excellent ending.
October 20, 2019
Good historical (fiction) account of the early days of the Vietnam War
Clearly written, compelling stories. A good read, and a good reminder of our history. Each story is separate from the others but form a cohesive, coherent narrative.
Clearly written, compelling stories. A good read, and a good reminder of our history. Each story is separate from the others but form a cohesive, coherent narrative.
September 5, 2015
Loved it!!!!
Very insightful and written!! From a Vietnam Veterans Daughter!! Welcome Home to all who have served! A must read to everyone!
Very insightful and written!! From a Vietnam Veterans Daughter!! Welcome Home to all who have served! A must read to everyone!
October 15, 2025
OUTSTANDING BOOK
This book was extraordinary! I thoroughly appreciated every story, though I wished for more depth exploring Captain Jesse DePortas and his team's narrative. Mr. Moore's AFTERWARDS resonated deeply with me as an Army Brat.
Growing up in a military family, I understand the profound impact service has on families. Children of service members, especially those living on base, experience unique challenges that can influence their parents' careers.
My father returned from two Vietnam War tours fundamentally changed. Despite the transformation, he remained immensely proud of his fellow soldiers, speaking of them with unparalleled respect. His most cherished mementos were the intricately carved teakwood elephants, fisherman, and Buddhas gifted by the Montagnards.
The military provided opportunities my siblings and I might never have experienced in a traditional civilian setting. We traveled extensively, gaining perspectives most people only dream about. When a friend recently asked if I wanted to explore Europe, I realized I'd already been fortunate enough to do so. Now, Australia remains my final travel aspiration.
I am profoundly grateful to my father and the United States Army for these experiences. Mr. Moore deserves recognition for bringing these courageous stories to life. While the Cold War may have technically ended, global tensions suggest the conflict is far from truly concluded.
I eagerly anticipate more of Mr. Moore's compelling narratives.
PS. There are multiple organizations for those who served but there are some for children of service members one being Brats Without Borders.
This book was extraordinary! I thoroughly appreciated every story, though I wished for more depth exploring Captain Jesse DePortas and his team's narrative. Mr. Moore's AFTERWARDS resonated deeply with me as an Army Brat.
Growing up in a military family, I understand the profound impact service has on families. Children of service members, especially those living on base, experience unique challenges that can influence their parents' careers.
My father returned from two Vietnam War tours fundamentally changed. Despite the transformation, he remained immensely proud of his fellow soldiers, speaking of them with unparalleled respect. His most cherished mementos were the intricately carved teakwood elephants, fisherman, and Buddhas gifted by the Montagnards.
The military provided opportunities my siblings and I might never have experienced in a traditional civilian setting. We traveled extensively, gaining perspectives most people only dream about. When a friend recently asked if I wanted to explore Europe, I realized I'd already been fortunate enough to do so. Now, Australia remains my final travel aspiration.
I am profoundly grateful to my father and the United States Army for these experiences. Mr. Moore deserves recognition for bringing these courageous stories to life. While the Cold War may have technically ended, global tensions suggest the conflict is far from truly concluded.
I eagerly anticipate more of Mr. Moore's compelling narratives.
PS. There are multiple organizations for those who served but there are some for children of service members one being Brats Without Borders.
August 8, 2025
A defining work of early semi-ficticious depictions of the US Special Forces in Vietnam.
Forget the John Wayne movie that bears the same title, and the one it is supposedly based on.The movie is at best 1960'ies style propaganda.
This book was the first I read on the war in Vietnam and it was influential enough to have a significant impact on a Danish kid born in -73.
The book is basically a collection of straightforward shortstories very losely built on real actions, each describing aspects of the very earliest US efforts with Counter-Insurgency and assymetrical warfare.
It appears that Robin Moore met several of the late iconic members of the US Special Forces personel in Vietnam and described them losely.
One stands out for me as a Scandinavian: The character named ''Kornie'' is in fact none other than Finnish/American SF legend Lauri Törni/Larry Thorne. If you have not allready, rush to buy ''Soldier Under Three Flags: Exploits of Special Forces' Captain Larry A. Thorne''. Its well worth the read as well.
The book is entertainment, with the usual bravado of its time, but it touches on key aspects of te war, both with regards to the strategy and the human side.
If ''winning hearts and minds, the US special Forces and the War in Vietnam is of any interest, this is a must-read
Forget the John Wayne movie that bears the same title, and the one it is supposedly based on.The movie is at best 1960'ies style propaganda.
This book was the first I read on the war in Vietnam and it was influential enough to have a significant impact on a Danish kid born in -73.
The book is basically a collection of straightforward shortstories very losely built on real actions, each describing aspects of the very earliest US efforts with Counter-Insurgency and assymetrical warfare.
It appears that Robin Moore met several of the late iconic members of the US Special Forces personel in Vietnam and described them losely.
One stands out for me as a Scandinavian: The character named ''Kornie'' is in fact none other than Finnish/American SF legend Lauri Törni/Larry Thorne. If you have not allready, rush to buy ''Soldier Under Three Flags: Exploits of Special Forces' Captain Larry A. Thorne''. Its well worth the read as well.
The book is entertainment, with the usual bravado of its time, but it touches on key aspects of te war, both with regards to the strategy and the human side.
If ''winning hearts and minds, the US special Forces and the War in Vietnam is of any interest, this is a must-read
August 31, 2022
It should be considered a little sad that it took me getting to August of this before I came across a book I actually loved. I have a friend who is 21 and he handed me this when I asked him what his favorite book was. I can completely understand why since he is such a patriotic kid. I'm not normally one to head to Vietnam when it comes to books about war, but I've read a few. None of them matched up to the writing Robin Moore accomplished in these pages. Although he changed enough in the way of detail to make this fall into a "fiction" category he didn't change the core of events that actually took place. The chapters follow a select handful of Special Forces men and I was mind blown to learn more than a few things I didn't already know about Vietnam. To see negative reviews from people who protested this war when it actually took place I can't help but stand back and question why you read this book to begin with? From pilots that risk it all to get men out to local tribes that take out monkeys and make you dinner this story has it all. So far it was the best book I've read in 2022 only 57 years after it was published. Would highly recommend you get to da choppa and read this one.
March 9, 2017
This book really is rather un-put-downable at times. Unfortunately I was reading it on trains and in lunch breaks so I had to! But if that were not the case I can pretty much say this would have been a two day read for me.
Although I found the end of the book to be a bit... self-serving (I could have done without the "Consumate Green Beret" chapter if I am honest - it dates this book a hell of a lot) the rest is just really engrossing. The introductions and the description of how the book came to be written and the history of the Green Berets are really interesting and set the book up well.
This is the first 'war' book that I have read that actively made me cringe at a torture scene. I was reading it on the train into work and I had to put the book down for a moment because the description is just... well, descriptive. I've read other books that deal with torture (most recently The Railway Man where the author tells us of the torture he underwent) so I am not 100% sure why it effected me so much more here... the only thing I can think is that I know the pain of ripping a nail so the idea of having something forced underneath and then deeper into a finger is something I can vaguely relate to? To be honest, even the thought of it is making me wince.
There were some stories here that seemed to cut off abruptly, for example the story told in "Hit 'Em Where They Live" - it would be nice to know if any of the berets made it out alive, and what other actions they did. I also felt the same about Kornie from the first story in the book - I'd have loved to have read more about him. I completely understand why we don't though - this book is telling us snippets of what went on, not the whole story.
This really is an ode to the Green Berets, written by someone who knows what they go through, and admires them. They clearly have faults but these aren't dwelt upon in this book because that isn't the purpose here. The back of the book says this is what introduced the American people to the horror of Vietnam and if that is what it set out to do then it suceeded. I don't doubt that the men of the Green Berets deserve recognition (everyone in the armed forces does) and I think this is a fantastic read for anyone interested in either that aspect of the US military or in the Vietnam war.
Although I found the end of the book to be a bit... self-serving (I could have done without the "Consumate Green Beret" chapter if I am honest - it dates this book a hell of a lot) the rest is just really engrossing. The introductions and the description of how the book came to be written and the history of the Green Berets are really interesting and set the book up well.
This is the first 'war' book that I have read that actively made me cringe at a torture scene. I was reading it on the train into work and I had to put the book down for a moment because the description is just... well, descriptive. I've read other books that deal with torture (most recently The Railway Man where the author tells us of the torture he underwent) so I am not 100% sure why it effected me so much more here... the only thing I can think is that I know the pain of ripping a nail so the idea of having something forced underneath and then deeper into a finger is something I can vaguely relate to? To be honest, even the thought of it is making me wince.
There were some stories here that seemed to cut off abruptly, for example the story told in "Hit 'Em Where They Live" - it would be nice to know if any of the berets made it out alive, and what other actions they did. I also felt the same about Kornie from the first story in the book - I'd have loved to have read more about him. I completely understand why we don't though - this book is telling us snippets of what went on, not the whole story.
This really is an ode to the Green Berets, written by someone who knows what they go through, and admires them. They clearly have faults but these aren't dwelt upon in this book because that isn't the purpose here. The back of the book says this is what introduced the American people to the horror of Vietnam and if that is what it set out to do then it suceeded. I don't doubt that the men of the Green Berets deserve recognition (everyone in the armed forces does) and I think this is a fantastic read for anyone interested in either that aspect of the US military or in the Vietnam war.
December 29, 2021
In order to write this, the author had to graduate from Airborne and Ranger schools, then complete Special Forces training. He was then allowed to join the green berets fighting in advisory roles in the Vietnam war.
This book is the fictionalization of the real events he witnessed while with the SFG. It is a very realistic and pragmatic telling of what happened on the ground in Vietnam as well as the traditional Army’s view of special forces guerrilla style fighting techniques. This is a much more modern approach to conflicts today that also includes generating intel and double agents. Extremely insightful and informative.
This book is the fictionalization of the real events he witnessed while with the SFG. It is a very realistic and pragmatic telling of what happened on the ground in Vietnam as well as the traditional Army’s view of special forces guerrilla style fighting techniques. This is a much more modern approach to conflicts today that also includes generating intel and double agents. Extremely insightful and informative.
