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On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam
Vietnam 1967-68
Eighteen-year-old Marine recruit William V. Taylor Jr. and his brother Marines are assembled into a new reaction force that is immediately tested in the fire of a bloody conflict known as Operation Beaver Cage. After a traumatic first fight, they push through back-to-back operations with little time to rest or reflect. Those who survive will return home ensnared by everlasting memories of a real, but entirely surreal nightmare. Now after more than fifty years of holding everything in, Taylor shares his experience in explicit and often horrific detail and with a reverent honor for those Marines who did not live to tell the tale.
Taylor reveals what it truly means to walk the path of a warrior, to sacrifice, and to live a lifetime with the memories of a war—seeking answers to the question, “Was it worth it?"
Eighteen-year-old Marine recruit William V. Taylor Jr. and his brother Marines are assembled into a new reaction force that is immediately tested in the fire of a bloody conflict known as Operation Beaver Cage. After a traumatic first fight, they push through back-to-back operations with little time to rest or reflect. Those who survive will return home ensnared by everlasting memories of a real, but entirely surreal nightmare. Now after more than fifty years of holding everything in, Taylor shares his experience in explicit and often horrific detail and with a reverent honor for those Marines who did not live to tell the tale.
Taylor reveals what it truly means to walk the path of a warrior, to sacrifice, and to live a lifetime with the memories of a war—seeking answers to the question, “Was it worth it?"
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2021
492 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
About the author
William V. Taylor Jr.
1 book7 followersWhile Bill Taylor's friends were at home going to school and dating, he was fighting for his life.
At eighteen years old, Bill served in the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment in Vietnam--a journey that seemed impossible to survive. For the battles they fought, Bill was awarded three Purple Hearts and his battalion earned two Presidential Unit Citations. World War II battles of that magnitude at Tarawa and Iwo Jima are well-known, yet few know of the hard-fought battles of the Vietnam War. Bill's battalion participated in twenty-five combat operations. In On Full Automatic, he brings to light the bravery and sacrifices of so many. His platoon was wiped out several times, once leaving only seven out of fifty men standing. Every platoon lieutenant, sergeant, and squad leader was killed, wounded, or relieved of command. Staying alive became Bill's full-time job.
Contact the author, find combat photos, and additional information at: williamvtaylor.com
At eighteen years old, Bill served in the First Battalion, Third Marine Regiment in Vietnam--a journey that seemed impossible to survive. For the battles they fought, Bill was awarded three Purple Hearts and his battalion earned two Presidential Unit Citations. World War II battles of that magnitude at Tarawa and Iwo Jima are well-known, yet few know of the hard-fought battles of the Vietnam War. Bill's battalion participated in twenty-five combat operations. In On Full Automatic, he brings to light the bravery and sacrifices of so many. His platoon was wiped out several times, once leaving only seven out of fifty men standing. Every platoon lieutenant, sergeant, and squad leader was killed, wounded, or relieved of command. Staying alive became Bill's full-time job.
Contact the author, find combat photos, and additional information at: williamvtaylor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 11, 2021
Impactful, sober account of the service during the Vietnam War; experience and people that should be remembered.
Place: Vietnam. Time: 1967-1968. Regiment: Charlie Company, 1st Batallion, Third Marines. Goal: to survive. Intent: to return home. Plan: to tell the story. Objective: after more than fifty years, stop having nightmares and stop waking up screaming at night.
To get the load off his shoulders and commemorate comrades and their families, William V.Taylor Jr. wrote a stunning memoir about his service as a Marine in the Vietnam War. A reader would not find deep reflections on the purpose of human life or politics. The book doesn't even start with the recruiting process. A reader would not find descriptions of the superheroes who threw themselves under tanks and diverted fire to themselves to save others. Instead, the book 'On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 months in Vietnam' offers a peek into the seemingly trivial details of the man whose main thought, month after month, day after day, was to survive and return home. The triviality of the events is what makes the story more horrific. It wasn't one man who went through the traumatizing experience but thousands, and thousands more lost their lives.
Well-written, well-structured memoir mesmerizes from the start. Unlike other biographies, the author uses dialogues to bring the story closer to the actual events. Every private/Marine/lieutenant deserves an accurate portrayal of appearance and character. Every offensive is meticulously described: who was where, who did what. The author doesn't neglect scenery, and a reader finds himself/herself absorbed by the vivid descriptions of the lush natural surroundings. Thereby, the book contains elements of fiction, making the narrative more heartwrenching and breathtaking.
I'd recommend the book to those who want to feel what it meant to serve during the Vietnam war. Personally, I simultaneously would like and would not like to reread the book. With further rereading - and reflecting on the matter - the nightmares that haunt William V. Taylor Jr. can become my own.
I received an advance review copy for free through Reedsy Discovery, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Place: Vietnam. Time: 1967-1968. Regiment: Charlie Company, 1st Batallion, Third Marines. Goal: to survive. Intent: to return home. Plan: to tell the story. Objective: after more than fifty years, stop having nightmares and stop waking up screaming at night.
To get the load off his shoulders and commemorate comrades and their families, William V.Taylor Jr. wrote a stunning memoir about his service as a Marine in the Vietnam War. A reader would not find deep reflections on the purpose of human life or politics. The book doesn't even start with the recruiting process. A reader would not find descriptions of the superheroes who threw themselves under tanks and diverted fire to themselves to save others. Instead, the book 'On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 months in Vietnam' offers a peek into the seemingly trivial details of the man whose main thought, month after month, day after day, was to survive and return home. The triviality of the events is what makes the story more horrific. It wasn't one man who went through the traumatizing experience but thousands, and thousands more lost their lives.
Well-written, well-structured memoir mesmerizes from the start. Unlike other biographies, the author uses dialogues to bring the story closer to the actual events. Every private/Marine/lieutenant deserves an accurate portrayal of appearance and character. Every offensive is meticulously described: who was where, who did what. The author doesn't neglect scenery, and a reader finds himself/herself absorbed by the vivid descriptions of the lush natural surroundings. Thereby, the book contains elements of fiction, making the narrative more heartwrenching and breathtaking.
I'd recommend the book to those who want to feel what it meant to serve during the Vietnam war. Personally, I simultaneously would like and would not like to reread the book. With further rereading - and reflecting on the matter - the nightmares that haunt William V. Taylor Jr. can become my own.
I received an advance review copy for free through Reedsy Discovery, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2021
Marine
A first person account of a Marine serving in Vietnam. Written in a personal easy manner, this is an outstanding account of the violence, fear and ability to give all for you platoon mates. Great to understand the change the young men went through.
A first person account of a Marine serving in Vietnam. Written in a personal easy manner, this is an outstanding account of the violence, fear and ability to give all for you platoon mates. Great to understand the change the young men went through.
October 9, 2022
All For Nothing
As a Marine Vietnam disabled Veteran, Bill Taylor's book took me back to a time I remember so very well. We were there at the same time, and I also served with the 3rd Marine Division. Taylor brought back memories that I had long forgotten. I too lost good friends, and when I went to the Wall I put my hand on their black granite names, and I remembered their faces, their honesty, their service to an uncaring America, and I loved them as they loved me. I stood there and I wept.
I would recommend Bill Taylor's book, to all the Vietnam Veterans, and especially to anyone who wants to understand what combat in the Vietnam war was about. Taylor wrote the book with honestly and helped define what we did there.
Thanks, Mr. Taylor for reminding me what it was like to serve my country in Vietnam, despite the politics and the pain that came along with it.
Golf Company, 2nd battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Mar. Div.
Robert Bliss USMC (Ret)
As a Marine Vietnam disabled Veteran, Bill Taylor's book took me back to a time I remember so very well. We were there at the same time, and I also served with the 3rd Marine Division. Taylor brought back memories that I had long forgotten. I too lost good friends, and when I went to the Wall I put my hand on their black granite names, and I remembered their faces, their honesty, their service to an uncaring America, and I loved them as they loved me. I stood there and I wept.
I would recommend Bill Taylor's book, to all the Vietnam Veterans, and especially to anyone who wants to understand what combat in the Vietnam war was about. Taylor wrote the book with honestly and helped define what we did there.
Thanks, Mr. Taylor for reminding me what it was like to serve my country in Vietnam, despite the politics and the pain that came along with it.
Golf Company, 2nd battalion 4th Marines, 3rd Mar. Div.
Robert Bliss USMC (Ret)
October 13, 2022
One of the best accounts of a soldiers experience in Vietnam I have read. Too many authors get bogged down in technical detail, this author hit the sweet spot. Thank you, loved the book.
January 17, 2023
I have read many war memoirs and this is certainly one of the best written that I have come across. Its definitely in my top 5. I'd say the only better memoir from Vietnam is "Chickenhawk".
It gets right to the point - leaves out Taylors childhood, bootcamp and his time after the war. It gets straight to the point detailing his 13 months in country going from company "cherry" along with some of his buddies from training on Okinawa to being the company "old salt" after pretty much everyone else had been killed or wounded or finished their tours. I appreciated that. Though I do wonder what Taylor went through after the war readjusting to civilian life. Many Vietnam vets had a hard time.
A common myth perpetuated about the war is that the US could win every battle but saw no way to win the war. However when you read many of the memoirs the thing you realise is that narrative is false. In this book Taylors unit was worsted in several battles suffering horrific casualties with the loss of its officers and senior NCO's - in many cases due to the ineptitude of their officers and NCO's who should have known better. The almost needless deaths of many of these men hits hard throughout the book.
Particularly intense are the last few chapters detailing Taylors action at the battle of the Cua Viet river, the boundary of the DMZ on the coast. The marines end up caught in an ambush while trying to ambush the NVA. Only through the timely intervention of tanks, amtracks and massive artillery support including naval gunfire from the USS New Jersey are the marines able to turn the battle in their favour but many marines are killed.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
It gets right to the point - leaves out Taylors childhood, bootcamp and his time after the war. It gets straight to the point detailing his 13 months in country going from company "cherry" along with some of his buddies from training on Okinawa to being the company "old salt" after pretty much everyone else had been killed or wounded or finished their tours. I appreciated that. Though I do wonder what Taylor went through after the war readjusting to civilian life. Many Vietnam vets had a hard time.
A common myth perpetuated about the war is that the US could win every battle but saw no way to win the war. However when you read many of the memoirs the thing you realise is that narrative is false. In this book Taylors unit was worsted in several battles suffering horrific casualties with the loss of its officers and senior NCO's - in many cases due to the ineptitude of their officers and NCO's who should have known better. The almost needless deaths of many of these men hits hard throughout the book.
Particularly intense are the last few chapters detailing Taylors action at the battle of the Cua Viet river, the boundary of the DMZ on the coast. The marines end up caught in an ambush while trying to ambush the NVA. Only through the timely intervention of tanks, amtracks and massive artillery support including naval gunfire from the USS New Jersey are the marines able to turn the battle in their favour but many marines are killed.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
January 26, 2022
This book raised my blood pressure. Things start out slow, but then there are examples of combat deaths, friendly fire deaths, inept leaders at all levels. Then there are extraordinary scenes of Taylor's vulnerabilities, sharing with us more and more of his emotions and tears and frustrations.
Finally, there is a long combat scene in which we are overrun by NVA regulars, and if I were counting I am sure there were a number of run-on sentences that by their chaos reflected the chaos of the fight. We know he made it back alive because we have his memoir in hand, but this man's truth in the truth of combat gave me a blood pressure of 156/106 which not good, but accurately reflects the emotional accuracy of his telling.
As with other memoirs, I am deeply grateful that Mr. Taylor plumbed the depths of his pain and vulnerability, living all over again his experiences, in order to bear witness. He is a burning bush.
Finally, there is a long combat scene in which we are overrun by NVA regulars, and if I were counting I am sure there were a number of run-on sentences that by their chaos reflected the chaos of the fight. We know he made it back alive because we have his memoir in hand, but this man's truth in the truth of combat gave me a blood pressure of 156/106 which not good, but accurately reflects the emotional accuracy of his telling.
As with other memoirs, I am deeply grateful that Mr. Taylor plumbed the depths of his pain and vulnerability, living all over again his experiences, in order to bear witness. He is a burning bush.
December 15, 2021
Having never read a single book on the Vietnam War I was interested in this memoir that I found free on Amazon a few months ago. My heart was wrenched as I read about 18 year old soldiers facing such a ruthless enemy as the Viet Cong. Young men and young father's putting their lives on the line for the sake of democracy. Then to have the ones who survived maligned by protesters seems unthinkable. Taylor's account was engaging and kept me reading until his 13 month tour of duty was over and he was safely back home. Although I loved reading his account, as much as you can love reading such a tragic story, I got weary of the language, so be forewarned.
January 24, 2022
My Vets life after Nam
I read every thing I can it hopefully gives me some insight as to the nightmares. my soldiers suffer thru. We just celebrated our 54th anniversary and I can tell you it has been a ride. We have had a wonderful life and have made it and struggled thru the PTSD. My Doug was shot in the upper back which he suffers from. He is in braces and suffers from drop foot.I have fought for every benefit he has. My Doug couldn't . so, if a spouse is reading this and your husband can't do get busy and help your Vet. They deserve every benefif.Help them realise their value. Beverly Douglas God Bless All!
I read every thing I can it hopefully gives me some insight as to the nightmares. my soldiers suffer thru. We just celebrated our 54th anniversary and I can tell you it has been a ride. We have had a wonderful life and have made it and struggled thru the PTSD. My Doug was shot in the upper back which he suffers from. He is in braces and suffers from drop foot.I have fought for every benefit he has. My Doug couldn't . so, if a spouse is reading this and your husband can't do get busy and help your Vet. They deserve every benefif.Help them realise their value. Beverly Douglas God Bless All!
November 8, 2023
Excellent Vietnam memoir
The author served in the Marines and did a thirteen month tour in I Corps in 1967/68. This is one of the best Vietnam memoirs I've read. It is intense and graphic. The author uses the actual names of some of those who were KIA and with a little detective work their pictures and stories can be found online, for example on the Vietnam Wall of Faces. Seeing their faces and reading the remembrances and tributes left for them on that site really brings the book to life. These were living, breathing human beings, not just names. All honor to those who served in Vietnam, and especially to those who saw combat. I highly recommend this book.
The author served in the Marines and did a thirteen month tour in I Corps in 1967/68. This is one of the best Vietnam memoirs I've read. It is intense and graphic. The author uses the actual names of some of those who were KIA and with a little detective work their pictures and stories can be found online, for example on the Vietnam Wall of Faces. Seeing their faces and reading the remembrances and tributes left for them on that site really brings the book to life. These were living, breathing human beings, not just names. All honor to those who served in Vietnam, and especially to those who saw combat. I highly recommend this book.
July 30, 2025
Reading various books on Vietnam is an interesting process. I'm sure veterans of the Iraq war and Afghanistan feel that way when listening to Vietnam vets. It was a controversial war, and I like to remark that every service member that did serve in combat has there own little war, and this book is no different. Set before the Tet Offensive, it shows the nitty gritty of being a Marine during that war. Not much different than most of the other books i have read, but every story is unique as the person telling it. It really shows the world of serving there, and good to read, and engaging due to the story being told. Overall I would recommend reading this book, you might learn something.
March 31, 2022
One of the best stories about the marines in VN
Taylor tells his story his way. It is riveting reading and brings the grit of battle to the forefront. He and all the veterans who served in Vietnam not only deserve our thanks but the apologies of those in our government who put them there. As the companies who prospered and profited from that war and all wars there should be a way to extract some of those profits and assist these warriors, medically and financially. This was a terrific book to read. Thank you Mr. Taylor for your memories and your service.
Taylor tells his story his way. It is riveting reading and brings the grit of battle to the forefront. He and all the veterans who served in Vietnam not only deserve our thanks but the apologies of those in our government who put them there. As the companies who prospered and profited from that war and all wars there should be a way to extract some of those profits and assist these warriors, medically and financially. This was a terrific book to read. Thank you Mr. Taylor for your memories and your service.
May 13, 2022
I met Bill Taylor in Corona, CA in 2021 when we did an author panel together on books of the Vietnam War era. We exchanged books and after reading his book, I was left speechless. Written with so much rawness, heart, and detail, I felt like I was there with him and the Marines who served. I cried and I chuckled as Bill painted a picture of what was learned and lost on the battlefields. I’m grateful for his service and happy he came back home safely. A true honor to have met this incredibly warm and talented writer, veteran, and human being.
June 9, 2022
A powerful, visceral memoir of war.
Despite writing this 50 years after the war, the author effectively conveys the grit and horror of fighting for his life during the Vietnam war. From his writing it's clear how combat vets are deeply affected for life by war, both physically and emotionally, assuming they were one of those fortunate enough survive. The book left me in tears more than once.
If you're interested in the Vietnam war, war memoirs, or just want to honor a Veteran, consider buying a copy.
Despite writing this 50 years after the war, the author effectively conveys the grit and horror of fighting for his life during the Vietnam war. From his writing it's clear how combat vets are deeply affected for life by war, both physically and emotionally, assuming they were one of those fortunate enough survive. The book left me in tears more than once.
If you're interested in the Vietnam war, war memoirs, or just want to honor a Veteran, consider buying a copy.
April 5, 2023
A good read, very interesting
Interesting to get a true insight into what it was like on the ground, warts and all. The army is like every institution with the leaders that great, average, incompetent, reckless and an outright liability for those they are responsible with no conscience whatsoever.
Hopefully today there is more psychological assessing in the military to weed out the worst leaders.
What really surprised me was the non stop intensity of the missions one after another, no wonder the high level of PTSD and trauma for those that survived it.
It really has given me a greater appreciation for the troops on the ground and the level of frustration from governments that took so long to recognize the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans.
Thanks for your story.
Interesting to get a true insight into what it was like on the ground, warts and all. The army is like every institution with the leaders that great, average, incompetent, reckless and an outright liability for those they are responsible with no conscience whatsoever.
Hopefully today there is more psychological assessing in the military to weed out the worst leaders.
What really surprised me was the non stop intensity of the missions one after another, no wonder the high level of PTSD and trauma for those that survived it.
It really has given me a greater appreciation for the troops on the ground and the level of frustration from governments that took so long to recognize the sacrifices made by Vietnam veterans.
Thanks for your story.
November 29, 2021
Eye opener to say the least! EXCELLENT
I chose the Navy over the Marines. My boss in 1963 was a x- Di for the Marines. I retired in 1993, and have had a hard time reading about that time frame for ground troops. Most books talk drugs, fragging officers and NCOs. This book was well written, easy to read, hard to put down. I don't think I would have made it as a grunt. My respect for them is endless.
I chose the Navy over the Marines. My boss in 1963 was a x- Di for the Marines. I retired in 1993, and have had a hard time reading about that time frame for ground troops. Most books talk drugs, fragging officers and NCOs. This book was well written, easy to read, hard to put down. I don't think I would have made it as a grunt. My respect for them is endless.
December 27, 2021
Brilliant read
A very insightful and honest look into what must have been hell on earth for people so young, at 19yrs old these were not yet men, 13months in that environment made them men soon enough, couldn’t actually put this down, you felt as if you where right beside these men on the battlefield, this book recounts the typical marine and attitudes of that time,
The stories are vivid and The battles are told brilliantly and honestly.
Thank you for your service
A very insightful and honest look into what must have been hell on earth for people so young, at 19yrs old these were not yet men, 13months in that environment made them men soon enough, couldn’t actually put this down, you felt as if you where right beside these men on the battlefield, this book recounts the typical marine and attitudes of that time,
The stories are vivid and The battles are told brilliantly and honestly.
Thank you for your service
January 8, 2022
Thanks for your service!! You and your brothers deserve respect!
Great book, solid pace, high quality narrative. Go ahead...read it...pay some pocket change, eat two less cheeseburgers , it’s okay to support art, culture, writing, drawing etc... Thanks for this honest memoir, with great details and tact for sharing such horrific memories. A great piece of history. Let’s not ignore it.
Great book, solid pace, high quality narrative. Go ahead...read it...pay some pocket change, eat two less cheeseburgers , it’s okay to support art, culture, writing, drawing etc... Thanks for this honest memoir, with great details and tact for sharing such horrific memories. A great piece of history. Let’s not ignore it.
March 27, 2022
Authentic
Well written account of a Marine grunt's 13 month tour of duty in Vietnam. I was there too as a Marine during the same period of time and this account accurately brings back the terror, fear, confusion, anger, regret and sorrow I experienced. As the author states, I too can never forget the brave young Marines I had the honor to serve with and the many who never came home.
Well written account of a Marine grunt's 13 month tour of duty in Vietnam. I was there too as a Marine during the same period of time and this account accurately brings back the terror, fear, confusion, anger, regret and sorrow I experienced. As the author states, I too can never forget the brave young Marines I had the honor to serve with and the many who never came home.
April 20, 2022
One of the best books I have read about the real experience of those who served in vietnam
I would like to say thank you to Mr Taylor for his service and I hope you have lived a full and rewarding life since your return home. You deserve it. I have read many books about those who served in vietnam and you sir are a true American hero.
May God bless you and your family
Welcome home
I would like to say thank you to Mr Taylor for his service and I hope you have lived a full and rewarding life since your return home. You deserve it. I have read many books about those who served in vietnam and you sir are a true American hero.
May God bless you and your family
Welcome home
July 1, 2022
Absolutely great reading. Kept your attention to the end.
Bills story telling was great and as factual as it can be 50 years after the fighting ended. It was by the grace of God that Bill made it home. My hats off to him and every solder that served in that Hell Hole. May God be with each and every one of them for the rest of their life. Thhank you Bill and all of your fellow Marines for your service.
Bills story telling was great and as factual as it can be 50 years after the fighting ended. It was by the grace of God that Bill made it home. My hats off to him and every solder that served in that Hell Hole. May God be with each and every one of them for the rest of their life. Thhank you Bill and all of your fellow Marines for your service.
April 8, 2023
Deeply moving
As a Vietnam era guy who didn’t go, based on the roll of the dice (lottery number). I am intrigued (and humbled by) the stories of those who served . Perhaps the author didn’t know, but would have liked to know what happened to the butter bar who sought valor at the cost iof others lives. What happened to the soldier who declined a suicide mission. Otherwise, remarkable!
As a Vietnam era guy who didn’t go, based on the roll of the dice (lottery number). I am intrigued (and humbled by) the stories of those who served . Perhaps the author didn’t know, but would have liked to know what happened to the butter bar who sought valor at the cost iof others lives. What happened to the soldier who declined a suicide mission. Otherwise, remarkable!
May 29, 2024
A Combat Marine's Story
A sad and frightful tale of our young men sent to fight and die in almost impossible situations. This personal memoir of a heroic USA Marine is similar to what our troops suffered through in Viet Nam. As so few Americans really k ow and understand what our military personnel went through over there, only to be mistreated and often forgotten by our own, this should be required reading and discussion for all true Americans.
A sad and frightful tale of our young men sent to fight and die in almost impossible situations. This personal memoir of a heroic USA Marine is similar to what our troops suffered through in Viet Nam. As so few Americans really k ow and understand what our military personnel went through over there, only to be mistreated and often forgotten by our own, this should be required reading and discussion for all true Americans.
June 28, 2024
I highly recommend this book. William (Bill) Taylor provides an honest, deeply human and powerful narrative history of the Vietnam War. This is a familiar genre for me, and I still learned a great deal. The audio version of this book is particularly moving. I will also note that I had the honor of interviewing Bill in person and meeting many of the Marines named in his book. He was exceptionally kind and generous with his time.
September 5, 2021
One rough tour in the Nam.
I have read many books written by Vietnam. This guy went through more combat than any of them. He is right in saying that it is a miracle that he survived.Having to serve under so many platoon officers with poor decision making certainly made it more of a miracle.
I have read many books written by Vietnam. This guy went through more combat than any of them. He is right in saying that it is a miracle that he survived.Having to serve under so many platoon officers with poor decision making certainly made it more of a miracle.
December 28, 2021
Vietnam war revisited
The author has written a book about his war experiences in Vietnam. The book is written in a way that only a veteran could have written it based on his experiences. By writing this book he has immortalized his units, his combat operations, and his fellow marines that served with him. Welcome home Marine
The author has written a book about his war experiences in Vietnam. The book is written in a way that only a veteran could have written it based on his experiences. By writing this book he has immortalized his units, his combat operations, and his fellow marines that served with him. Welcome home Marine
January 11, 2022
13 months of terror
The Pentagon Papers reported the Military and Politicians knew the war could not be won in 1968. We stayed until 1975. This knowledge is criminal. It’s not your decision to go to war if one is drafted. I’m not for sure the military Industrial complex isn’t running the USA. Great read.
You are lucky, or blessed. Thank you for your service!
The Pentagon Papers reported the Military and Politicians knew the war could not be won in 1968. We stayed until 1975. This knowledge is criminal. It’s not your decision to go to war if one is drafted. I’m not for sure the military Industrial complex isn’t running the USA. Great read.
You are lucky, or blessed. Thank you for your service!
January 13, 2022
Why?
Why were we there? Did we accomplish what was the original plan? This book further illustrates the needless attempt to pacify that area where the South Vietnamese just wanted to be left alone. 58000 of our country's finest were sacrificed. For what?
A well written book that puts you in the heart of battle.
Why were we there? Did we accomplish what was the original plan? This book further illustrates the needless attempt to pacify that area where the South Vietnamese just wanted to be left alone. 58000 of our country's finest were sacrificed. For what?
A well written book that puts you in the heart of battle.
January 31, 2022
Insightful and resonates with truth.
It the most eye opening book about the horrors of combat in Vietnam that I have read. It brought you right beside him with his feelings and anxiety. It makes you really feel for those in prior wars that felt the stresses for excessive length of time.
It the most eye opening book about the horrors of combat in Vietnam that I have read. It brought you right beside him with his feelings and anxiety. It makes you really feel for those in prior wars that felt the stresses for excessive length of time.
March 18, 2022
A great book by a brave soldier!
William Taylor's memoir made me think of the capriciousness of those who lived and those who died in Vietnam. Taylor's book is an honest account. If the VC kicked the Americans in a battle Taylor said so. I felt so sorry for all the men that's died because of their leaders' pride.
William Taylor's memoir made me think of the capriciousness of those who lived and those who died in Vietnam. Taylor's book is an honest account. If the VC kicked the Americans in a battle Taylor said so. I felt so sorry for all the men that's died because of their leaders' pride.
March 29, 2022
I really thought this book was one the best books I have read about a soldier's experience. Mr. Taylor does an excellent job letting the reader feel his fear. The sounds and smells of Vietnam ring through. Having been in country as a non combatant I know what it's like to hear the sound of a mortar or a 122mm rocket
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews