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John Launer, a United States Army Combat Infantryman in the Vietnam War, details his horrific experiences during that time. Setting the record straight that soldiers were not drug addicts, murderers, and baby killers, Launer documents that American media bias led to the public misunderstanding of the war. The action within is violent, bloody, and never ending, leading many veterans to devastating physical and psychological trauma upon their return home to the USA.
213 pages, Paperback
Published December 26, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 18, 2021
Great Story! Great Writing!
John’s writing places your body and mind in the middle of the battle. As a former Combat Infantryman in Vietnam, I was stunned not only at the accuracy of his descriptive prose but at his ability to put words to the psychological effect of war on the combat soldier. Please read this book-it will explain much about the Vietnam War-to the veteran and civilian alike. Plus it’s darn good reading.
John’s writing places your body and mind in the middle of the battle. As a former Combat Infantryman in Vietnam, I was stunned not only at the accuracy of his descriptive prose but at his ability to put words to the psychological effect of war on the combat soldier. Please read this book-it will explain much about the Vietnam War-to the veteran and civilian alike. Plus it’s darn good reading.
July 18, 2021
The Best Description of the Life of a Vietnam Grunt I have Read
This was the best description of the life of a grunt in Vietnam that I have ever read; and I've read a lot of them. He not only tells of his experiences, through his prose, he vividly illustrates them to the point where you are emotionally drawn into the plight of him and his comrades. In reading this book you'll palpably feel the futility and waste that was America's involvement in Vietnam. While I seethe with a white hot rage at the destruction of young American lives AND the lives and livelihoods of the Vietnamese we we supposedly there to help, I vociferously disagree with the author's position that the war was necessary to defend freedom. From the Tonkin Gulf hoax that triggered our full combat involvement, to the CIA using it as a cover for their heroin smuggling operations, to the purposeful quagmire that was created to ensure tremendous profits for American corporations, the whole sordid affair was a wicked scheme perpetrated to further destroy America and wisk us along the path to the New World Order. That being said, I have the utmost respect for the author, and the many men like him, who were plunged into the morass that was the Vietnam War. Read this book and you'll have some sense of the futility, pain and misery that it was.
This was the best description of the life of a grunt in Vietnam that I have ever read; and I've read a lot of them. He not only tells of his experiences, through his prose, he vividly illustrates them to the point where you are emotionally drawn into the plight of him and his comrades. In reading this book you'll palpably feel the futility and waste that was America's involvement in Vietnam. While I seethe with a white hot rage at the destruction of young American lives AND the lives and livelihoods of the Vietnamese we we supposedly there to help, I vociferously disagree with the author's position that the war was necessary to defend freedom. From the Tonkin Gulf hoax that triggered our full combat involvement, to the CIA using it as a cover for their heroin smuggling operations, to the purposeful quagmire that was created to ensure tremendous profits for American corporations, the whole sordid affair was a wicked scheme perpetrated to further destroy America and wisk us along the path to the New World Order. That being said, I have the utmost respect for the author, and the many men like him, who were plunged into the morass that was the Vietnam War. Read this book and you'll have some sense of the futility, pain and misery that it was.
October 3, 2022
A riveting behind the scenes view of an infantry grunt in the ‘nam
This true account delivers on all fronts !!! It took 9 soldiers in ‘support’ positions for every 1 infantryman to be in direct conflict with the NVA & VC. A hard hitting experience that was brought home by many veterans who went to the ‘nam as teenagers & 20 yr olds who came back home as old men, jaded, shunned, and most often led lives of those with PTSD, anger issues, an inability to adjust back to being in ‘the World’ & mistrusting of the government. Many vets felt that if the politicians didn’t interfere and lead the troops by inane politics & policies but left it to the ones who knew warfare best that the war wouldn’t have been so mismanaged, bungled, and so many American killed as the reason why America lost its first war. I believe that to be true. Leave the fighting to those who have been in the battlefields. One hell of an EXCELLENT READ !!!!!!!!
This true account delivers on all fronts !!! It took 9 soldiers in ‘support’ positions for every 1 infantryman to be in direct conflict with the NVA & VC. A hard hitting experience that was brought home by many veterans who went to the ‘nam as teenagers & 20 yr olds who came back home as old men, jaded, shunned, and most often led lives of those with PTSD, anger issues, an inability to adjust back to being in ‘the World’ & mistrusting of the government. Many vets felt that if the politicians didn’t interfere and lead the troops by inane politics & policies but left it to the ones who knew warfare best that the war wouldn’t have been so mismanaged, bungled, and so many American killed as the reason why America lost its first war. I believe that to be true. Leave the fighting to those who have been in the battlefields. One hell of an EXCELLENT READ !!!!!!!!
