Instead of a history of the LRRPS, LRPs and Rangers, this book is a collection of a single tale from each unit, but not all tales or all units. While each story is intense and well-written, we are left begging for more. In fact, I felt a bit let down. It was as though I were at a meeting of every living LRRP, LRP and Ranger, but could only have one story from one member of each unit. The result is a great collection of short stories, but not an authoritative history of the subject matter. A good read if you want a taste of the business, but should be retitled "The Best of ...." or something along that line.

I have read all of Gary Linderers books and almost all the books still in publish on the 101st Airborne divisons LRRP, LRP, and Ranger units in Vietnam. Everyone I have read by Gary Linderer has been amazing and I have not been able to put them down. This one is no different. I recommend any and all of his books plus books like Recondo by Larry Chambers and the entire Six Silent Men Series.

I READ ALL THE BOOKS BY GARY LINDERER I CAN FIND. HE TELLS THE STORIES THAT NEED TO BE TOLD AND TAKES YOU RIGHT THERE WITH HIM AND ALL HIS BROTHERS. THIS BOOK AND ITS SEQUEL ARE MUST READING FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN THIS ERA OF OUR HISTORY.GARY TAKES YOU TO THE JUNGLE AND LEAVES YOU WITH YOUR HEART IN YOUR THROAT. I'M REREADING BOTH FOR THE THIRD TIME.

This is the best combat memoir I've ever read--any nation, any war, any service. "Raz" sweeps the reader along, from his terror-plagued flight to the war in the coach seat of a 707 jetliner, to the still-terrifying but now-routine flights over North Vietnam in a Republic F-105 Thunderchief. These were missions so perilous that by some measures a pilot had a 50/50 chance of not completing his tour. Raz doesn't blink at any of it--not his own fear, not the bone-headed rules of engagement--and in the end he goes back for another tour. Why? He loved it. I especially liked the dustcover photo: Raz is a more handsome man now than he was at 23, and his "bulletproof" mustache is fuzzier. This is a wonderful book. Buy it. You won't be sorry. -- Dan Ford

I believe that I have read every F-105 related book ever printed. Of all the books I have read I always liked 'Thud Ridge' by Jack Broughton best...until now. While I still put Broughton right at the top of my list, and certainly at the top of my list of heroes along with Leo Thorsness, Ed Rasimus has written the definitive F-105 pilot memoir with 'When Thunder Rolled'.

I loved it from beginning to end; I only wish it had been longer. His recollections rang true as a scared young man who flew fighters in the beginning to a mature veteran fighter pilot at the end. I understood him better than I have other authors as I can totally understand the overwhelming fears of going to war compounded by being the new guy recently qualified a very intimidating machine flying into the worst conditions ever known.

Ed, if you read this: thanks for my new favorite Thud book and thanks for your service under the most trying conditions I can imagine. For everyone else: go buy this book NOW! You will not be disappointed!

In "When Thunder Rolled", the reader does not receive the image of Ed Rasimus as a macho-type fighter pilot. In fact, he actually was thinking of quitting after only one mission. Despite these thoughts, his fear, and idiotic rules of engagement, he completed 100 missions over North Vietnam in an F-105 Thunderchief against some of the most formidable defenses our pilots have flown against. In 1972, he returned for a second tour flying the F-4 Phantom. Truly a remarkable individual.

An excellent novel about the Old Guard of the Army. Mr. Proffitt, as a veteran of the 3rd US Inf., is able to bring you into the "other" world of the Army. The side that has to do with the burials, rather than the killing.

As a veteran of the Old Guard, who was there for the filming of the movie, I was dissapointed that the Army would not let Mr. Coppola keep to Mr. Proffitt's work, but if you both read the novel, and view the movie, I'm sure that you'll understand the reasons.

Anyhow, I digress. Mr. Proffitt's telling of the "other side if the Vietnam War" is without compare. Even though, by his own admission, he does change some facts around.

I would recommend this novel to all the "doves" and "children of doves", as well as anyone interested in the nations Premier Honor Guard.

Scott R. Williams
3d U.S. Inf (TOG)
84-88

Of the many, many books I have read about soldiers and war, this is one is perhaps the best -- certainly the best I've read about Vietnam. The characters are multidimensional, the pathos authentic, and the story of a subculture in crisis touchingly poignant. Everyone aging hippie intoning against soldiers and the military ethic should read this book.

I've read dozens of novels in my life, some good and some bad. One day I found Gardns of Stone in a bargain box at a local used bookstore. I'd heard of the movie, but never saw it. Having worked near, and traveled through Arlington Nat'l Cemetary, and observed The Old Guard in action many times, I bought it. I literally couldn't put it down.

The drawing of the characters is very believable, and the feelings of the servicemen are authentic, based on my military experiences. Even the passages with Sgt Hazard's girlfriend, as she struggles with her feelings about Hazard, but her resentment of his profession, are ones that military men often face. Even Hazard's ambivalence towards his superiors in particualr, and the Army in general, comes across as genuine.

It's one of the finest books I've ever read, and one that makes you think about your responsibility to others. It's a great read, and everyone I've passed it to has felt the same way.

A family is leaving Vietnam with a foolish captian on a boat to Hong Kong. Mai, a thirteen year old girl leaves with her brother Thant, who since he is the only boy of the family, gets specially treated. Mai also travels with her sister Anh who is the youngest of the family. This is a wonderful book which everyone should read.

Thirteen year old Mai and her family are a very poor family that live in Vietnam. With a small amount of rationed food, and always the chance that their grandmother may be arrested, the family is forced to leave their homeland. The small boat is packed with eager fleeing passengers. They go to Hong Kong, and there are lucky enough to be wanted in America. I could not put this book down. It was really full of suspense and action. READ THIS BOOK!

Goodbye Vietnam was the saddest book I ever read. It was so moving, I wanted to cry. I say the best chapter is called "The Voyage." This book is similar to my mom and dad's life because my mom and dad also escaped from Vietnam. So that makes me from Vietnam, too. This book is tragic when Mai's family almost didn't make it to the U.S.A. Why did Mai's family try to escape from Vietnam? They escaped Vietnam because there was a war. Well I don't want to spoil the ending, so go read it.

This and Aftermath SHOULD be required reading for AP High School history courses or at least college level. You will understand and "appreciate" the Vietnam war experience of the combat soldier during this harrowing time both at home and away. As stated previously, the book(s) are very well composed and easy to read!

This was the first book on the Vietnam War that I ever read. Since then, I've read ever other book that has come across my path. Mr. Downs' book was a landmark in Vietnam War literature simply because he downright tells it like it was for him. Having sustained extreme wounds, he managed to survive and write this book aswell as one called "Aftermath", which I strongly recommend aswell.

I read this book quite some time ago, not long after I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a school function on the Vietnam War. I have been fascinated by the Vietnam War ever since meeting the author (who happened to grow up in my hometown). I found the book eye-opening and easy to read, especially for those of us who do not have a military background. I felt his platoon's pain, as well as their excitement. All in all, what this man, and thousands like him went through is something that each American should appreciate.

This book should be required reading for all field grade colonels on up. In meticulous detail it details the failing of military strategy in Vietnam because clear goals were not identified and political support obtained for same. It correctly identifies the limitations of military power, which cannot "win hearts and minds" but only bury them. The best tribute to this book is that every Americal military leader fighting a war after this book was published has followed the the letter and tenor of the recommendations set forth in the book. Summers should have recieved numerous decorations for the contributions to military strategy this book contains. Instead he was shunned by the military establishment who nevertheless reads and follows his book, because he had the ordacity in his book to name names and criticize those in power who failed to follow even the most basic military tenets in conducting the Vietnam War. However, long after those leaders are long forgotten, this book will still be required reading for American Military Leaders who do not wish to repeat the mistakes made in the Vietnam War.

Summers recounts an exchange between himself and a former NVA officer some years after the war. It went something like this Summers: "You never defeated us in the field." NVA Officer: "That is true. It is also irrelevant."

I recently saw this bumper sticker on a Vietnam veteran's car: "I don't know what happened. When I left we were winning." To find out what happened, read this book. Summers gives an insightful critique of the strategic failure using the Nine Principles of War and the doctrine of Clausewitz.

I read this book a few years before the Gulf War, and as I watched that war unfold, I kept "On Strategy's" teachings in mind. It seemed to me at the time that those charged with the conduct of the Gulf War effort were applying "On Strategy's" doctrine chapter and verse. Read the book and review the Gulf War effort, and see if you don't agree.

One of the enduring ironies of military history--and the history of military thought--is that the most profound analysis, clearest insights, and most enduring illumination of the principles and practice of warfare has been accomplished by military professionals of relatively modest rank.

To the distinguished list of Colonel Clausewitz, Captain Mahan, and Captain Hart, add Colonel Harry Summers.

ON STRATEGY is certainly the most important book on military theory to appear since WWII and is perhaps the most important work of this century. Potential purchasers need have no fear that this book will be out-of-print for the foreseeable future; the presses will keep running because ON STRATEGY will be required reading in every military academy in the world for many decades.

ON STRATEGY is "about" the Vietnam War in much the same way that Clausewitz is "about" the Napoloenic Wars or that Mahan is "about" 18th-century naval struggles between France and England. That is, Summers uses the Vietnam War as a vehicle for analysis and illustration of principles of war that apply universally.

Aside from the clarity of his thought, Summers' most remarkable achievement is his writing style: For all of its subtlety, this book is accessible and valuable for readers who may have little background in military affairs.

At the end of WW II, the United States created special five-star ranks to honor it most senior commanders for their contributions to victory.

A book review is a poor substitute for a richly-deserved star to reward extraordinary service to the nation. But for his brilliant analysis and articulate writing, pin Five Stars on Harry Summars' collar.

- - - - - - - - -

The reviewer is a former military intelligence analyst.

I just got done reading Blackjack-34 and could NEVER put it down! I read it in 3 days! Mr. Donaue really brings the war into your head and doesn't add all of the REMF bullcrap. Just dirty, bloody, and sweaty soldiers fighting, and dying for our great counrty. He lets you HEAR the bullets crack, the shrieks of friends, the whack of lead hitting flesh and bone. Best book on Vietnam that I have ever read! I can't wait to be a Special Forces soldier too someday.

This is by far the best book I have ever read on the Vietnam War. Once the fighting starts it is difficult to put down as you have to know what happens to the team and to the individual players. If any book should be made into a film then it should be this one.

Greater Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Very True, like many other readers of this book im am still a highschool student but i found the book to be thrilling and knowledable. I am currently doing an English report on it. Thank you Donahue.

This book is what I'd call repetetive and boring. It's not the type of book I'd read if I had no other choice. It was recommended to me and every time I turned the page, I hoped it would get better. But it was basically the same story almost every time. The same idea that racism is hard. We know that. This book states that more times than is necesary. So unless you are terribly interested in Vietnam or black history, I suggest you read something else.

This book is without a doubt a sobering reminder of the duality that each African American service member faced during that time period. How can you raise the American flag in support of freedom in Vietnam and not have full rights of an American citizen in Birmingham? These self sacrificing heroes accompished just that.

If you really want the full story of the men and wormen who served in the Vietnam war, Wallace Terry's book is must be read. "Read it, share it, discuss it with other vetrans, and put it on your library shelf." This fact filled story of black soliders in Vietnam is gripping.

As a writer for the Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, New York Times Sunday Magazine, and the Village Voice Francis Fitzgerald visited Vietnam in 1966, a critical year in the U.S. involvment in Vietnam. From this visit, Ms. Fitzgerald developed an interest in Vietnam that culminated in what is generally considered to be one of the preeminent texts on the U.S. involvment in Vietnam. The text, Fire In The Lake, provides astute historical, cultural, and political analysis of the war for those who wish to understand how the United States lost the 'hearts and minds' of the Vietnamize people, and thus ultimately the war. Fire In The Lake, along with Dispatches (by M.Kerr), A Rumor of War (P.Caputo), Going After Cacciato (by T.O'Brien), A Bright Shining Lie (by N.Sheenan), and The Sorrow Of War (by B.Ninh) form the essential elements of any library on the Vietnam war. I should add, Fire In The Lake won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the Bancroft Prize for History. Please do not be dissuaded from reading this important work by other reviews posted here.

Twenty-eight years after publication, and 25 after the war's end, Fire in the Lake remains one of the very best books on the Viet Nam war. Sadly, Americans are woefully ignorant of the rest of the world. We have little real knowledge of our own history; but for the rest of the world's history and culture, we have neither knowledge nor regarad. We do not even do the Vietnamese people the courtesy of respecting the name of their country--Viet Nam, not Vietnam; Sai Gon, not Saigon. FitzGerald helps to correct some of this ignorance and arrogance. She begins examining the U.S. in Viet Nam from the perspective of Vietnamese history and culture; and in the process, demonstrating the tenacity and courage of the Vietnamese people, as well as their determination to rid themselves of any foreign invaders, even if, as with the Chinese, it takes 1,000 years. Another great strength of FitzGerald's book is, with her attention to Viet Nam's history and culture and their 20th century struggle against the French, she demonstrates, in an almost matter of fact way, a fundamental tenent of U.S. foreign policy which has been repeated numerous times in the post World War II era. That central tenent is to support thugs over patriots, to elevate to power those who will sell out their people for 30 pieces of silver rather than work with those committed to the well being of their people. Ho Chi Minh was our ally during WWII; his hero was Thomas Jefferson, not Karl Marx or Stalin. He was very pro-American; yet he was a nationalist and a patriot first, which meant, from the perspective of the U.S., he was not only unreliable, but someone who had to be destroyed. And though FitzGerald does not carry her analysis beyond Viet Nam, an informed or a curious reader quickly can draw the parallels between U.S. policy in Viet Nam and U.S. policy in Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific rim (Indonesia specifically), South America, the Caribbean, and most obviously of all, Central America. Thus FitzGerald gives us not only the means of understanding the war in Viet Nam, and why we were doomed to lose, but also a point of departure for understanding the travesty of U.S. foreign policy for the last 100 years. Simply stated, the United States is an (economic) empire which cares nothing about democracy, self determination in other countries, which sees other people's patriotism and love of country as a threat to U.S. imperial interests. We can learn a lot from what FitzGerald has to say, about the Vietnames, and especially about ourselves.

As a Vietnamese reader, this book is a precious one about a dark period of our country's history. Ms. Fitzgerald says for us what we've tried to say that American values differ from Vietnamese values. As one wise man said: The West has democracy and liberty, the East has morality and honor. People who disagree with this book are obviously still under the murky water of ignorance.

I read this book during a recent trip to Southeast asia, Including many of the countries (Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam) that the Author travelled in his 'year on the mekong'. I found it to be an enjoyable read, & applaud the author for seeking out several engaging personalities along his trip. I do not think that Gargan's work is on a par with Norman Lewis' 1950s classic A Dragon Apparent & would have liked a more balanced assessment of the historical & economic situation in some of the southeast asian countries he visited.

Like many people who were involved in the anti-war movement, Gargan seems to glorify his years as an anti-war protester & revels in the fact that he went to prison rather than serve in Vietnam. For those of a younger generation this got somewhat tiring as the book went on. He seemed shocked that modern day Vietnamese, Cambodians & Laotians would look up to the United States and may think that a better life could be had there. I mean, I only spent 3 weeks on the Mekong & did not have to stretch my imagination too far to understand how many locals (living on less than $500/year in countries with much less freedom) could hold that exact viewpoint.

Other than that, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, & Gargan is a gifted storyteller. I guess I just would have liked it more if Robert Kaplan had made the trip . . . . & I read it right after A Dragon Apparent, which made for a tough comparison.

This is an enjoyable travelogue to read that covers Tibet, Southern China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The author has a different perspective on the countries than an ordinary traveller, and even has his own ideas about travellers.

I enjoyed reading this book as I prepared for my upcoming trip, because it gave me a taste of what I would experience. You can easily read a chapter, all of which stand alone, or read the entire book from cover to cover.

A Really interesting and observant 3,000 mile trip down the Mekong, primarily by boat. From the river's mouth to its end in the Mekong Delta: Tibet, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Ed Gargan could have played a medical trump card to avoid the draft during Vietnam war, but instead he stood up for his beliefs and refused to register, thus serving time in federal prison. This was an influential experience, and he did refer to it at times, and American war situation in Indo-china, understandably.

Noting the past history and recent events of these places, and then talking with people to get their perception and viewpoints on where things are headed. Very balanced peppering of relevant historical occurrences, recent political situations, and down-to-earth local conversations about life in these places. Indigenous life and the cultural aspects of it in the areas he visited were noted.

The Chinese ethnic Hans are continuing their colonization of Tibet, imprisoning people, destroying temples, and other aspects of Tibetan culture. The secretive government of Laos is still in the moribund foggy myst of Marxist-Leninism, those "foreign white guys." He briefly tapped into the bohemian traveler opium-den culture of Laos on his way through, though as an observer and not a participant. He also interviewed one of the few survivors of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge torture and killing prison, finally ending his journey with a young Vietnamese woman's observant description of contemporary Vietnam and where its people and nation are headed in the future.
Very descriptive and observant piece of work.

There are some interesting facts that are noted by Gargan.
Francis Garnier, the French colonist who traveled the Mekong for two years in 1866. He apparantly didn't learn much, and he got what he deserved in the end. Another tid-bit, is that the character Colonel Kurtz in the movie "Apocalypse Now," is based on an actual person. Also there are more pickup trucks per capita in Thailand than on any other nation on Earth.

This is a great book for people who like travel books, and for those who have an interest in, or who are going to South East Asia.
Another great book I'd recommend that is also about boat travel: "Three years in a 12-foot boat," by Steven Ladd.