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Warpath: One Vietnam Veteran's Journey through War, Disillusionment, Guilt and Recovery
They flew low and slow over the landing zone, trying to draw fire or detect signs of enemy activity. For the two-man “Loach” helicopter crews, engaging the enemy was the number one goal. This chase could save the lives of troops arriving on the lightly armed “Hueys”. The Scouts thrived on these types of high-risk missions.
This intense memoir describes the passage of a young, patriotic enlistee as he transitions from ground crew mechanic to the job he really cavalry Scout. Warpath reveals the culture that permeated an aggressive combat unit in Vietnam. The author recounts frequent close encounters with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). He describes the inevitable violence that occurred during these confrontations, the importance of high body counts, and the reward system that was so important to these young, dedicated soldiers.
What readers are
Verified Purchaser #1
“I just finished A.J. Moore’s book, “Warpath”. Being an author and Vietnam Veteran myself, I didn’t have high expectations because it was Mr. Moore’s first book. Boy was I wrong! What a great read. I finished the book in three days and loved every minute of it.”
Verified Purchaser #2
“The stories were well written, honest and informative of the writer’s time at war. For myself, the aftermath was worth much, much more. The PTSD treatments, the emotions and personal psychosis were so much like mine…”
Follow the author as he returns home to an uncaring country and experiences confusion, disillusionment, and guilt over his Vietnam exploits. Decorated for valor and looked upon as an effective fighter while in the Army, his civilian comrades were indifferent at best, and repulsed at worst.
Warpath describes the author’s decades-long battle to resolve his feelings about the war. Diagnosed with Agent Orange-induced heart disease and PTSD, he began PTSD therapy at the age of 68. This therapy, along with his research into the war’s history, provided him with the knowledge he needed to reconcile his feelings with the realities of the times.
Warpath is a must-read for anyone interested in how the air cavalry fought the war and how those troopers overcame the traumas resulting from those experiences. From the miseries of Monsoon rains, to the celebrations following successful missions, Warpath provides a totally honest and gritty description of life as a cavalry Scout and its aftermath.
This intense memoir describes the passage of a young, patriotic enlistee as he transitions from ground crew mechanic to the job he really cavalry Scout. Warpath reveals the culture that permeated an aggressive combat unit in Vietnam. The author recounts frequent close encounters with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). He describes the inevitable violence that occurred during these confrontations, the importance of high body counts, and the reward system that was so important to these young, dedicated soldiers.
What readers are
Verified Purchaser #1
“I just finished A.J. Moore’s book, “Warpath”. Being an author and Vietnam Veteran myself, I didn’t have high expectations because it was Mr. Moore’s first book. Boy was I wrong! What a great read. I finished the book in three days and loved every minute of it.”
Verified Purchaser #2
“The stories were well written, honest and informative of the writer’s time at war. For myself, the aftermath was worth much, much more. The PTSD treatments, the emotions and personal psychosis were so much like mine…”
Follow the author as he returns home to an uncaring country and experiences confusion, disillusionment, and guilt over his Vietnam exploits. Decorated for valor and looked upon as an effective fighter while in the Army, his civilian comrades were indifferent at best, and repulsed at worst.
Warpath describes the author’s decades-long battle to resolve his feelings about the war. Diagnosed with Agent Orange-induced heart disease and PTSD, he began PTSD therapy at the age of 68. This therapy, along with his research into the war’s history, provided him with the knowledge he needed to reconcile his feelings with the realities of the times.
Warpath is a must-read for anyone interested in how the air cavalry fought the war and how those troopers overcame the traumas resulting from those experiences. From the miseries of Monsoon rains, to the celebrations following successful missions, Warpath provides a totally honest and gritty description of life as a cavalry Scout and its aftermath.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 7, 2022
A little prejudiced - I was in the same outfit at the same time and we're FB friends, but didn't know each other then - but a fantastic memoir of one soldier.
Al writes well and he talks of his life before, during, and after Vietnam, but the war takes up the bulk of the book.
Not only does the author tell of many instances of the usual "war stories" that we come to expect from such personal histories of war, being assigned to an accusation unit, he explains a lot of interesting information how helicopters work, the tactics employed with them, and other very entertaining stories.
Moore spends a great deal writing about his time after returning from Vietnam trying to understand the war, why we fought there, and how it affected so many of us. His work with Vietnam veterans is particularly impressive.
One of the very best I've read on this period of military history.
Highly recommend it.
Al writes well and he talks of his life before, during, and after Vietnam, but the war takes up the bulk of the book.
Not only does the author tell of many instances of the usual "war stories" that we come to expect from such personal histories of war, being assigned to an accusation unit, he explains a lot of interesting information how helicopters work, the tactics employed with them, and other very entertaining stories.
Moore spends a great deal writing about his time after returning from Vietnam trying to understand the war, why we fought there, and how it affected so many of us. His work with Vietnam veterans is particularly impressive.
One of the very best I've read on this period of military history.
Highly recommend it.
May 11, 2023
Great Read
The stories ring true. As a Ninth Infantry Division "ground pounder" in the .Mekong Delta in 1968 we were always happy to see the the Hueys, the Loachs and the Cobra gunships. Each h played a major role in supporting the infantry, saving many lives. The Hueys put us in the ground and lifted us out, too often under fire, as well as providing fire support. Other hueys, the medevac choppers, evacuated our wounded and unfortunately our dead. The troops on the ground were well aware that the medical choppers, unarmed and often under fire, were the reason an incredible proportion of our wounded survived wounds that would have been fatal in other conflicts. The Loachs,, the Cobra gunships and support from air force and navy "fast movers" we're likewise critical elements to the overall support of the soldiering ground.
Mr. Moore's post war experiences with PTSD and doubts about our involvement are familiar territory to many of us.
Overall a first class read. I'm glad I found this and will be recommending to others.
This view of the perspective of the crews of some of these aircraft,their attitudes and their relationships, adds a personal touch to the
The stories ring true. As a Ninth Infantry Division "ground pounder" in the .Mekong Delta in 1968 we were always happy to see the the Hueys, the Loachs and the Cobra gunships. Each h played a major role in supporting the infantry, saving many lives. The Hueys put us in the ground and lifted us out, too often under fire, as well as providing fire support. Other hueys, the medevac choppers, evacuated our wounded and unfortunately our dead. The troops on the ground were well aware that the medical choppers, unarmed and often under fire, were the reason an incredible proportion of our wounded survived wounds that would have been fatal in other conflicts. The Loachs,, the Cobra gunships and support from air force and navy "fast movers" we're likewise critical elements to the overall support of the soldiering ground.
Mr. Moore's post war experiences with PTSD and doubts about our involvement are familiar territory to many of us.
Overall a first class read. I'm glad I found this and will be recommending to others.
This view of the perspective of the crews of some of these aircraft,their attitudes and their relationships, adds a personal touch to the
October 24, 2025
Warpath by A.J. Moore is not just a war memoir it’s a raw confession, a reckoning, and ultimately, a redemption story. With visceral honesty and vivid detail, Moore captures what it means to fight a war abroad and then fight another one within yourself.
From the tense, heart-pounding missions in the skies over Vietnam to the deafening silence of a nation that didn’t understand its returning soldiers, Warpath plunges readers into both the chaos of combat and the quiet agony of survival.
What makes Moore’s story unforgettable isn’t just the authenticity of his battlefield accounts it’s his willingness to face the ghosts that followed him home. His journey through PTSD, guilt, and disillusionment, and his eventual healing through therapy and reflection, gives Warpath its soul.
This is a memoir of truth without embellishment of courage not only in war, but in confronting what comes after. Moore writes not to glorify conflict, but to illuminate the cost of it and to offer hope that even after decades of silence, reconciliation is still possible.
For readers drawn to the human side of history the trauma, the honesty, the hard-won peace Warpath is a haunting, essential read.
It’s not just a war story. It’s a human story told with unflinching grace.
From the tense, heart-pounding missions in the skies over Vietnam to the deafening silence of a nation that didn’t understand its returning soldiers, Warpath plunges readers into both the chaos of combat and the quiet agony of survival.
What makes Moore’s story unforgettable isn’t just the authenticity of his battlefield accounts it’s his willingness to face the ghosts that followed him home. His journey through PTSD, guilt, and disillusionment, and his eventual healing through therapy and reflection, gives Warpath its soul.
This is a memoir of truth without embellishment of courage not only in war, but in confronting what comes after. Moore writes not to glorify conflict, but to illuminate the cost of it and to offer hope that even after decades of silence, reconciliation is still possible.
For readers drawn to the human side of history the trauma, the honesty, the hard-won peace Warpath is a haunting, essential read.
It’s not just a war story. It’s a human story told with unflinching grace.
November 29, 2023
One mans Viet Nam experience and his opinions of it.
Thank you for serving . You state that you went on to have a nice life here in the USA. You also seem to have decided that this country is not worthy of patriotism. I have studied American, and world history for many decades. I have read dozens of books about Viet Nam and searched for answers to many of the same questions that you seem to have found different answers for. I am a veteran. My father was a WW2 vet and my brother is a Viet Nam vet. We know that our country is not perfect, but we also believe that it is the greatest country on earth. Your version of the origins of the war and the conditions that led to it's resolution would be disputed by many experts. You seem to look for reasons to find the USA at fault. Maybe that is a part of your problems.
Thank you for serving . You state that you went on to have a nice life here in the USA. You also seem to have decided that this country is not worthy of patriotism. I have studied American, and world history for many decades. I have read dozens of books about Viet Nam and searched for answers to many of the same questions that you seem to have found different answers for. I am a veteran. My father was a WW2 vet and my brother is a Viet Nam vet. We know that our country is not perfect, but we also believe that it is the greatest country on earth. Your version of the origins of the war and the conditions that led to it's resolution would be disputed by many experts. You seem to look for reasons to find the USA at fault. Maybe that is a part of your problems.
May 14, 2022
Enjoyable reading and thought provoking
The author has come to the same conclusion that many of us did during the VN war. Some came to the same discovery early while others during or after their VN experiences. Too many vets were left stranded by the Veterans Administration upon coming home. Too many were written off, not believed and never helped. The same has happened with the Iraq and Afghanistan vets, little help and much too late. We, the citizens and government have not learned our lessons about war. And here we are again, at what might be the brink w Russia over the war in Ukraine. Good story, well written welcome home Trooper! Thank you for your service.
The author has come to the same conclusion that many of us did during the VN war. Some came to the same discovery early while others during or after their VN experiences. Too many vets were left stranded by the Veterans Administration upon coming home. Too many were written off, not believed and never helped. The same has happened with the Iraq and Afghanistan vets, little help and much too late. We, the citizens and government have not learned our lessons about war. And here we are again, at what might be the brink w Russia over the war in Ukraine. Good story, well written welcome home Trooper! Thank you for your service.
November 7, 2022
As a fellow vet (I was in Korea and then Germany slightly earlier than the time-frame in this book,) I loved this. Moore captures such phenomena as "hurry-up-and-wait, "incompetent NCOs," and "lack of care for enlisted people" perfectly. It wasn't my privilege to fight with our enemies, although my unit did come close in Korea in 1964, and I give thanks I skipped that. I admire Moore's bravery, and also his coming to terms with a war that was not morally ideal, although it may have played a role in advancing US policy. I feel for his PTSD experiences after the war. I have some Army-related PTSD more related to alcoholism, but nothing like he endured. Bravo. Great book.
December 19, 2022
Good book
Personal war memoir, Vietnam era. Chopper scout. Close contact with the enemy. I could see any normal individual be affected in negative way by such intense combat. Look the enemy in the eye and kill him up close. Not a typical event in Vietnam warfare where visibility is only a few feet in triple canopy jungle. Not so for a LOACH scout. Anyone would suffer PTSB under such conditions. I know I would.
Personal war memoir, Vietnam era. Chopper scout. Close contact with the enemy. I could see any normal individual be affected in negative way by such intense combat. Look the enemy in the eye and kill him up close. Not a typical event in Vietnam warfare where visibility is only a few feet in triple canopy jungle. Not so for a LOACH scout. Anyone would suffer PTSB under such conditions. I know I would.
January 8, 2023
Haunting But Well Written
This book tells it how the author sees it. His blunt honesty is simultaneously refreshing and disturbing. He saw some things that no human being should see and survived it.
It is also a look at PTSD and dealing with it.
At one point in time, my goal was to be a college professor of history. While that is no longer my goal, if I were to teach a class in the History of the Vietnam War, this book would be required reading for it.
This book tells it how the author sees it. His blunt honesty is simultaneously refreshing and disturbing. He saw some things that no human being should see and survived it.
It is also a look at PTSD and dealing with it.
At one point in time, my goal was to be a college professor of history. While that is no longer my goal, if I were to teach a class in the History of the Vietnam War, this book would be required reading for it.
July 2, 2022
Good read fuhn part was his description of his early years and early Army service.
I DIDNOT like his discription of our country. Painting it in a dim light.
I RESPECT HIM BUT WISH HE WOULD ALSO BALANCE HIS VIEW OF OUR COUNTRY. PS I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HIS VIEW OF NCO'S
AND SENIOR OFFICIERS IE GENERALS! I too was an enlisted man in late 60's. Lyndon R Jacobs
I DIDNOT like his discription of our country. Painting it in a dim light.
I RESPECT HIM BUT WISH HE WOULD ALSO BALANCE HIS VIEW OF OUR COUNTRY. PS I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HIS VIEW OF NCO'S
AND SENIOR OFFICIERS IE GENERALS! I too was an enlisted man in late 60's. Lyndon R Jacobs
May 20, 2022
Review
I really enjoyed the book on my Kindle. I was infantry 1st 22 infantry 4th division. Appreciated the air support. At least air guys did not sleep on the ground. Thank you again
I really enjoyed the book on my Kindle. I was infantry 1st 22 infantry 4th division. Appreciated the air support. At least air guys did not sleep on the ground. Thank you again
October 30, 2022
Aj Moore
A very thought provocking read. The Hawks have a lot to answer for, their first thought is always hey lets go and bomb the hell out of them. Franklin Roosevelt had it right when he said "Jaw. Jaw is better than War War
A very thought provocking read. The Hawks have a lot to answer for, their first thought is always hey lets go and bomb the hell out of them. Franklin Roosevelt had it right when he said "Jaw. Jaw is better than War War
November 2, 2022
Excellent read,
The story takes the reader from beginning to the end of a young man
Who did the job when required. The after years explained the tragedy of Vietnam and the lasting mental issues they brought home.
The story takes the reader from beginning to the end of a young man
Who did the job when required. The after years explained the tragedy of Vietnam and the lasting mental issues they brought home.
March 27, 2022
Total waste of my time. Commie/pacifist is a disgrace to all Vietnam veterans
May 20, 2022
Five Stars!
I felt this book was well written and very interesting. The fact that he gave a detailed account of his post Vietnam years was a bonus
I felt this book was well written and very interesting. The fact that he gave a detailed account of his post Vietnam years was a bonus
July 24, 2022
Made me want to puke
Another liberal laying edible about a life decision he made then wants to blame other's for stupid decisions he made!
Another liberal laying edible about a life decision he made then wants to blame other's for stupid decisions he made!
December 8, 2022
An excellent book about the Vietnam experience. I can’t recommend it enough.
December 14, 2022
written from the hart
A really good book as it was written as it was good and bad does question why and how the US got involved
A really good book as it was written as it was good and bad does question why and how the US got involved
March 23, 2023
Really Great Book
This is a Really Great Book on the Vietnam War. I found it hard to put down even when going to bed.
This is a Really Great Book on the Vietnam War. I found it hard to put down even when going to bed.
May 4, 2023
A heartfelt sharing.
Outstanding in its honesty and Candor. I would like to thank the author for sharing all of this with me.
Outstanding in its honesty and Candor. I would like to thank the author for sharing all of this with me.
June 29, 2022
A very interesting Vietnam memoir, worth reading.
After reading hundreds of war memoirs, many dozens about Vietnam, I've found that Vietnam helicopter crewmen memoirs offer a different perspective that I haven't found elsewhere. They much more easily capture my attention and imagination. While I admit this one wasn't my #1 favorite memoir of its genre, it was still in the top five: it's excellent and I highly recommend it. It's one of the few Kindle Unlimited books I've read that I'm considering buying a print copy of to keep.
After reading hundreds of war memoirs, many dozens about Vietnam, I've found that Vietnam helicopter crewmen memoirs offer a different perspective that I haven't found elsewhere. They much more easily capture my attention and imagination. While I admit this one wasn't my #1 favorite memoir of its genre, it was still in the top five: it's excellent and I highly recommend it. It's one of the few Kindle Unlimited books I've read that I'm considering buying a print copy of to keep.
June 29, 2022
A really good book
A very interesting account of a Vietnam vet... highly recommended for anyone interested in the helocopter part of the war. One of the very best books I've read on this topic.
A very interesting account of a Vietnam vet... highly recommended for anyone interested in the helocopter part of the war. One of the very best books I've read on this topic.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews