Stolen Valor : How the Vietnam Generation Was Robbed of Its Heroes and Its History

by B.G. Burkett, Glenna Whitley

Military documents reveal decades of deceit about the Vietnam War and myths perpetuated by the mainstream media

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Nonfiction, Military History

692 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were born after 1960 and want to learn about the war in Vietnam read this book first. First it offers up some basic war statistics. And throughout the book it points out books written by total phonies about their war experience. In general the book is about men who claim combat experience but have no military record to back their claims. Best story in the book is a commander of a Washington state vfw who did serve in the Vietnam war. Good. But for the north.... Not so good.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well worth the long time it takes to read. The research details how media hype created the false stereotype of Vietnam veterans as troubled, drug addicted lost souls, while statistics actually show that the vast majority of Vietnam veterans honorably served our country and continue to be productive members of society. The authors shine the spotlight on and call out those who either tarnish the reputation of Vietnam veterans or try to profit by falsely claiming to have served.
The book cites the beginnings of the realization of PTSD and could use an updated follow-up on that topic.
Everyone should read this book. We bought a second copy to loan out.

[Lillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Every time I opened this book it fell to an even worse page than the last...how minorities aren't really oppressed...how gay veterans don't really exist...how PTSD isn't real...how Agent Orange is actually all a myth...everything serves to make the author's point stronger: an uncritical acceptance of the Vietnam War as the right thing for America, not to mention the perpetuation of everything right-wing. The author has a personal vendetta against any veteran who disagrees with him, and it makes it obvious how flaws his arguments are. I needed this book for a paper, but I regret even checking it out from the library.

[E. Franmklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen Valor is one book that every Vietnam veteran should read. We read or hear much about the false heroes and veterans claiming honors that they never earned. Stolen Valor names names and backs up the uncovering of these honor thieves with facts. Real veterans don't advertise their deeds and claim unbelievable acts of heroism. They don't need to. One very well written book and well researched! I recommend it to everyone. It belongs as a valuable piece of history.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read & shows what poor research/verification our TV news & press does, as well as how lazy, selfish they are. If one wants a realistic understanding of Vietnam, PTSD, the VA hospitals, Vets claims etc this is a must read. Wish I had read it years ago. Really feel deceived! It just might even enlighten you on family members. Should be required reading in school!

[Lenora Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really happy to read this book. It gave me a brand new look at the Vietnam war and the people who served. Things that were said to me in the past by Vietnam veterans now makes a lot of sense that due to popular misconceptions did not before. Why people tell those lies and get away with it is a disgrace. This is a must read for anyone passionate about truth and historical knowledge.

[Charles Riddle]

Well researched. Some of the ones who are accused may surprise you.

[Sebastian Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting books I can say I have ever read. His perspective on the Vietnam war is one that is not taught in school and one that makes the reader question the stigma surrounding that controversial conflict and its veterans. Armed with facts, figures, and a plethora of examples, Burkett tears apart the stereotypical idea of a Vietnam veteran as the disheveled alcoholics wearing tattered fatigues with an assortment of erratically-placed pins and medals. Burkett shows the truth about these veterans who return home to a hostile nation after fighting in jungles and swamps in eastern Asia. If I could give it more stars I would.
SUCH. A. GOOD. READ.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for anyone in the business of treating veterans. It can get a bit tedious at times since it's so well-researched, but it tells a very important perspective and teaches us to not be so easily duped by the stories we hear. Given that people like me signed up to serve veterans and give back, we want to make sure the true heroes are getting what they deserve and not having it stolen by phonies.

[Joe Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone truly interested in discovering what the Vietnam War has done to this country. Exhaustively researched.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never could have imagined that there were so many Viet Nam fakers. This big give you the real picture without pulling any punches.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's exhaustive research, case studies, and appendices at the end of the book opened my eyes to the deception that many wannabee heroes have perpetuated for self-aggrandizement and monetary gain; thereby, taking honor and respect from others who served in Vietnam. The commonalities of the lies in their purported experiences, such as service in the Green Berets, trauma from having killed children, and even claims of incarceration as Prisoners of War, will make me diligent should I hear it related by others in the future.

The book was written in '98. I would like to read an update. For example, while the diagnosis of PTSD was misused at its outset, are psychologists and psychiatrists more savvy now? Are records more closely scrutinized by the media and/or clinicians for authenticity? Burkett was most critical of those claiming damage from Agent Orange exposure. Has that been tempered now that there is over 20 years of research on its effects?

I would recommend this book with the caveat that the reader keep in mind that the slice in time of his extensive research was twenty years past, and while it serves as a springboard to awareness, changes may have been occurred since there.

[Tony Auxier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent, well-written book. The author has meticulously researched his subject. He present facts, figures, and copious stories to illustrate his points. Burkett explodes numerous myths about the Vietnam War, and particularly Vietnam Veterans. His arguments and research are very pursuasive. They also are confirmed by my own knowledge of hundreds (if not more) of Vietnam Vets. The stereotype of the homeless, psychopathic, violent Vietnam Vet is a manufactured story by journalists too lazy to do their homework. This is a great book

I gave it only 4 stars out of 5, because there were so many stories and illustrations of people faking being a Vietnam Vet. For me, it was overkill, and made a great book longer than it needed to be and a little tedious at times. For those who have the false perception of the typical Vietnam Vet, perhaps the huge number of proofs that they are phony would be more necessary. I recommend this book very highly.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

These wannabe “posers” deserve a public whipping!

[Sasha Rosetta Kladar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge book and every bit worth the read. It took me about 4 months to read this one. My recent studying of fictitious disorder lead me to read this book.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry as a bone, but informative and I'm glad I read it. I'ts just despictable how bold these liars are. Eventually they even believe the lies they're spewing. What's even more disturbing is that it is now at epidemic proportions and disrespecting every honorable veteran and active duty out there. These liars should be made to wear a giant letter A on their chest for the rest of their lives - stands for A-hole.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended to me by one of my interviewees, and got it through ILL at APL. This was a ridiculously well-researched book that will help me in my upcoming interviews with Vietnam veterans. While a bit repetitive, it is thorough and covers many preconceived notions that average citizens (especially younger Americans) may have of the Vietnam 'veterans' that we "see" on a regular basis.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so well written but an excellent treatment of topic that deserves more attention.

[Taddow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must read for anyone that it interested in seeing insight into the VA system and those that choose to manipulate it and the heroism of real war heroes.

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you think you know about the Vietnam War and it's veterans you are wrong. This will set you straight and depress you with all the stories of fakers.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

These phony veterans are rampant.

[Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting look at fake Vietnam veterans.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

My entire review was deleted by someone at goodreads.

No notice, no reason given.

[Nancy Householder]

great book. reveals all the good and the bad of Vietnam Vets and wannabes.