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Sons of Kolchak Lib/E: A Company Commander During the Vietnam TET Offensive of 1968 Tells the Story of His Men's Raw Courage and Valor
I commanded an infantry company during the Vietnam Tet Offensive of 1968. I got to see the magnificence of the human spirit as my men triumphed over incredible adversity. This is a story that must be told. We are a special country with a special destiny. My men showed me the way.
- GenresNonfiction
Audio CD
Published January 12, 2021
451 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Michael Wikan
1 book4 followersLTC Michael E. Wikan was born into an Army family in 1942. He graduated West Point in 1964 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry. 3 days after graduation, he married his sweetheart Sandra in her hometown of Augusta, GA.
Following Ranger and Airborne Schools, Mike and Sandra traveled to Munich, Germany where Mike truly began his Army career. In addition to his assignment with the 24th Infantry Division in Munich and the 25th Division in South Vietnam, Mike served with the Joint/Combined Command in South Korea, West Point, Ft. Stewart, GA, Ft. Buchanan, P.R., and Ft Eustis, VA where he retired from the Army. Along the way he earned a Masters Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Mike's significant background in Competitive Marksmanship, the Close Combat gained in Vietnam and work with Training Devices, Close Combat Unit Simulation Systems and development of Doctrine to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate training while in the Army prepared him for continuing that work when he moved to Altamonte Springs, FL to work in Industry supporting the US Army's Headquarters that developed and fielded those systems.
Mike's military decorations and awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Badge, Excellence in Competition Badge - Silver, two Silver Stars and the Bronze Star with "V" device and one oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters.
Mike finally retired in 2007 and lives today with his wife Sandra in Mt. Dora, FL. The couple have been married for almost 56 years and have 3 beautiful children, 4 wonderful grandchildren and a few beloved grand-dogs. Mike has always said the event that convinced Sandra to marry him was when he promised her an "Interesting Life" if she would join him. It has indeed been an interesting, and wonderful, life.
Following Ranger and Airborne Schools, Mike and Sandra traveled to Munich, Germany where Mike truly began his Army career. In addition to his assignment with the 24th Infantry Division in Munich and the 25th Division in South Vietnam, Mike served with the Joint/Combined Command in South Korea, West Point, Ft. Stewart, GA, Ft. Buchanan, P.R., and Ft Eustis, VA where he retired from the Army. Along the way he earned a Masters Degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Mike's significant background in Competitive Marksmanship, the Close Combat gained in Vietnam and work with Training Devices, Close Combat Unit Simulation Systems and development of Doctrine to plan, prepare, conduct and evaluate training while in the Army prepared him for continuing that work when he moved to Altamonte Springs, FL to work in Industry supporting the US Army's Headquarters that developed and fielded those systems.
Mike's military decorations and awards include the Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, Airborne Badge, Excellence in Competition Badge - Silver, two Silver Stars and the Bronze Star with "V" device and one oak leaf cluster, and Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters.
Mike finally retired in 2007 and lives today with his wife Sandra in Mt. Dora, FL. The couple have been married for almost 56 years and have 3 beautiful children, 4 wonderful grandchildren and a few beloved grand-dogs. Mike has always said the event that convinced Sandra to marry him was when he promised her an "Interesting Life" if she would join him. It has indeed been an interesting, and wonderful, life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 12, 2020
It has been a distinct and unexpected honor to have the story I wrote in 1989 finally be published and reviewed favorably by so many people from so many differing backgrounds. Just to update my readers, I just signed a contract to have Sons of Kolchak published as an audiobook.
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July 3, 2020A fast paced,well written,well documented period many of us were involved in at that time.I rate this 4 1/2 stars
Thank God- no bullsh**. No "blowing of own horn". Reading his experiences makes me surprised he made it through Alive and still so meticulous in recounting his many experiences.And, thanks for NOT starting the book with the long a tedious rendition of us prior military history.
Thank God- no bullsh**. No "blowing of own horn". Reading his experiences makes me surprised he made it through Alive and still so meticulous in recounting his many experiences.And, thanks for NOT starting the book with the long a tedious rendition of us prior military history.
October 29, 2020
Thanks for your great leadership. I could not put your book down. I deployed from Schofield in 3/66 and left Cu Chi 3/67.
George
Cpt. 25th Med.
George
Cpt. 25th Med.
October 31, 2020
Great Read with minor discrepancies.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I served in Vietnam in a Ranger Company attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We were basically Long Range Patrol with six men that gathered intelligence and set up ambushes. We operated so differently that it is interesting to read how large Infantry Units, in company and Battalion sized operations conducted themselves. I noticed what I thought were discrepancies in a couple of the Authors descriptions. He mentioned a few times of his Troops finding Bolt action Rifles that he called SKS. The SKS Rifle was not a bolt action rifle but a semi automatic that would fire every time the trigger was pulled until it’s 10 round attached magazine was empty. He could’ve gotten it mixed up with the WWII Russian sniper rifle the Mosin Nagant, which was a bolt action rifle that we occasionally found on the enemy. There was an operation ongoing in Vietnam from the time I arrived called “ Open Arms” which attempted to offer VC and NVA Soldiers a peaceful solution to surrender. Leaflets were dropped in heavy enemy concentrated areas by Helicopters on Psy-Ops operations. The operation was called “ Chieu Hoi “ , Open Arms. In the book, the Author called this operation “ Hoi Chan”. Possibly his editors mistake because I know the Author would know better. This is one of the best books I have read describing Infantry Operations without bravado. Highly recommended.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I served in Vietnam in a Ranger Company attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade. We were basically Long Range Patrol with six men that gathered intelligence and set up ambushes. We operated so differently that it is interesting to read how large Infantry Units, in company and Battalion sized operations conducted themselves. I noticed what I thought were discrepancies in a couple of the Authors descriptions. He mentioned a few times of his Troops finding Bolt action Rifles that he called SKS. The SKS Rifle was not a bolt action rifle but a semi automatic that would fire every time the trigger was pulled until it’s 10 round attached magazine was empty. He could’ve gotten it mixed up with the WWII Russian sniper rifle the Mosin Nagant, which was a bolt action rifle that we occasionally found on the enemy. There was an operation ongoing in Vietnam from the time I arrived called “ Open Arms” which attempted to offer VC and NVA Soldiers a peaceful solution to surrender. Leaflets were dropped in heavy enemy concentrated areas by Helicopters on Psy-Ops operations. The operation was called “ Chieu Hoi “ , Open Arms. In the book, the Author called this operation “ Hoi Chan”. Possibly his editors mistake because I know the Author would know better. This is one of the best books I have read describing Infantry Operations without bravado. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2021
Sons of Kolchak is No. 1
Seriously, Mike, that is the best book on combat infantry I have ever had the privilege to read. My hat's off to a new Great Captain of powerful battlefield prose. Not just another pretty pageant of pages but an authentic testimonial to wild adventures actually lived. Your sangfroid and instinctive grasp of each developing combat situation is the rare trademark of a gifted company commander and natural-born leader. Some of that supreme confidence you so ably inspired in your own heroic men on the ground now grips the reader of this awesome war narrative. You've proven again why infantry soldiers would follow you anywhere. What a personality, what a commander, what a man!
(I'm Mike's WP classmate, commanded a mech infantry company in the Big Red One at roughly the same time, wrote Heavy Metal - Memoir of a distant war)
Seriously, Mike, that is the best book on combat infantry I have ever had the privilege to read. My hat's off to a new Great Captain of powerful battlefield prose. Not just another pretty pageant of pages but an authentic testimonial to wild adventures actually lived. Your sangfroid and instinctive grasp of each developing combat situation is the rare trademark of a gifted company commander and natural-born leader. Some of that supreme confidence you so ably inspired in your own heroic men on the ground now grips the reader of this awesome war narrative. You've proven again why infantry soldiers would follow you anywhere. What a personality, what a commander, what a man!
(I'm Mike's WP classmate, commanded a mech infantry company in the Big Red One at roughly the same time, wrote Heavy Metal - Memoir of a distant war)
April 22, 2022
I am not usually one to read about warfare, but this book is special as it was written by my friend's father. I was impressed by the accuracy and his ability to lead and carry out his missions. I have every respect for him and thank him for his service to our country. I would recommend this book to someone who wants to know how it really was fighting in Viet Nam from someone who is reporting first hand. This book is exactly that: a first hand account written by an exceptionally intelligent ant brave individual.
June 29, 2020
Enjoyrf
Very good book to read I joined the Army after dropping out of college in 72. After basic and AIT I was the seventh man to join the 25 th inf. Division 1/27 inf. Reg. Bravo Co. at Schofield Barracks . Wolfhounds.The author was a hell of an Old Man.
Very good book to read I joined the Army after dropping out of college in 72. After basic and AIT I was the seventh man to join the 25 th inf. Division 1/27 inf. Reg. Bravo Co. at Schofield Barracks . Wolfhounds.The author was a hell of an Old Man.
September 1, 2020
To the point, honest, and easy to read
If you weren't there, you may well feel like you had been after reading this. If you were there, you know the author is telling it straight while at the same time not over-emphasizing the bloody horror of battle. I was there, and think his story telling enables the reader to easily feel the emotions and physical abuse of Vietnam service.
If you weren't there, you may well feel like you had been after reading this. If you were there, you know the author is telling it straight while at the same time not over-emphasizing the bloody horror of battle. I was there, and think his story telling enables the reader to easily feel the emotions and physical abuse of Vietnam service.
November 7, 2020
An incomparable , fascinating and sobering testament of combat in Vietnam.
This recounting of events occurring during the time span before and after the TeT Offensive is a must read for all of us who honor the men and women who laid everything on the line during the Vietnam War.
This recounting of events occurring during the time span before and after the TeT Offensive is a must read for all of us who honor the men and women who laid everything on the line during the Vietnam War.
November 18, 2020
Great recollections
Begining to end good stuff. None of the smaltsi child hood recap. A good insight as to how good leadership makes all the difference
Begining to end good stuff. None of the smaltsi child hood recap. A good insight as to how good leadership makes all the difference
February 5, 2021
Excellent book on what is must have been like to serve in Vietnam during a difficult time. The book puts you right in the action, explaining the strategies, and having you feel the frustrations of the author. A great book and a tribute to our brave soldiers.
February 11, 2021
Outstanding real life honest account
I was cautiously interested in the beginning of the book, but became completely curious about how this mans experiences would play out. A very descriptive account from a very good man. Thank you for sharing your life with the readers!
I was cautiously interested in the beginning of the book, but became completely curious about how this mans experiences would play out. A very descriptive account from a very good man. Thank you for sharing your life with the readers!
February 3, 2021
Good Read
Somewhat different story told from commander as opposed to a grunt(foot soldier) perspective. liked the NVA parts outlining there thoughts and actions.
Somewhat different story told from commander as opposed to a grunt(foot soldier) perspective. liked the NVA parts outlining there thoughts and actions.
December 10, 2020
Real leadership
I chose this rating because I saw in Michael Wikan a real leader of men. Being an infantry soldier myself in Vietnam I had the chance to see lots of incompetent officers and n c o o,s which led to men having their lives taken from them.
I chose this rating because I saw in Michael Wikan a real leader of men. Being an infantry soldier myself in Vietnam I had the chance to see lots of incompetent officers and n c o o,s which led to men having their lives taken from them.
March 1, 2021
Hero
This a great book. The authors accept his time in Vietnam was very intense. A very smart man in war tactics.
This a great book. The authors accept his time in Vietnam was very intense. A very smart man in war tactics.
April 3, 2021
The Real Deal
If you want to understand a the workings of a watch you go to a watchmaker not the story someone wrote about a watchmaker. If you want to learn what it means to be “in country” in Vietnam along with its challenges, frustrations and rewards, read this book.
If you want to understand a the workings of a watch you go to a watchmaker not the story someone wrote about a watchmaker. If you want to learn what it means to be “in country” in Vietnam along with its challenges, frustrations and rewards, read this book.
August 12, 2020
The numerous personal experiences personal account of the Vietnam experience
Had a very hard time putting this book down. The numerous personal experiences gave me a much greater appreciation of the sacrifices of the men in the trenches during the Vietnam conflict.
Had a very hard time putting this book down. The numerous personal experiences gave me a much greater appreciation of the sacrifices of the men in the trenches during the Vietnam conflict.
June 12, 2021
Well done in field and behind the keyboard
Interesting and vital. Vital for today’s American to understand and know the difference between military victory and political cowardess. The politicians were cowards, the military was not. Fighting the spread of communism is a noble, imperative, goal. But the politicians in power need the stones to finish the job. Such was not the case with the Vietnam war. Glad I read this book and I thank the author for writing it and for serving our wobbling republic.
Interesting and vital. Vital for today’s American to understand and know the difference between military victory and political cowardess. The politicians were cowards, the military was not. Fighting the spread of communism is a noble, imperative, goal. But the politicians in power need the stones to finish the job. Such was not the case with the Vietnam war. Glad I read this book and I thank the author for writing it and for serving our wobbling republic.
September 28, 2020
Sons of Kolchak
Very good read and a good history lesson of a portion of the Vietnam war, Tet Offensive. Thank you for your service.
Very good read and a good history lesson of a portion of the Vietnam war, Tet Offensive. Thank you for your service.
September 22, 2020
this book is a ripper. I cannot get over what was achieved and done in only 12 months.it gave me a much better picture of American's at war in a clearer light, as unfortunately my thoughts have been clouded by misinformation by movies and other books. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone to read and learn of America's Vietnam war.
September 18, 2020
History well told.
The book was a great read about the courage of our soldiers in Nam. The truth was told about things going wrong and what cost was paid. And when the correct decision was made all went well. It was too bad when the politicians started giving the orders and making the decisions - all was lost.
I thank the soldiers for their service and may God bless them all.
The book was a great read about the courage of our soldiers in Nam. The truth was told about things going wrong and what cost was paid. And when the correct decision was made all went well. It was too bad when the politicians started giving the orders and making the decisions - all was lost.
I thank the soldiers for their service and may God bless them all.
August 28, 2020
MEDIA LIES,AMERICANS DIE
I've read innumerable books about the personal experiences of various soldiers ,during different time frames of the Vietnam War. Always interesting and inevitability infuriating,as book after book details the waste of American lives . Especially after Tet. A battle the American Military overwhelming won. But because of the American Medias lies and inaccurate reporting to the American people,the military was unable to capitalize on the utter decimation of the VC and NBA ,subjecting our troops to a hopeless ,never-ending,war of attrition. That same MEDIA can be seen in 2020 ,lying once again to America and inflaming tensions to suit their agenda and costing American lives.
I've read innumerable books about the personal experiences of various soldiers ,during different time frames of the Vietnam War. Always interesting and inevitability infuriating,as book after book details the waste of American lives . Especially after Tet. A battle the American Military overwhelming won. But because of the American Medias lies and inaccurate reporting to the American people,the military was unable to capitalize on the utter decimation of the VC and NBA ,subjecting our troops to a hopeless ,never-ending,war of attrition. That same MEDIA can be seen in 2020 ,lying once again to America and inflaming tensions to suit their agenda and costing American lives.
July 3, 2020
TET Offensive 1968. Year of the Monkey
Excellent read. Throughly enjoyed the well written book.
I also had the experience of being attacked on January 31, 1968. Our battery of 155’s was on Phu Bai that night. Two of our guns took direct hits. We caught 500 NVA crossing an open rice paddy trying to re-enforce The NVA attacking Hue City and expended all ammo on them shooting high angle green bag. That’s how close they were. I’m going to recommend this book to all my Vietnam Veteran buddies. Some Army, some Marines. I happen to be in Cu Chi four years ago when I went back to Vietnam.
Excellent read. Throughly enjoyed the well written book.
I also had the experience of being attacked on January 31, 1968. Our battery of 155’s was on Phu Bai that night. Two of our guns took direct hits. We caught 500 NVA crossing an open rice paddy trying to re-enforce The NVA attacking Hue City and expended all ammo on them shooting high angle green bag. That’s how close they were. I’m going to recommend this book to all my Vietnam Veteran buddies. Some Army, some Marines. I happen to be in Cu Chi four years ago when I went back to Vietnam.
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October 25, 2020This leader's gripping account of facing the enemy kept me on edge. News reports of the war cannot compare with stories told by the brave men who had a job to do and did it to the best of their abilities. I appreciated the light moments that LTC Wikan included. They allowed me take a mental breath from imagining the tense situations he and his company faced and the life-and-death decisions that he and others had to make. Definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a "boots on the ground" perspective of a leader's commitment to his men and his mission. Salute, sir. 🇺🇸
August 8, 2020
Believable Yarn Worth The Price
If this infantry officer and his gallant troops were in, say, the Nsvy they would have earned a dump truck load of impressive medals for sure. But they were in the grunt leg infantry where close combat with the enemy was a part of the job specifications! He lived off the taxpayers all of his working life, but did more for his paycheck than most in our huge military machine for 6 + months in Vietnam.
If this infantry officer and his gallant troops were in, say, the Nsvy they would have earned a dump truck load of impressive medals for sure. But they were in the grunt leg infantry where close combat with the enemy was a part of the job specifications! He lived off the taxpayers all of his working life, but did more for his paycheck than most in our huge military machine for 6 + months in Vietnam.
April 16, 2021
A story of a true warrior.
This is a captivating story of a young man’s tour of duty in Vietnam during the unique. Of 1967 to 68 including Tet. His stories of camaraderie, danger, bravery and the randomness of war leader and excellent thread To connect what was an incredible risk period while learning leadership under combat. Exceptional story, written by a true practitioner of the the profession of arms. Thank you for your service.
This is a captivating story of a young man’s tour of duty in Vietnam during the unique. Of 1967 to 68 including Tet. His stories of camaraderie, danger, bravery and the randomness of war leader and excellent thread To connect what was an incredible risk period while learning leadership under combat. Exceptional story, written by a true practitioner of the the profession of arms. Thank you for your service.
July 20, 2020
This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in history. You actually feel like you're reliving the events of Charlie Company as they took place. The book is the perfect mix of action, adventure, humor and wisdom. Excellent read.
Currently reading
July 7, 2020I read about 65% of the book and set it aside. It was well written and informative. I had read about 3 other Vietnam books prior to this and may have just got burnt out. Probably will finish it at a latter date
July 16, 2020
Wonderful.
This is a well told narrative of what and how a company commander did in active service in Vietnam. Now I have a better understanding of the war and how it was fought by the ‘sharp edge’. Just outstanding!
This is a well told narrative of what and how a company commander did in active service in Vietnam. Now I have a better understanding of the war and how it was fought by the ‘sharp edge’. Just outstanding!
August 28, 2020
Very accurate first hand account of what day to day reality was during the era. Though provoking, a tight read. One can't help but come away with the contrast of human valor in difficult, almost impossible circumstances, over some of the willful ignorance of the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews