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The Hobo Woods: A Vietnam War Novel
This is a continuation of my first novel, “The Iron Triangle”. It is meant to be read as a stand alone story, but you will gain some additional character insight by reading the first book. This is a work of fiction. Except for a few details regarding the author's own experiences, all the incidents, names and characters are imaginary. It is the story of a single squad of infantrymen assigned to 2nd Battalion of the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, the famed “Wolfhounds”. Their motto is Nec Aspera Terrant, which translates to, No Fear on Earth. You will hear variations of this motto throughout the book. There is no heroic mission to destroy the Guns of Navarone or the Bridge on the River Kwai. It is merely the description of a normal month long mission in the jungles north west of Saigon along the Cambodian border. A normal infantry regiment would complete ten or eleven such operations, each with its own colorful name. Many operations, such as this, had no name. It was just business as usual. I’ve tried to make the book as authentic as possible based on my own experiences as a infantryman in Vietnam. This book is fiction, it is not intended to be a autobiography, and please don’t read it as such. I only wish I was as heroic as the soldiers depicted in this book. I enlisted in the Army. It wasn’t out of some sense of patriotism. It was out of necessity. In 1967, the draft was consuming 40,000 men a month and if you were classified 1A no one would hire you. I chose to just get it over with. I was a average soldier as best. I did my part and was lucky enough to return home. 58,318 were not so fortunate. And when we returned home, we returned to a country that hated us. Draft dodgers and those that fled to Canada were praised for their opposition to an unjust and illegal war. We were called insane, baby killers and drug addicts. Many of us lived in the shadows. We wouldn’t talk about our experiences, not to family, friends or our wives. This went on for fifty years and still does today. PTSD was not a thing for the Vietnam veteran. The Veterans Administration denied its existence. We were told we were weak and to just suck it up and get on with ours lives. We self medicated and resorted to alcohol and drugs to numb the pain and to quiet the nightmares. I will tell you honestly that I am sometimes enraged at the respect, love and devotion shown to our military today. I envy them. Through them, we have been given some small amount of respect. But I will always say it is too little, too late. Approximately, 2,900,000 served in some capacity in Vietnam. The ratio of support personnel to combat participants was somewhere around nine to one. The vast majority served in some support capacity. Today, over 9,000,000 men claim to have served in Vietnam. When did we become so popular? The chances of you speaking to a genuine Vietnam veteran is one in three. Estimates say that 20 to 24 veterans commit suicide each and every day. This has been going on for years. Where is the outrage? We tend to love our warriors and ignore our veterans. War is not noble. War is not glorious. War is pure insanity. It’s hard to return home and live a normal life when you have experienced such insanity. This book, and my first book, is an attempt to show what happens when you send you sons, brothers, husbands and now daughters to war. Maybe you will think of this when the old men in Washington who have never served, casually debate sending our children off to a foreign war. Consider, it is never their children doing the fighting and dying, it is always ours. I hope you enjoy the book. Hopefully you’ll gain some measure of respect for our Vietnam Veterans.
388 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 15, 2020
Like it's predecessor "The Iron Triangle", I enjoyed this story very much. It picks up directly from the end of "The Iron Triangle" and although they are stand-alone stories, if you're reading both begin with that first.
The book describes the life of infantryman (11B) at the height of the Vietnam War in exceptional detail. It is not for the faint of heart or easily offended reader as there are scenes that are disturbing, situations that are unbelievable and language that is foul. In other words, perfectly accurate. If anything, the soldiers are perhaps a bit too glib and too "jokey" with situations that most people could not contend with, at all. But then again I wasn't there and these were, by and large, young American lads of 19 and 20, fairly fit and not having experienced a whole lot in life except school, home life and friends. Many were scared to death, at least at first. Nearly all were drafted and served a one-year tour before returning home. Imagine being inducted into the US Army of 1968, receiving just enough basic and advanced infantry training by uncaring senior NCOs, being flown in a civie airplane to Vietnam (a place many couldn't find on the map), emerging to a busy, stifling environment at the airfield, sent to a replacement depot and then at some point arriving in the field (jungle), likely on a helicopter (first ride in one of those) and thrust into an under-strength squad of dirty, smelly and exhausted teenagers armed with lethal automatic weapons, like yourself. You'd be a bit disoriented, I figure. Then, the enemy, bugs, vegetation and the climate all do their damnedest to kill you.
Throughout the story there are many very interesting exposés on the War, usually delivered by a pissed-off soldier as his opinion on one thing or another. And another eye-opening glimpse of the other side of serving in Vietnam when one finds himself at an airbase.