May 5, 2020
A great book that all Americans should read. It probably will be made into a movie. It tells the daily experiences of Combat Infantrymen in Vietnam, almost minute by minute, the way it really was, and shows that the news media was very biased in reporting the war. It's received great reviews from Vietnam vets, including a Colonel, Brigade Commander, U. S. Army (Ret.).
Available on Amazon, or direct from the publisher, pocolpress.com. Also available on Kindle E-book, which is the easiest, least expensive, quickest way to start reading this highly rated book. President Trump has received a copy, and sent a thank you. Order today. It's selling fast.
Available on Amazon, or direct from the publisher, pocolpress.com. Also available on Kindle E-book, which is the easiest, least expensive, quickest way to start reading this highly rated book. President Trump has received a copy, and sent a thank you. Order today. It's selling fast.
July 7, 2021
War is hell 24-7
A personal war memoir of a grunt who spent a year in a living hell called South Vietnam. It graphically describes the real tribulations and horrors of a foot soldier on the front line. Well written. Highly recommend this book to any kid thinking of joining the military. Know what can happen and if you still want to fight for your country.... God bless you. For many of the past would still sacrifice all for freedom.
A personal war memoir of a grunt who spent a year in a living hell called South Vietnam. It graphically describes the real tribulations and horrors of a foot soldier on the front line. Well written. Highly recommend this book to any kid thinking of joining the military. Know what can happen and if you still want to fight for your country.... God bless you. For many of the past would still sacrifice all for freedom.
Currently reading
September 2, 2021This sounds a fascinating book but I'm just writing this review as another author called John Launer, to point out that this book is not by me. The other 10 books listed under my name on Goodreads are actually mine, as confirmed on my website www.johnlauner.com.
It's good to know I have a namesake who is also an author, but I can't find a way of pointing out to Goodreads that sometimes two people have the same name.
It's good to know I have a namesake who is also an author, but I can't find a way of pointing out to Goodreads that sometimes two people have the same name.
August 4, 2022
I’ve read dozens of books about the Vietnam War and this was one the most enjoyable for me. It was different than many of the others. I normally do not a write reviews but I’d say here it was merited. The author gives the reader a true sense of what being a grunt was like. He’s not “political” but he does touch that side of the war and shows a lot of the negative but true aspects. Highly recommend.
February 3, 2021
As a Vietnam vet, I appreciate the author putting into word the frustration, horror, and the never ending..never ending....
Recommended to all vets of all wars. Knowing that the only thing we have in common is this is never ending..it's the same story for all wars, except for the ability of government involvement into things they know nothing about..
Recommended to all vets of all wars. Knowing that the only thing we have in common is this is never ending..it's the same story for all wars, except for the ability of government involvement into things they know nothing about..
April 18, 2021
This is the real Viet Nam War
I have read a lot about Viet Nam. This book is right from the heart of the author. Just another American Kid sent to a war to risk his life for an indeterminable goal with a non existent plan to achieve that goal. Thank you for serving and thank you for your bravery in fighting this war and also for sharing your experiences in such a forthright way.
I have read a lot about Viet Nam. This book is right from the heart of the author. Just another American Kid sent to a war to risk his life for an indeterminable goal with a non existent plan to achieve that goal. Thank you for serving and thank you for your bravery in fighting this war and also for sharing your experiences in such a forthright way.
June 4, 2021
It s interesting to read history, from that perspective. From, before I was born!
We must learn as a nation. You can hate the war. But; never again hate the warrior sent to fight it. I think that lesson was learned. Very different reception, on my return from Iraq War. Also, have an exit plan; or end state.
We must learn as a nation. You can hate the war. But; never again hate the warrior sent to fight it. I think that lesson was learned. Very different reception, on my return from Iraq War. Also, have an exit plan; or end state.
January 26, 2021
You have to read this one.
This is the best account of ground combat in Viet Man that I have read. Straightforward narrative combined with the feelings of the soldier, the questions and reflection were powerful. I agree with the conclusions. Well done.
This is the best account of ground combat in Viet Man that I have read. Straightforward narrative combined with the feelings of the soldier, the questions and reflection were powerful. I agree with the conclusions. Well done.
February 26, 2021
Heat Read
I thank John for his service to our country, writing this book and sharing his experiences and thoughts. He was used and abused, like so many others - but managed to make a life for himself. Not an easy thing to do for any veteran of war.
I thank John for his service to our country, writing this book and sharing his experiences and thoughts. He was used and abused, like so many others - but managed to make a life for himself. Not an easy thing to do for any veteran of war.
April 8, 2021
Outstanding and very well written
Gave me a new appreciation for Vietnam vets and the unbearable he'll they were put through. Very moving and engaging. I would love to read more by this author.
Gave me a new appreciation for Vietnam vets and the unbearable he'll they were put through. Very moving and engaging. I would love to read more by this author.
April 9, 2021
Comment about the book
I thought the book was well done. As an 11B guy who was 1/22 infantry , 4th division 70/71 I enjoyed the read. Agent orange has caused me some issues for sure. Thank you again
I thought the book was well done. As an 11B guy who was 1/22 infantry , 4th division 70/71 I enjoyed the read. Agent orange has caused me some issues for sure. Thank you again
May 2, 2021
A true experience of a grunt in Viet Nam.
Thisn book gives the reader a partial idea of the Nam experience. It shows the life of a grunt in combat. Greatly appreciate the honest description.
Thisn book gives the reader a partial idea of the Nam experience. It shows the life of a grunt in combat. Greatly appreciate the honest description.
June 14, 2021
Okay
I thought the book was OK. I can't understand the writers fixation that drugs were not being used by grunts despite the government admitting there was a drug problem in Vietnam.
I thought the book was OK. I can't understand the writers fixation that drugs were not being used by grunts despite the government admitting there was a drug problem in Vietnam.
July 7, 2021
Well written book. Provides a true insight to the daily life of a combat soldier in Vietnam in the mid 60's time frame. Very realistic combat action details. I especially enjoyed the author's feelings about the war as expressed by the characters. Excellent read.
November 8, 2021
Excellent memoir!
A very well written personal account of the Vietnam war as lived by one of the many combat infantryman who fought and lived in hell and one of the few who survived and came home! Heroes everyone of them!
A very well written personal account of the Vietnam war as lived by one of the many combat infantryman who fought and lived in hell and one of the few who survived and came home! Heroes everyone of them!
May 31, 2022
Good read.
Very well done account of his time spent in Vietnam. He is lucky to have come home unscathed, much less alive. I was in the 101st and now well of his trials. Congrats to you on getting the degrees. It speaks well of you. I hope you live a 100 years.
Very well done account of his time spent in Vietnam. He is lucky to have come home unscathed, much less alive. I was in the 101st and now well of his trials. Congrats to you on getting the degrees. It speaks well of you. I hope you live a 100 years.
October 2, 2022
Good read
Not the 1st author to tell the truth, many many similar books out there, but well written and painfully honest. Sad the country has no idea what was asked of these young men, half a century later.
Not the 1st author to tell the truth, many many similar books out there, but well written and painfully honest. Sad the country has no idea what was asked of these young men, half a century later.
January 21, 2021
Outstanding
Great read about a senseless war and the boys/men that were forced to fight in it. Thank you all for your service
Great read about a senseless war and the boys/men that were forced to fight in it. Thank you all for your service
May 1, 2021
A great Vietnam war memoir. No real complaints about it. If you're interested in the infantry side of the war, it's definitely worth a read.
June 1, 2021
Very good read. Just how most of 11B s had it.
He described it how it was. Sees the futility of the way the war was fought. And described the REMFs correctly.
He described it how it was. Sees the futility of the way the war was fought. And described the REMFs correctly.
June 30, 2021
All Expences Paid
An interesting look at a grunts life in Vietnam! I wish you an easy life and an awesome retiremen with your family!
An interesting look at a grunts life in Vietnam! I wish you an easy life and an awesome retiremen with your family!
July 13, 2021
Particularly good account of Infantrymen during the Viet Nam war. The book review said there phots at the end of the book, I could not find any
October 18, 2021
Questions
I chose this because I was an infantryman in Vietnam also. How did he remember each day.
Wasted my money
I chose this because I was an infantryman in Vietnam also. How did he remember each day.
Wasted my money
January 16, 2022
Insightful
A much different perspective than most other books relating to a soldiers tour of duty in Vietnam
Reading this book gives a lot to think about
A much different perspective than most other books relating to a soldiers tour of duty in Vietnam
Reading this book gives a lot to think about
October 6, 2023
Good read
This is a great snapshot of a young person trying to adjust to the unadjustable. It is the story of youthful patriotism amd idealism blunted by reality
This is a great snapshot of a young person trying to adjust to the unadjustable. It is the story of youthful patriotism amd idealism blunted by reality
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews