The fury of the Tet Offensive burns out quickly in most of South Vietnam. But at the ancient city of Hue, the American and ARVN victory is anything but assured. The same American commander who brushed aside warnings that Tet was imminent now makes an erroneous and dangerous the Viet Cong have been destroyed as a fighting force. Jif Miles and the men with whom he fights know that’s not true. Jif is still a second lieutenant—a butter bar —but one with far greater combat experience than a rookie officer in country only four months has usually accrued. From Tet’s bloodbath on the central coast to the slaughter at Hue, where the Viet Cong augment the resilient North Vietnamese Army, he finds the VC still very much alive and the reports of their demise to be deadly nonsense.
A lifelong student of history, William Peter Grasso served in the US Army and is retired from the aircraft maintenance industry. His devotion to all things historical, military, and aviation remains unabated and continues to inspire his fiction.
Excellent Read! I have read all of Mr Grasso's books. I appreciate two qualities in particular: his character development and the historical accuracy of equipment, tactics, and ordnance.
First, character development. His characterization of BG Jock Miles and SGM Sean Moon over three wars retains their indivudual personalites but also expresses well the growth of experience and how this experience dictates the actions they take. Truly an impressicve writing skill. For this book in particular, the cravenness of would-be career officers is very accurate indeed!
Secondly, in this book Mr Grasso's knowledge of artillery is very accurate. I am IMPOC qualified (Infantry Mortar Platoon Officers' Course) from the early '80s, and I learned a few things!
I really have enjoyed these books on JF Miles', though saddened I need to wait for book 3. Being an Army Brat I these books have helped me in understanding what my father went through during his two yours in Vietnam. Though my Dad did not discuss it with us kids but we did hear his having horrible nightmares, waking up screaming and soaked in his own sweat and then came the drinking. Dad was a "LIFER" but he never drank on duty! We continued to move every three to four years all overseas, Thank you for this book and what did go on especially things around PLeiku and the Montanrads. My father worked very closely with them.
The more I read this series the more I realize how screwed up out army officer corps was and still is. I was a captain in man and meet some in person that weren't worth two dead flies. This book was outstanding and I look forward to more of the same.
Continuing story of Artillery Lt. Jif Miles shifting to a Cav unit in the relief of besieged Marine Fire Base Khe Sanh. This is an impressive multi book series of how a smart, tough Army Artillery officer functioned in the post Tet Vietnam war and his courageous efforts as a Forward Observer who correctly plots where fire missions would land; radioed ships offshore, air force bombers, Army/Marine Artillery units or field mortar units with the type of munitions required and exact map coordinates. Always risky since a minor mistake in the process could result in American casualties. Absolutely fascinating story. I was in the neighborhood, Quang Tri with 3/3 in 1969 so the series has me totally enthralled!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable Vietnam war novel continuing the story begun in Butterbar. It does an excellent job capturing the essence of the individual experience of the war as well as the frustration of the ordinary soldier at the myopic and self aggrandizing viepoint at the highest command levels. As a veteran of 18 month in’country with the 5th Special Forces Group, I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Clearly written and easy to understand novel. Technically close to correct yet some terminology was missing and others slightly skewed. Enjoyed the insertion of previous storylines which were seamless. Overall good read and a days solid entertainment.
Truely a good read, esp. for those who served or were on the edge during the war. Love the characterization of some of the senior officers which I found to be accurate in many respects. I am looking forward to the next book.
Very good read. Waiting for book #3. Would recommend this series to anyone interested in a different Vietnam perspective. Fact and fiction are skillfully woven together in an interesting narrative.
Great read about the people of the fighting machine that only those of us who served tru!y know about. Lots of action with great facts and data that makes it all come together.😁
From the moon brothers to now every book has only gotten better! William Peter Grass makes you feel you are right there. Well written and waiting for the next book!
Being a VietNam Vet I enjoy these type of books. I was two weeks from rotating out of the Army when Tet Offensive hit. They blew up the Ammo Storage facility which created a heat wave that blew down most unachored buildings.
Realistic encounters and good perspective that does not glorify the reality of war. I liked the perspective and the commentary by the different characters.
Another very solid read from Mr. Grasso. Well researched, blunt, and unfiltered. This is how the Vietnam War was fought, according to friends who served. Very solid book.
I really enjoy the setting (Vietnam war), the story line and the characters (especially JF Miles). I find this author to be a good story teller and I enjoy his work.