Well worth reading if the topic interests you at all, and would help to round out ideas you may have formed of the Vietnam War from the light infantryman's point-of-view. Highly recommended!
The book describes the life of infantryman (11B) at the height of the Vietnam War in exceptional detail. It is not for the faint of heart or easily offended reader as there are scenes that are disturbing, situations that are unbelievable and language that is foul. In other words, perfectly accurate. If anything, the soldiers are perhaps a bit too glib and too "jokey" with situations that most people could not contend with, at all. But then again I wasn't there and these were, by and large, young American lads of 19 and 20, fairly fit and not having experienced a whole lot in life except school, home life and friends. Many were scared to death, at least at first. Nearly all were drafted and served a one-year tour before returning home. Imagine being inducted into the US Army of 1968, receiving just enough basic and advanced infantry training by uncaring senior NCOs, being flown in a civie airplane to Vietnam (a place many couldn't find on the map), emerging to a busy, stifling environment at the airfield, sent to a replacement depot and then at some point arriving in the field (jungle), likely on a helicopter (first ride in one of those) and thrust into an under-strength squad of dirty, smelly and exhausted teenagers armed with lethal automatic weapons, like yourself. You'd be a bit disoriented, I figure. Then, the enemy, bugs, vegetation and the climate all do their damnedest to kill you.
Throughout the story there are many very interesting exposés on the War, usually delivered by a pissed-off soldier as his opinion on one thing or another. And another eye-opening glimpse of the other side of serving in Vietnam when one finds himself at an airbase.
Well worth reading if the topic interests you at all, and would help to round out ideas you may have formed of the Vietnam War from the light infantryman's point-of-view. Highly recommended!
November 12, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading HOBO WOODS: A VIETNAM WAR NOVEL by Douglas Edwards and found it picks up where book one IRON TRIANGLE ended. The author succeeds in depicting the daily events of infantry soldiers and their camaraderie. I also found myself laughing out loud dozens of times because of the witty banter between the soldiers which brought back memories of my time in the bush. The author states that this is not an autobiography but it is too real to be otherwise. Sgt. Holt is the main character in the story, a true leader who takes care of his squad. He is well-liked and respected by everyone in his company.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Vietnam War and those warriors who humped through the boonies and fought to protect one another. Excellent job fellow Wolfhound!
I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Vietnam War and those warriors who humped through the boonies and fought to protect one another. Excellent job fellow Wolfhound!
November 16, 2020
Grunts
Being a Wolfhound in68/69 I had to like this book. It is fiction as never saw a lifer on line and our platoon was all draftees and a Ford lt. See Wolfhound Samarri by Vincent Okamoto our platoon leader.
Being a Wolfhound in68/69 I had to like this book. It is fiction as never saw a lifer on line and our platoon was all draftees and a Ford lt. See Wolfhound Samarri by Vincent Okamoto our platoon leader.
February 6, 2021
What a great book
This is a great book you will laugh and you will cry, this is the first book I have read that I cried, thank you Douglas L Edwards for two great books!
This is a great book you will laugh and you will cry, this is the first book I have read that I cried, thank you Douglas L Edwards for two great books!
May 6, 2021
I thought this book was very well written.
I would not say that this is a book one reads to be entertained as it
is fairly graphic in describing the violence of combat close up.
The characters who inhabit this book seem so very real (especially if you
have served in the military) as does the various situations the main character finds himself in.
I would not say that I enjoyed reading the book as it evoked certain feelings
in me with regard to the loss of life and the political situation of the Vietnam War.
That said, I found the book to be a very worthwhile read.
Thank you Mr. Edwards
I would not say that this is a book one reads to be entertained as it
is fairly graphic in describing the violence of combat close up.
The characters who inhabit this book seem so very real (especially if you
have served in the military) as does the various situations the main character finds himself in.
I would not say that I enjoyed reading the book as it evoked certain feelings
in me with regard to the loss of life and the political situation of the Vietnam War.
That said, I found the book to be a very worthwhile read.
Thank you Mr. Edwards
September 23, 2022
One of the best Vietnam combat books I have read !
I was a LURP IN Vietnam. I never seen the kind of action that was portrayed in this book but I know there are men that have. I know this book was supposed to be fiction but it rings true. The bravado and dark humor are commonplace among men whose job it is to confront the enemy face to face. I was in a Ranger Company and still have contact with men I served in combat with. Most of them including myself would do it again just to be with the men we served with. Thank you Mr. Edwards for bringing the stench of the jungle back to my senses .
I was a LURP IN Vietnam. I never seen the kind of action that was portrayed in this book but I know there are men that have. I know this book was supposed to be fiction but it rings true. The bravado and dark humor are commonplace among men whose job it is to confront the enemy face to face. I was in a Ranger Company and still have contact with men I served in combat with. Most of them including myself would do it again just to be with the men we served with. Thank you Mr. Edwards for bringing the stench of the jungle back to my senses .
September 19, 2021
required reading!!
This was advertised as a book with no real story, just a verbal who,-what - where- when and why. Don’t you believe that!
This was a real time and travel xciting adventure into the thoughts - minds - and hearts of men in battle - fighting for their lives- Vietnam was a war nobody wanted- but had to fight anyway. Some left the country-some went to jail-and the rest fought- many died-about sixty thousand American troops. They said it could never happen again=Then came Korea and then Afganistan==What’s next!!
This was advertised as a book with no real story, just a verbal who,-what - where- when and why. Don’t you believe that!
This was a real time and travel xciting adventure into the thoughts - minds - and hearts of men in battle - fighting for their lives- Vietnam was a war nobody wanted- but had to fight anyway. Some left the country-some went to jail-and the rest fought- many died-about sixty thousand American troops. They said it could never happen again=Then came Korea and then Afganistan==What’s next!!
January 12, 2022
No Fear
That the motto of the Wolfhounds. Exceptional work of fiction based on true experiences. The author paints vivid scenes of what it must of been like in the jungles of Vietnam, in rain, heat, swamp, jungle and walking through a forest after it was bombed with napalm. You become very attached to all the characters because the way they interacted with each other. Both this book and the Iron Triangle are must reads, you won’t be disappointed looking forward to next instalment.
That the motto of the Wolfhounds. Exceptional work of fiction based on true experiences. The author paints vivid scenes of what it must of been like in the jungles of Vietnam, in rain, heat, swamp, jungle and walking through a forest after it was bombed with napalm. You become very attached to all the characters because the way they interacted with each other. Both this book and the Iron Triangle are must reads, you won’t be disappointed looking forward to next instalment.
July 22, 2025
Told Like It Was!
A great novel that only a Viet Nan veteran could write! Mr Edwards told the story of grunts who paid the price of the political war that was mismanaged and unpopular at home! I remember well this sad era of US history! I hated all the protesters at the time, as I had joined the USMC after graduating from college! But history shows that we screwed up and should have chosen a different course!
Well written ... knowing the jargon of the military and of the grunts was helpful!
You should read his prequel, "The Iron Triangle" first!!
A great novel that only a Viet Nan veteran could write! Mr Edwards told the story of grunts who paid the price of the political war that was mismanaged and unpopular at home! I remember well this sad era of US history! I hated all the protesters at the time, as I had joined the USMC after graduating from college! But history shows that we screwed up and should have chosen a different course!
Well written ... knowing the jargon of the military and of the grunts was helpful!
You should read his prequel, "The Iron Triangle" first!!
August 9, 2021
Brilliant realistic characters and dialogue.
The characters are what drive these extremely exciting stories of soldiers in as unpleasant an environment as the 1st World War trenches. The account of mismanagement of American military might is accurate and interesting. "Lions led by Donkeys" is as accurate a description of US troops in Vietnam as of any other Army or theatre of war. Great reading. Difficult to put down.
The characters are what drive these extremely exciting stories of soldiers in as unpleasant an environment as the 1st World War trenches. The account of mismanagement of American military might is accurate and interesting. "Lions led by Donkeys" is as accurate a description of US troops in Vietnam as of any other Army or theatre of war. Great reading. Difficult to put down.
December 10, 2021
No Fear
This book should be given a higher rating than five stars. Douglas L. Edwards has used whay I will call grunt humor and authentic details to ensure the reader actually sweats along with the troops. The characters are so real you can picture each one. The combat, tactics and some of the ridiculous orders are true to life. An honest extremely well written novel. I will definitely read his next. Outstanding!!!
This book should be given a higher rating than five stars. Douglas L. Edwards has used whay I will call grunt humor and authentic details to ensure the reader actually sweats along with the troops. The characters are so real you can picture each one. The combat, tactics and some of the ridiculous orders are true to life. An honest extremely well written novel. I will definitely read his next. Outstanding!!!
January 20, 2022
WOW!
What can I say that other reviewers haven't already said? WOW! Mr. Edwards inserts the reader into the story so well that I became a member of the platoon. To say the action is intense is an extreme understatement. But, I believe what separates his books from others is the personal background stories of these "old" young men and the bonds that they develop in such a short time. They are truly brothers!
What can I say that other reviewers haven't already said? WOW! Mr. Edwards inserts the reader into the story so well that I became a member of the platoon. To say the action is intense is an extreme understatement. But, I believe what separates his books from others is the personal background stories of these "old" young men and the bonds that they develop in such a short time. They are truly brothers!
January 22, 2022
Tight Writing, hidden gem
Lately there have been some newer works by combat veterans of the Vietnam War, focusing on the day to day experience of front line soldiers. This will surely prove To be among the best of them. The writing style is pure Hemingway, short four- and five word sentences and character development through long strings of back-and-forth dialogue. A hard book to put down.
Lately there have been some newer works by combat veterans of the Vietnam War, focusing on the day to day experience of front line soldiers. This will surely prove To be among the best of them. The writing style is pure Hemingway, short four- and five word sentences and character development through long strings of back-and-forth dialogue. A hard book to put down.
October 21, 2022
a fine addition to the Holt series of infantry combat in Vietnam
Shines a bright light on The division between the enlisted men trying to survive and the officers’ ambitions to gain notice and promotion. The dialogue between Sargent Holt and his squad mates is salty, raunchy, and full of pathos. You will want to cry at the absurdity of the “mission” while laughing at the banter between squad mates. The epilogue detailing the post action lives of the squad is a fine addition.
Shines a bright light on The division between the enlisted men trying to survive and the officers’ ambitions to gain notice and promotion. The dialogue between Sargent Holt and his squad mates is salty, raunchy, and full of pathos. You will want to cry at the absurdity of the “mission” while laughing at the banter between squad mates. The epilogue detailing the post action lives of the squad is a fine addition.
Read
April 14, 2021Very well written
Tell it like it is or was. The story of brothers not comfortable at home, these guys are true warriors. Kill um all and let God sort um out. Guts and no glory. The officers get the glory, the grunt only does the dirty work, and some live to tell the story but many don't.
Rock on
Tell it like it is or was. The story of brothers not comfortable at home, these guys are true warriors. Kill um all and let God sort um out. Guts and no glory. The officers get the glory, the grunt only does the dirty work, and some live to tell the story but many don't.
Rock on
May 24, 2021
A great follow up to Iron Triangle
This is an even better book than the Iron Triangle. Edwards has created a character in Sergeant Holt that shows his depth of character. All the cast in this book are enlarged and the reader comes to know them better. Buy it and enjoy it. Do read the Iron triangle first.
This is an even better book than the Iron Triangle. Edwards has created a character in Sergeant Holt that shows his depth of character. All the cast in this book are enlarged and the reader comes to know them better. Buy it and enjoy it. Do read the Iron triangle first.
November 25, 2021
Excellent Sequel
An excellent sequel to the Iron Triangle. The characters are so well described that the reader feels part of the squad. Only someone with the author’s experience could capture the sheer terror of close quarter combat in the most hostile terrain and the bonding of young soldiers thrown together to fight an unpopular and futile war.
An excellent sequel to the Iron Triangle. The characters are so well described that the reader feels part of the squad. Only someone with the author’s experience could capture the sheer terror of close quarter combat in the most hostile terrain and the bonding of young soldiers thrown together to fight an unpopular and futile war.
January 13, 2022
Really enjoyed. You really understand how young they were and the complexity of the situation they are in while still trying to deal with day to day stuff like hygiene etc. They also realized they were nothing more than a pawn in someone's plan. I liked this better than the 1st book. Laughed, cried, thought. Great read.
July 23, 2022
Wow.
Great follow-up to Iron Triangle. Incredible dialogue - humor and pathos. I wasn’t a grunt (I flew as an observer in Loachs in the very same area of operation) but it all seems very, very real. Intense, as I said about Iron Triangle. This one even more so. Thank you Douglas Edwards.
Great follow-up to Iron Triangle. Incredible dialogue - humor and pathos. I wasn’t a grunt (I flew as an observer in Loachs in the very same area of operation) but it all seems very, very real. Intense, as I said about Iron Triangle. This one even more so. Thank you Douglas Edwards.
June 19, 2023
exhausting
Going thru the dead zone was one of the most descriptive accounts of what agent orange did to the environment and the troops. The folly of sending troops in to examine the results of the defoliant demonstrated the lack of concern for the brave men who fought in this hellish war. It just blows my mind.
Going thru the dead zone was one of the most descriptive accounts of what agent orange did to the environment and the troops. The folly of sending troops in to examine the results of the defoliant demonstrated the lack of concern for the brave men who fought in this hellish war. It just blows my mind.
December 26, 2023
The reality of the Vietnam war
Another classic by Doug Edwards. His writing transcends the confines of a book to place you in the centre of the action along with the chaos of battle. The reality is interspersed with the black humour of combatants making light of their precarious hold on life, typical of the situation and well illustrated by Edwards.
Another classic by Doug Edwards. His writing transcends the confines of a book to place you in the centre of the action along with the chaos of battle. The reality is interspersed with the black humour of combatants making light of their precarious hold on life, typical of the situation and well illustrated by Edwards.
February 28, 2024
Outstanding story
This is the third in a series a series of books by a first time author. I can't think of a series I've enjoyed reading more than these books. This was the third of three I've finished and still have two more to read by Douglas L. Edwards and have every expectation that they will be as good as the first three.
This is the third in a series a series of books by a first time author. I can't think of a series I've enjoyed reading more than these books. This was the third of three I've finished and still have two more to read by Douglas L. Edwards and have every expectation that they will be as good as the first three.
December 16, 2025
wow
Another emotional heroic story. The detail both with the characters emotions and military skills is engrossing. I highly recommend the whole series. It’s a gritty , run and grunt through the soldiers. I feel like I was sitting beside them feeling and visualize it the tough times they had.
Another emotional heroic story. The detail both with the characters emotions and military skills is engrossing. I highly recommend the whole series. It’s a gritty , run and grunt through the soldiers. I feel like I was sitting beside them feeling and visualize it the tough times they had.
April 12, 2021
Another winner.
Mr. Defeated did it again. True to life rendition of the horrors of Nam. The banter and dialog between the men was so realistic. The story was really well planned out. Excellent reading!
Mr. Defeated did it again. True to life rendition of the horrors of Nam. The banter and dialog between the men was so realistic. The story was really well planned out. Excellent reading!
July 6, 2021
A Vietnam novel like no other
This is the perfect novel. Actually,, a continuation of the first novel ,Iron Triangle. It was so good that one forgets it is a novel. You feel you are right there with Sgt. Holt and the fourth squad of the fourth platoon of Delta Company.
This is the perfect novel. Actually,, a continuation of the first novel ,Iron Triangle. It was so good that one forgets it is a novel. You feel you are right there with Sgt. Holt and the fourth squad of the fourth platoon of Delta Company.
July 9, 2021
A strong follow up to The Iron Triangle
I enjoyed this continuation of Edwards' Iron Triangle. The author does a nice job adding to the depth of his characters. I think he is improving as a writer and I hope to read more from him in the future.
I enjoyed this continuation of Edwards' Iron Triangle. The author does a nice job adding to the depth of his characters. I think he is improving as a writer and I hope to read more from him in the future.
November 9, 2021
Great read
Wonderfully written…the touches of ‘Catch 22’ are so well written that the comparison with the above novel is obvious, but most importantly original in the truthfulness of each word.
Incredible sense of pathos, love shared between brothers.
Regular Army - 3/68 - 3/71.
Wonderfully written…the touches of ‘Catch 22’ are so well written that the comparison with the above novel is obvious, but most importantly original in the truthfulness of each word.
Incredible sense of pathos, love shared between brothers.
Regular Army - 3/68 - 3/71.
October 21, 2022
A really gritty, enjoyable read
Thank god I wasn't in Vietnam. Reading this book is as close as I want to get. A really good book, bringing you as close to the hell and the friendships that this war created
Thank god I wasn't in Vietnam. Reading this book is as close as I want to get. A really good book, bringing you as close to the hell and the friendships that this war created
March 5, 2024
A fast paced gem!
Superb book. As a veteran, the black humour had me rolling!
I felt as if I knew each and every person in the book. I suffered when they did, I laughed when they did. Highly recommended.
Superb book. As a veteran, the black humour had me rolling!
I felt as if I knew each and every person in the book. I suffered when they did, I laughed when they did. Highly recommended.
July 8, 2024
Read the series!
Great day to day intel about grunts and their life in Vietnam. Different perspective from most ‘novels’. Filled many blanks. Apropos of the bond that warriors form and experiences which color their existence back home.
Great day to day intel about grunts and their life in Vietnam. Different perspective from most ‘novels’. Filled many blanks. Apropos of the bond that warriors form and experiences which color their existence back home.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews