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Dear Mom: A Sniper's Vietnam
In Vietnam's jungle war, only one group of men was feared more than death itself—the Marine Scout Snipers. . . .
The U.S. Marine Scout Snipers were among the most highly trained soldiers in Vietnam. With their unparalleled skill, freedom of movement, and deadly accurate long-range Remington 700 bolt rifles, the Scout Snipers were sought after by every Marine unit—and so feared by the enemy that the VC bounty on the Scout Snipers was higher than on any other elite American unit.
Joseph Ward's letters home reveal a side of war seldom seen. Whether under nightly mortar attack in An Hoa, with a Marine company in the bullet-scarred jungle, on secret missions to Laos, or on dangerous two-man hunter-kills, Ward lived the war in a way few men did. And he fought the enemy as few men did—up close and personal.
The U.S. Marine Scout Snipers were among the most highly trained soldiers in Vietnam. With their unparalleled skill, freedom of movement, and deadly accurate long-range Remington 700 bolt rifles, the Scout Snipers were sought after by every Marine unit—and so feared by the enemy that the VC bounty on the Scout Snipers was higher than on any other elite American unit.
Joseph Ward's letters home reveal a side of war seldom seen. Whether under nightly mortar attack in An Hoa, with a Marine company in the bullet-scarred jungle, on secret missions to Laos, or on dangerous two-man hunter-kills, Ward lived the war in a way few men did. And he fought the enemy as few men did—up close and personal.
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 31, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 15, 2011
I found this book at the thrift store and decided to take a chance on it. I'm very glad that I did. This is a well-written, heartfelt and true story of one man's experience as a sniper during the Vietnam war. It is not an easy read, not because of the style or the writing, but because of the subject matter. "Dear Mom" is well worth the effort it might take one to get through it. The reward is a deeper understanding of the make-up of a warrior, and that is an important thing to know if one is to be a responsible citizen of planet earth. A "hero" in my mind is someone who accomplishes a needed and important task despite the pain, and despite the fear, who puts his/her life on the line in defense of the greater good, someone who understands the consequences of failure and discards failure as an option. Mr. Ward is one of those people. I am grateful to him for writing this book and for his service to the United States of America.
February 18, 2015
The letters to mom gimmick works. The content of the author's letters home help carry the story in a way that is neither burdensome, nor distracting, and the date and location stamps on each one keep the reader oriented throughout the journey. The letters also provide a nice contrast between the filter a soldier applies to family correspondence while living the experiences of battle to a fuller story the author is comfortable sharing at a later date. The more in-depth content between the letters is the meat of the book. These sections are well-written, descriptive and often provide the “what really happened” confessions.
Ward briefly covers his childhood and schooling before launching into a detailed narrative of his military training and one-year tour in Vietnam. The story is one of dedication and achievement from someone who strives to win in every situation, succeeding often, but also suffering some painful 2nd place finishes.
As a sniper, his close relationships are few and often brief, but his descriptions of other key characters are rich and poignant, whether it be a mentor, a comrade, a trainee, or one his Vietnamese friends. The author may cross the line between full disclosure and bravado a little at times, but he also isn't shy about self deprecation. Overall, an insightful look into the Vietnam experience from an effective writer.
Ward briefly covers his childhood and schooling before launching into a detailed narrative of his military training and one-year tour in Vietnam. The story is one of dedication and achievement from someone who strives to win in every situation, succeeding often, but also suffering some painful 2nd place finishes.
As a sniper, his close relationships are few and often brief, but his descriptions of other key characters are rich and poignant, whether it be a mentor, a comrade, a trainee, or one his Vietnamese friends. The author may cross the line between full disclosure and bravado a little at times, but he also isn't shy about self deprecation. Overall, an insightful look into the Vietnam experience from an effective writer.
May 6, 2012
Even though it wasn't very long ago, to my shame I don't know much about the Vietnam War. I decided this firsthand account by a Marine sniper could be a good start before I go visit the country for myself.
Joe Ward was 18 when he and his three high school buddies decided to join the Marines together. All of them ended up in Vietnam, and miraculously, they all lived through booby-trap hell to return to Colorado. Joe walks his readers through boot camp, sniper school, and a year and a half of close-contact fighting in the jungles of Vietnam with narration and letters to his mom.
There's still a lot for me to learn about the war, but now I have a better understanding of what a sniper's job is. Always traveling in pairs, they're an elite, aloof team with specialized training and guns that frequently move for short, specific assignments. Sometimes it's an assassination, sometimes it's picking off others snipers or gunners, often times it's covering the front as the first line of defense. They're a tight-knit group of guys who, even though quite independent and arrogant, you definitely want on your team.
One thing that surprised me about the book was the invaluable contribution his mom's packages made to his survival in the field. Socks, foot powder for the constant threat of infection and rot, and dried soup packages and food made the difference in tight spots. Also the amount of drug use, prostitution and general trouble making the American troops caused was a bit disturbing. Joe was a rebellious rebel within the ranks, who often disobeyed the chain of command, though on the other hand, he did a great job gathering information from South Vietnamese contacts.
Overall, I'm glad I read it.
near An Hoa in the Quang Nam province
Joe Ward was 18 when he and his three high school buddies decided to join the Marines together. All of them ended up in Vietnam, and miraculously, they all lived through booby-trap hell to return to Colorado. Joe walks his readers through boot camp, sniper school, and a year and a half of close-contact fighting in the jungles of Vietnam with narration and letters to his mom.
There's still a lot for me to learn about the war, but now I have a better understanding of what a sniper's job is. Always traveling in pairs, they're an elite, aloof team with specialized training and guns that frequently move for short, specific assignments. Sometimes it's an assassination, sometimes it's picking off others snipers or gunners, often times it's covering the front as the first line of defense. They're a tight-knit group of guys who, even though quite independent and arrogant, you definitely want on your team.
One thing that surprised me about the book was the invaluable contribution his mom's packages made to his survival in the field. Socks, foot powder for the constant threat of infection and rot, and dried soup packages and food made the difference in tight spots. Also the amount of drug use, prostitution and general trouble making the American troops caused was a bit disturbing. Joe was a rebellious rebel within the ranks, who often disobeyed the chain of command, though on the other hand, he did a great job gathering information from South Vietnamese contacts.
Overall, I'm glad I read it.
near An Hoa in the Quang Nam province
November 11, 2024
Loved this book, read whilst in Vietnam so felt more real. Nice insight into the Vietnam war.
September 12, 2014
"A sign at the Marine Corps Scout Sniper School, Quantico, Virginia, reads: " The Average rounds expended per kill w/the M-16 in Vietnam was 50,000. Snipers averaged 1.3 rounds. The cost difference was $2,300 vs. 27 cents."
WOW!
What a statement and a book.
I would equate this book to "Sergeant Rex, The unbreakable bond between a Marine and his working dog" & "Band of Brothers."
Probably several others would go along w/this also, Harold Coyle's and Walter Dean Myers.
Ward tells an interesting story of training in boot camp that I had not read before, yet makes sense. The recruits needed to learn to live and work together because many would be landed in units as replacements and not have time to really learn what was needed and would have to rely on the everyone very quickly.
Otherwise the Research that Mr. Ward did on the events that were happening around him added to the understanding of what He and others were going through.
The images presented were very vivid and real. I felt like I was walking beside Cpl Ward during his tour of duty in Nam.
WOW!
What a statement and a book.
I would equate this book to "Sergeant Rex, The unbreakable bond between a Marine and his working dog" & "Band of Brothers."
Probably several others would go along w/this also, Harold Coyle's and Walter Dean Myers.
Ward tells an interesting story of training in boot camp that I had not read before, yet makes sense. The recruits needed to learn to live and work together because many would be landed in units as replacements and not have time to really learn what was needed and would have to rely on the everyone very quickly.
Otherwise the Research that Mr. Ward did on the events that were happening around him added to the understanding of what He and others were going through.
The images presented were very vivid and real. I felt like I was walking beside Cpl Ward during his tour of duty in Nam.
January 3, 2021
Enjoyed the book. It told the good and the bad of a terrible war that lasted way to long. He and his fellow marines were a special breed of men that did a job that most couldn't do and that was he could shot with accuracy. After being wounded he continued the fight after release from the hospital. Hope he and his the fellow marines that live within 50 miles get together and enjoy life. Thanks Ward for this good book.
March 22, 2021
Fantastic, accurate read of an important and brutal job in time of war.
Terrific book. Balanced, unwavering, vulnerable. Great American. Hero in the business of killing for Uncle Sam. Vietnam was a lose lose proposition.
Terrific book. Balanced, unwavering, vulnerable. Great American. Hero in the business of killing for Uncle Sam. Vietnam was a lose lose proposition.
January 24, 2018
Excellent read
War is obviously horror but it was a pleasure to read this man's account of it. Very well written and a page turner I could not put down.
War is obviously horror but it was a pleasure to read this man's account of it. Very well written and a page turner I could not put down.
June 18, 2018
Dear Mom: A Sniper's Vietnam by Joseph T. Ward, is a Marine Scout Sniper. He is the author of this outstanding book. He tells about his chronological experiences in the jungles of Vietnam where he was deployed for a year. His writing style is done through letters to his Mother back home and telling of what it was like to be a Marine Scout Sniper in Vietnam. He talks about, without pulling any punches, how a Marine Scout Sniper makes a difference in Indian country by reaching out to hit a target, which seems impossible, but a Marine Scout Sniper does it one shot at a time. A team leader provides lifesaving information to new Marine Scout Snipers rotating into the jungle war in support of all who were at the tip of the spear. I found the story quite intense and it seemed that every time J.T Ward went into the bush on a mission; the reader was with him every step of the way. In this harrowing story; J.T. Ward tells his readers how it was to be on the line. It also points out that those who fought in Vietnam made friends they will never forget and lived experiences that they will never forget. So; when these Marines deploy for the last time to Heaven, they will meet Saint Peter at the pearly gates. They will also see that the main gate into Heaven is guarded by one of their own, a Marine. The Marine at the gate will greet the new Marine by saying, “Enter and Semper FI!” One more thing all Marines know that: “Once a Marine Always a Marine.”
May 13, 2024
It was a good book and I was going to give it 5 stars but the author constantly throughout the book would constantly phrase certain things in a way to hype himself up. I also believe that he twisted a lot of the things that people said to him in tour book to maintain an appearance of being hot shit. As though everyone was always sucking up to him cause he’s just that cool and such. But either way, I enjoyed reading it and I love his story. He did get to do some cool shit. Apparently he died in 2021 at the age of 71. Wish he could’ve lived longer so I could send him a letter or something. He’d have been a cool guy to meet.
BTW, I read half of this book in Fort Campbell and the other half in West Point, NY.
His obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obitu...
BTW, I read half of this book in Fort Campbell and the other half in West Point, NY.
His obituary:
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obitu...
December 1, 2024
A very well written and extremely engaging story of the first hand experiences of a young man who joins the Marine Corps and goes to Vietnam. This story is far less about action and much more about how service in war can change someone. I think the most telling part is near the end when the author's tour of duty is over and his commanding officer is attempting to entice him to reenlist and extend his tour of duty and the author says he has given the Corps all he has and that he is now empty.
A very compelling story with vibrant descriptions of the scenes the author experienced, I just about couldn't put it down and would have read it in one sitting if work hadn't interrupted. I highly recommend it if you want to get a glimpse into the on-the-ground experience of a leader in war.
A very compelling story with vibrant descriptions of the scenes the author experienced, I just about couldn't put it down and would have read it in one sitting if work hadn't interrupted. I highly recommend it if you want to get a glimpse into the on-the-ground experience of a leader in war.
December 11, 2024
This swabby Vietnam veteran Loved Ward's story
Highly Recommended. My Navy war duty was three years on Oahu. and then safe in the armored air conditioned computer room of a thousand foot long Aircraft Carrier offshore of Vietnam. I had one day in Danang on my way home. I wear my Navy Vietnam hat hoping to meet folks like Joe Ward, so I can thank them for helping to get me home safe. His Diary is full of detailed stories we need to hear about why all wars are awful, full of ways to lasting harm without reason; why America still needs warriors who fight to save each other, and other folks struggling to get them home. Welcome Home, Marine!
Highly Recommended. My Navy war duty was three years on Oahu. and then safe in the armored air conditioned computer room of a thousand foot long Aircraft Carrier offshore of Vietnam. I had one day in Danang on my way home. I wear my Navy Vietnam hat hoping to meet folks like Joe Ward, so I can thank them for helping to get me home safe. His Diary is full of detailed stories we need to hear about why all wars are awful, full of ways to lasting harm without reason; why America still needs warriors who fight to save each other, and other folks struggling to get them home. Welcome Home, Marine!
January 7, 2024
The story of a Vietnam sniper's one year tour told through the help of a collection of letters he wrote to his mom.
I first found this book in high school (1999) after reading an article in the local paper about the sniper legend Chuck Mawhinney. It said that he was talked about in this book, and my dad went down to the book store and ordered it. After he was finished, I got my hands on it and loved it.
This is my second read through and it is just as good as I remembered it.
I first found this book in high school (1999) after reading an article in the local paper about the sniper legend Chuck Mawhinney. It said that he was talked about in this book, and my dad went down to the book store and ordered it. After he was finished, I got my hands on it and loved it.
This is my second read through and it is just as good as I remembered it.
December 3, 2024
My world
Reading this book was a pleasure. I have read around 75 books on the Vietnam war. The first was a great book about a surgeon doing his patriotic duty for his country. This book by Joseph Ward was every bit as good. Nice to place my 1st. and last in the top two of them all. Thank you Mr. Ward. It is better than 5 star. Well written, a pleasure to read. Hoops his life as a civilian did not disappoint.
Reading this book was a pleasure. I have read around 75 books on the Vietnam war. The first was a great book about a surgeon doing his patriotic duty for his country. This book by Joseph Ward was every bit as good. Nice to place my 1st. and last in the top two of them all. Thank you Mr. Ward. It is better than 5 star. Well written, a pleasure to read. Hoops his life as a civilian did not disappoint.
May 4, 2023
snipers world in Vietnam
Interesting book, as written by a marine, in country during the Vietnam war. His story as he writes letters to his mother contains intimate details about his experiences and his mental state in relation to the dangers of being a marine sniper. I recommend this book..
Interesting book, as written by a marine, in country during the Vietnam war. His story as he writes letters to his mother contains intimate details about his experiences and his mental state in relation to the dangers of being a marine sniper. I recommend this book..
October 8, 2020
Very easy read.
Good first hand on-the-ground account of marine action in Vietnam.
Good depiction of Boot Camp and a bit of insight into the Marine sniper 'club'.
The reason I read it was that my Brother-in-law gave it to me and told me that he was in it.
Read in one day.
Good first hand on-the-ground account of marine action in Vietnam.
Good depiction of Boot Camp and a bit of insight into the Marine sniper 'club'.
The reason I read it was that my Brother-in-law gave it to me and told me that he was in it.
Read in one day.
July 22, 2021
This is a very good memoir of a young Marine who served as a sniper in the Vietnam War. The author's narrative is interspersed with letters he wrote to his mother from Vietnam. I liked this book very much.
October 18, 2023
Good book, a little braggadocio, but still informative and entertaining. What struck me almost more than anything was the last paragraph or so of the book, talking about war protesters at airports. What douches!
November 15, 2023
3,5 Brutaler Erlebnisbericht eines Marines aus dem Vietnamkrieg. Ehrlich und unbeschönigt ohne den übertriebenen Patriotismus, den man von anderen Memoiren kennt.
Hätte mir gewünscht mehr über die Rückkehr des Autors aus dem Krieg zu lesen.
July 9, 2024
Good book although some spots hard to believe. I like the way the author uses his letters to his mom to set up the next part of the story. Great telling of USMC scout sniper teams and how they operated in Vietnam.
August 22, 2017
Excellent book. Well written and a great first hand insight into a period of history that many now want to forget ever happened.
January 30, 2018
Very engaging
I liked howhe told the story through letters to his mom. It is fast paced and you learn from a new recruits point of view what it was like to fight in the war.
I liked howhe told the story through letters to his mom. It is fast paced and you learn from a new recruits point of view what it was like to fight in the war.
March 9, 2020
Captivating and informative
This is the side of a story you don't hear much about and perhaps we all should.Absolutely worth the reading
This is the side of a story you don't hear much about and perhaps we all should.Absolutely worth the reading
May 12, 2021
Great read. Absolutely astounding account of JT Wards tour as a sniper in Vietnam. Powerful stuff.
May 27, 2021
Interesting historical read. From a different perspective this time. The USMC scout sniper. War in Vietnam, is getting dated now.
May 13, 2024
Good read
Very informative about the Marine snipers in Vietnam. Interesting training and deployment details and written in a low key manner that holds the reader's attention.
Very informative about the Marine snipers in Vietnam. Interesting training and deployment details and written in a low key manner that holds the reader's attention.
July 18, 2025
excellent first person account
September 29, 2025
Great book to hear what happened in Vietnam from an American perspective. Ending was abrupt and sudden and left a lot in the air.
October 22, 2025
Great book, Great story. This could easily be adapted to a movie.
March 3, 2017
This book transports you to an unimaginable hell. 24/7. As Joseph's time "in country" goes on, his perspectives truly evolve. It does not get more real than this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews