The Grunts

by Charles Robert Anderson

The 'grunts' are the line infantry, the men who actually fought the war in Vietnam. Who humped up one worthless hill after another, searching for an elusive enemy. Who were as likely to be killed by heat stroke or 'friendly fire' as Viet Cong.

Genres: War, History, Military Fiction, Military History, Nonfiction

204 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[C.M. Halstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember loving this book! I read The Grunts back in high school (think, mid-to-late 80's); it was one of many books I read written about the soldiers and Marines who fought in the war and wrote stories about their experiences.

Yes, this is yet another personal perspective of war, each is different and some are presented better than others. . .this is one of those books.

[RA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good recalling of a Marine rifle company's 58 days in Viet Nam - honest no-nonsense account of both boredom, intense action, and everything in-between.

Interesting follow-up in "The World" analysis/discussion of the impact the return to "the world" had on veterans (grunts), and some of the (author's) reasons for the various reactions by veterans. While somewhat limited in scope (in my opinion), it does provide points for thoughtful contemplation.

[Jurnee Collins]

Okay so I can’t possibly be unbiased & give this one a rating. BUT it was super cool to read about my great uncle & his Marines during their time in Vietnam! It was a little dry at times but that’s non-fiction for ya 😅
Capt Gerald “Sam” Sampson KIA 08/28/1969

[Javier Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I remember the first time I read it when I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. One of my all time favorites!

[Mark Bates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Last third of book is pretty whiney. Part about fragging seems to make excuses for dishonorable behavior. Typical America sucks at everything I hate our country book.

[Jason Waltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book taking a dual look at the impact/influence of Nam on both American participants (frontline and support) and nonparticipants is a book that compliments any collection of military/USMC/war. While it took an eye-opening trip alongside one grunt company for a month, and presents some rather astute observations on American hero-worship, the impressive (as in massive size, not as in respectable) change television wrought in a society, and examines some of the roots of our parents' and our Generation X-ers' formative causes, I don't believe it should be read alone or be the only book of its type and nature though. I saw some comments by readers who have read this multiple times - I hope in addition to other titles. I've read many that contribute better and more overall.

this came out 4 years after Nam was declared over, so it is more personal, more immediate. I'd be interested in reading the author's current observations if he were to write today, whether he'd stick to his attributions and concepts 40 years later, what comparisons he'd make to the Iraq/Afghan war, and what he'd extrapolate from the Internet influence.

for anyone who's been in the military it is not revelatory or surprising. for you, the last 3 chapters will be the most informative. it was a fairly quick and easy read. I most enjoyed the observations on Americans and their heroes; though it was not pleasurable, it simply helped me qualify what I've long believed.

[Greynomad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just love it when you get the village idiot from headquarters dropping off food, water and also razor blades telling the men after being in the bush for days to shave……..christ and you wonder why the military are as screwed up as they are especially when you are dealing with these arm chair commando's.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author gives his account of of the men who served in the infantry, or grunts, during the Vietnam War. He discusses the conflicts of emotion and beliefs these men endured.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reread this book in high school. It's about what the real Vietnam War was like for a grunt. It's a difficult read, but an important one.