June 7, 2023
This book from which the John Wayne movie was made is definitely worthwhile. I appreciate the insights, perspective and defense of our special forces during Vietnam. There is so much more than the movie conveys.
It is slow moving at times. The writer can sometimes seem mesmerized by the thought of women’s breasts which is rather sophomoric and adds nothing to the tales he spins. There are a couple of sex scenes and a scene w a monkey and a hen that are worth skipping over. But having written a good bit of this in the mid-60’s I suppose sensibilities were different.
It is slow moving at times. The writer can sometimes seem mesmerized by the thought of women’s breasts which is rather sophomoric and adds nothing to the tales he spins. There are a couple of sex scenes and a scene w a monkey and a hen that are worth skipping over. But having written a good bit of this in the mid-60’s I suppose sensibilities were different.
June 14, 2019
I started on this book based on the John Wayne film of the same name. You can see many plots of the film taken from the book. Also see references to Apocalypse Now, Heart of Darkness with the major in the jungle with the local tribe. Quasi fiction with mix of real stories intermixed.
Would I recommend it? think its for the boygonne era of 70's and Vietnam War. For me it's read but something I wouldn't go back to again.
Would I recommend it? think its for the boygonne era of 70's and Vietnam War. For me it's read but something I wouldn't go back to again.
September 17, 2020
Pretty amazing book for me. I worked George Hoffman, a Green Beret, with our scouts in Del Rio, Texas. I was in the USAF there ‘86-‘90. He taught our scouts some judo and knots. I still use the knots all the time. I still think I could knock someone to the ground if attacked. We went hiking and camping, I heard his stories. I thought of him as I read the book.
Tonight I looked him up. At least check this one out:
http://www.vietvet.org/crushed.htm
More: http://www.vietvet.org/sonny.htm
Tonight I looked him up. At least check this one out:
http://www.vietvet.org/crushed.htm
More: http://www.vietvet.org/sonny.htm
November 4, 2021
The author states this is fiction mixed with non-fiction. You assume it will be a reasonable mix but it's not. In my opinion, it is overstated and exaggerated. After talking to real Green Berets, it seems journalists like this always hype it up - for better or for worse.
So it is a good story and it gives you an exclusive peak into what it was like in a Special Forces group in Vietnam, but you have to bear the eye-rolling macho-man exaggerations.
So it is a good story and it gives you an exclusive peak into what it was like in a Special Forces group in Vietnam, but you have to bear the eye-rolling macho-man exaggerations.
February 20, 2017
educational
Not being from a military background some of it was difficult to follow. I found many of the individual stories captivating and would love to know what happened to some of them. I also leave knowing more about the green beret history and function which was fascinating.
Not being from a military background some of it was difficult to follow. I found many of the individual stories captivating and would love to know what happened to some of them. I also leave knowing more about the green beret history and function which was fascinating.
September 3, 2017
A Blend of Historical Fiction and Reality
For the those interested in the Viet Nam War this is an interesting, if somewhat glamorized, view of history. What's true and what is fantasy we will never know but it makes a good read. Many of the biographies of the real characters can be found online so there is more than the usual grain of truth found in historical fiction.
For the those interested in the Viet Nam War this is an interesting, if somewhat glamorized, view of history. What's true and what is fantasy we will never know but it makes a good read. Many of the biographies of the real characters can be found online so there is more than the usual grain of truth found in historical fiction.
November 12, 2020
Green Berets
Curiosity about this book developed from watching the movie of the same name. Viet nam was a well reported war. I was a bit too young to remember much and my brother was not talking about it as most who lived through it.
This gave me a little more insight of the times.
Curiosity about this book developed from watching the movie of the same name. Viet nam was a well reported war. I was a bit too young to remember much and my brother was not talking about it as most who lived through it.
This gave me a little more insight of the times.
October 6, 2021
This is the best special forces book about the early advising period of the Vietnam War. I've read men with green faces but this is better. Since the author is a journalist first instead of an actual combatant he is better able to convey the small details that really set this book apart. Almost all of the stories are engaging and very exciting.
May 30, 2022
A fun read with perspective on the role of Special Forces in Vietnam. Though officially labeled as fiction, it was interesting to see the challenges the teams dealt with then and how similar they are to the challenges teams dealt with in the GWOT.
My only complaint is the copy I have is full of spelling errors that I found distracting.
My only complaint is the copy I have is full of spelling errors that I found distracting.
May 20, 2025
Found this book in a pile of discarded books in the storage room of my public library. Tremendous irony in that this book, now completely forgotten, is one hundred times tougher, more honest, and more lacerating than the John Wayne movie it inspired. A must read for serious students of the Vietnam War!
November 27, 2017
Vietnam
A very interesting book about the behind the scenes efforts of the Green Berets in Vietnam. Just like all special forces, I was amazed at some of the things that were done for God and country. A great read.
A very interesting book about the behind the scenes efforts of the Green Berets in Vietnam. Just like all special forces, I was amazed at some of the things that were done for God and country. A great read.
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