Customer Reviews (2)

njchurchill
A great book. If you want to know what was going on on the ground in Viet Nam, read it.

One of the best books I've ever read...
A compilation of oral recounts, "Everything We Had" gets to the meat and potatoes of the stories without delay. It kept me captivated, I could not wait to read the next story in the book. The authors were interviewed when these events were still fresh in their minds, the way they recount the stories proves this.

A must read for anyone seeking an unbiased, realistic look at the viet-nam conflict, from the people that were right there. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (38)

A more accurate map of reality
One dynamic of the truth is the connecting of loose ends, another is the truth lives and eventualy the lies die.

Straight talk
Jennings goes over the entire era, and puts it in concise perspective.His geopolitical analysis is objective and particularly informative.I've recommended this reading to my three children.

A Book To Be Missed
This book may please those who felt our entry into the Vietnam conflict was justified and our losses there an acceptable price, and those who would have prolonged the war to save face.Vietnam should have provided a valuable lesson, which might have caused us to think twice before undertaking any more rash military adventures such as our invasion of Iraq.Unfortunately the lesson was not learned, and a new generation of young people have paid the price for the folly.

He got it right on all counts
I was there and saw what was going on.When I returned to the States I watched activities of our protestors very closely.I came to the conclusion that most protestors were simply afraid of being sent to Vietnam (can't say I blame them much).Others were obviously radicals who were trying to stir up trouble no matter the subject.And some were just along for good college fun and games.But the telling point of all this was giving aid and comfort to our enemy.After the war, even North Vietnamese senior staff admitted they probably would have lost had not the protestors been so noisy.But if you think we lost Tet Offensive, or even lost the war, read this bookand see what really happened.As I said, I was there and can verify much of what's in this very good book.

Missing in Action?
A few days after what I thought was the conclusion of my purchase, I got an email telling me that the seller did not have the book and that I was going to be seeing a credit on my credit card statement.So I do not have the book that I wanted and I have not looked to see if the credit went through or not.Now to start the whole purchase process again with anther seller. ... Read more

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A thinking approach to learning history. Makes history fresh, relevant, and real!

Instruction/Answer GuideIncludes objectives, teaching suggestions, focus questions, and answers. Use of the guides is highly recommended.
-Critical Thinking Press ... Read more

Product Description

PFC Franklin Miller arrived in Vietnam in March 1966, and saw his first combat in a Reconnaissance Platoon. So began an odyssey that would make him into one of the most feared and respected men in the Special Forces elite, who made their own rules in the chaos of war.

In the exclusive world of the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observation Group, Miller ran missions deep into enemy territory to gather intelligence, snatch prisoners, and to kill. Leading small bands of battle-hardened Montagnard and Meo tribesmen, he was fierce and fearless -- fighting army policy to stay in combat for six tours. On a top-secret mission in 1970, Miller and a handful of men, all critically injured, held off the NVA in an incredible Alamo-like stand -- for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. When his time in Southeast Asia ended, he had also received the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, an Air Medal, and six Purple Hearts. This is his incredible story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

What a human being!
I was fortunate to spend an afternoon with CSM Miller at Schofield Barracks in May of 1992.I was a young CPL that was on my honeymoon in Hawaii with my then new beautiful wife.I read this book on the airplane on the way to Hawaii (the day after my wedding) and could not put it down.I had purchased it at Clothing & Sales at Fort Bragg 2 days earlier.I read in the back of the book that at the time it was written CSM Miller was still in the Army and stationed in Hawaii.I called the post locator and was transferred to his office.CSM Miller called me back immediately and was quite excited that I had read the book.He spent an entire day (one which I will never forget) with my wife and me telling us story after story.No one EVER has made a more significant impact on my life and my career in such a short amount of time.I am still in the Army 18 years later.I still make decisions based upon what CSM Miller would have done.The book is written as a series of campfire stories.It is quite simply the best book I have ever read.I just finished reading it for approx the 12th time.I was deeply saddened when I learned that he and Major Cureth had both passed away.You MUST read this book...you will never forget it.

A complete combat soldier.
I read this book because of my military service between 1964 and 1975.I had many friends who served in Nam.Some came home, some didn't.This is the first book I have read that portrays a true hero from this era.The open honesty and unassuming nature that is Miller, is incredible.

A Medal of honor deserving of its place.
It took me a day to read this book, I couldn't put it down. Now, thinking back over it I think what had me so gripped was the fact that, a lot of the guys that served in Vietnam did so by counting the days down from day 1 and focusing on staying alive until they could rotate back to the world, whereas SGM Miller "Mill" couldn't get enough of the place. A totally different perspective.

I've read many Vietnam memoirs but this one is different insomuch as you really felt this man enjoyed his time over there. "Mill" re-upped enough times to get 6 years in country. He even went back after receiving the Medal of Honor. It got to the point that he actually had to be tricked into rotating back to the U.S. as the higher ups felt he never would otherwise.

Reading the book I felt that "Mill" wasn't arrogant, full of himself, but rather someone who knew he had talent that Special Forces could use so, he did what he did best. Reconnaissance was his thing, small teams, dangerous missions deep in "Indian" country. The small teams were totally reliant on themselves for everything and, in this theater, he flourished.

He also had respect for his enemy and even compliments them here and there for damaging him or his team. "Mill" sounds like the kind of guy who could keep his cool in any situation and, he also sounds like the kind of guy you always want on your side. Tough, determined, patriotic to a fault and just an all round leader of men, he's the kind of guy I would have followed into hell back in my service days.

The book is pretty well written, not too descriptive but not too scant in its text. It's almost like you're listening into a conversation "Mill" is having with someone else. I liked the fact that he admitted to being afraid during certain ops and he admits crying when he thought time had ran out for him. I see the mark of any man is his ability to admit fear.

Great book, great man. The book is well worth the money and the time.

Awesome story and attitude toward war
The authors attitude toward war is unique amoung vietnam books. the stories in this book are told in plain language and are extremely entertaining. The ending is so exciting that I stayed up till 3am reading to finish it.

Buy this book!
This book covers the view point of a Warrior in the Arena.

This is a hardcore account of ground combat in Vietnam by a Veteran.

Buy this book in Hardcover.

... Read more

Product Description

The U.S. Navy SEALs have long been considered among the finest, most courageous, and professional soldiers in American military history—an elite fighting force trained as parachutists, frogmen, demolition experts, and guerrilla warriors ready for sea, air, and land combat. Born out of a proud naval tradition dating back to World War II, the first SEAL teams were commissioned in the early 1960s. Vietnam was their proving ground.

Customer Reviews (10)

The Real Deal on Navy SEALs
There are an increasing number of books being published about U.S. Navy SEALs, but HUNTERS & SHOOTERS is one of the best, especially about the era when Navy SEALs served in Vietnam.

The editor of this book, Bill Fawcett, gathered 15 former SEALs and asked them to relate their experiences. Some of their tales are short, others are longer, but they all have the ring of truth.

The SEAL Teams matured during the Vietnam War when their mission was to identify, disrupt and eliminate where possible the leadership infrastructure of the Viet Cong.The SEALS served primarily in the Mekong Delta and over the course of the six years that they served in country, they were able to provoke deadly fear into the Viet Cong leadership.In some cases, the SEAL platoons operated individually in the Delta, though frequently with the support of Vietnamese SEALs (who were trained by the American SEALs).In other instances, the SEALs were attached to the PHOENIX program, advising Provincial Reconaissance Units (PRU's) who were often ex-Viet Cong who had turned on their communist colleagues.

The PHOENIX program became a target for anti-war protesters in the late 60's and early 70's, but in fact the program was probably the most effective operation the Americans undertook in terms of inflicting damage on the Viet Cong infrastructure.Frank Thornton and Mike Boynton give the most enlightened accounts of their PHOENIX/PRU experiences.

The writer should note that he himself served as a SEAL in Vietnam, so this favorable critique of HUNTERS & SHOOTERS is based on first-hand knowledge of SEAL operations.The hope from this end is that Fawcett or some other editor will compile a similar book about SEAL operations in the Middle East, including Afghanistan, to give the SEALs in those conflicts their own recognition for their efforts on behalf of our country's security.

Hunters & Shooters
I love the fact that this story was written with 15 different voices.Often times people would try to shell out 15 separate books instead, but I like the weaving interplay of the stories as they go into around and through one another.

This truly does (as another reviewer said) give the impression of an oral history and stories as they'd be told around a camp fire, very enjoyable.

Great book toaccompanySEAL military histories
The great thing about this oral history is that you get a personal feel for the characters as they talk about their experiences. The wide range of experiences are reflected in the wide range of personalities that the history is drawn from. The accounts are honest and sincere. Each account begins with a brief editorial introduction and summary of a different aspect of the SEALs unit formation and operational history in Viet Nam. This helps the reader to understand the subject as a broad total of experiences rather than just a bundle of yarns slapped together. The editor did a great job of putting the accounts in an informative sequence which gave this reviewer a greater background understanding of the following accounts as I progressed through the book.
I bought my copy during a visit to the SEAL/ UDT Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida and I strongly recommend other interested military buffs to buy this book and check out the museum. Well worth it.

Couldn't put this one down
This was a great book!! I started it on a Friday & was finished by Sunday. 15 great stories told by the men who lived it. A must read if you enjoy SEAL books.

Famous "Survivor" included in book
I haven't read this book, but I did notice that the first chapter isdevoted to Rudy of "Survivor" fame, who holds the record forlongest service in naval special warfare. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a fascinating and truly groundbreaking study of the Vietnamese experience and memory of the Vietnam War through the lens of popular imaginings about the wandering souls of the war dead. These ghosts of war play an important part in postwar Vietnamese historical narrative and imagination and Heonik Kwon explores the intimate ritual ties with these unsettled identities which still survive in Vietnam today as well as the actions of those who hope to liberate these hidden but vital historical presences from their uprooted social existence.Taking a unique approach to the cultural history of war, he introduces gripping stories about spirits claiming social justice and about his own efforts to wrestle with the physical and spiritual presence of ghosts. Although these actions are fantastical, this book shows how examining their stories can illuminate critical issues of war and collective memory in Vietnam and the modern world more generally. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Introduction to Vietnamese anthro
Kwon's book covers the topic from an introductory academic viewpoint. After doing a preview or quick scan of the pages in the entire book, this reviewer was diappointed because one expected many stories. Looking for the author's credentials and resume, not finding it on the dust jacket or Acknowledgements, just a few people's names with no academic institutional affiliations, other than Jonathan Spencer, Prof U Edin.

I checked the U Edinburgh website, found that the author is a Korean immigrant and a wiki which showed that the UK "Reader" academic title is at the level of "Assoc Professor" but on a Research path. Kwon is the only Reader in the Anthro Dept.

-----

This book does NOT contain typical discussions, such as supernatural, as in "Art Bell" late night talk radio programming. If one looks at many entrances to Vietnamese-American grocery stores and restaurants their, almost ubiquiously present, cultural ancestor worship offerings are not discussed in depth by the author.

For example, 1st generation Vietnamese burn daily incense (joss sticks) at the famiily's ancestral alter. Here the aged mothers will give reverence and prayer to the family's ghosts and ancestors. Strangely, Kwon's book does not list spirit family alters in the index.

Search a webpage titled "Ann Caddell Crawford's Customs and Culture of Vietnam (1965)" which includes a discussion on death and funerals. Alters include bowls of uncook rice supporting joss, incense and candles, boiled eggs, fruits, and cups of tea. This belief system is part of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and animism.

-----

This reviewer found only several substantive discussion of Vietnamese War Ghosts. Most of what was found were one or two sentences on key worded topics and a corresponding footnote that listed a reference. It assumed that the reference paper was available to the reader and had a deep resources on the topic. There was no substantive comparison and contrast analysis of mentioned keywords.

Much of the intervening chapters discussion was to compare Vietnamese to Western European cultural aspects. There was no substantive discussion comparing the different cultures, North Asia (Siberia), East Asia, SE Asian, or Pacific Islander aspects. I am dubious of the value of comparing stories to the West; however comparing VN with other Asian cultures would have been quite interesting and perhaps a topic of future work for the author.

In most of the seven chapters in the book, there is an anthology and very brief description of many of the published works on the topic. Most details refer to a footnote in the 30-pgs Notes section p167-196. There is a 16-pg Reference section p197-213. Finally there is an 8-page Index on topics in English; the Vietnamese named (italicized) topics which there are many but alas are rarely indexed. There are no figures, drawings, pictures, or tables in the book, other than the dust jacket.

The author acknowledges that the only other comparable researchers on war ghost topics were Western authors on Western wars, including John Law p11, Christian Appy p12, Jean-Claude Schmitt p12 in Chap1. Not much prior knowledge by Vietnamese speaking authors. On p11, "Whereas other ghost stories are allowed in print, the literary works that introduce the ghosts of the American War are severely censored (Ref10). A journalist working for the official [Communist] news organ of a central province recently heard about a rumor of an apparition and set out to investigate it. He was quickly reprimanded by his superiors."

The substantial stories of value are described: 1) Tiger Temple p 71-82 in Chap4, "The Phantom Leg." As described in the Acknowledgements section, this chapter is an embellished journal article. The other story is of 2) Lien Hoa (Lotus Flower) p109-28 in Chap6 "Transforming ghosts." Note that Tiger Temple has no relationship to the "Thailand's Tiger Temple," which is like a zoo.

Curiously, a Japanese website encapsulates the author's research with pix and brief stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

French armor in Indochina!
This is an excellent and absorbing book on the employment of
armored vehicles in Indochina in both the French and U.S. wars in that region.The color plates of various vehicles are excellent, and, of particular interest are several color plates of French vehicles from the era 1946-1954, including a Stuart light tank.Great stuff, haven't seen it anywhere else.Those interested in the French experience in Indochina will want this book for reference. ... Read more

Product Description

The Vietnam War remains a divisive memory for American society. Partisans on all sides still debate why the war was fought, how it could have been better fought, and whether it could have been won at all.

In this major study, a noted expert on the war brings a needed objectivity to these debates by examining dispassionately how and why President Lyndon Johnson and his administration conducted the war as they did. Drawing on a wealth of newly released documents from the LBJ Library, including the Tom Johnson notes from the influential Tuesday Lunch Group, George Herring discusses the concept of limited war and how it affected President Johnson's decision making, Johnson's relations with his military commanders, the administration's pacification program of 1965-1967, the management of public opinion, and the "fighting while negotiating" strategy pursued after the Tet Offensive in 1968.

The author's in-depth analysis exposes numerous flaws in Johnson's management of the war. In Herring's view, the Johnson administration lacked any overall strategy for conducting the war. No change in approach was ever discussed, despite popular and even administration dissatisfaction with the progress of the war, and no oversight committee coordinated the activities of the military services and various governmental agencies, which were left to follow their own, often conflicting, agendas.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great purchase.
Best book purchase I have ever made. It was the best buy, the quickest shipment and was in better shape than I could have had hoped. This company tells the truth about their books and has a fantastic costumer service department. With 3 children in college, finding text books for a fair price is tough. I will definately buy from them again. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent!!!!
This book is so full of photos it amazes me everytime I open it up!!!This is a great book for anyone who is interested in the war in South East Asia.This book shows the Amazing contribution a relativly small number of Special Forces soldiers made to the war in Vietnam.

Special book of Special men
The book itself is just great, brilliant pics of some fine men.
The Us Special Forces. The finest of the finest.
It was great to get the re print, since the original had been sold out and hard to get for some time already. I know soldiers of the Special Forces, of that era and in the book were few pics of Finns who had moved to The USA after WWII and joined in The US Military and Special Forces and SOG.
Absolutely a great book to get. With John Plaster, Frank Greco, John Stryker-Meyer books and many others ofcourse , your homelibrary will be complete.

A weighty, essential guide for any serious military library
War vet and historian Shelby Stanton reported for military duty in Southeast Asia and worked with the Green Beret forces: his SPECIAL FORCES AT WAR: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY, SOUTHEAST ASIA 1957-1975 therefore offers a rare insider's experience paired with a scholarly historical approach, making it an essential standout for any military library strong in modern warfare. It's a photographic history which offers many unpublished images and insider observations of covert activities, representing years of active duty in the infantry: a weighty, essential guide for any serious military library.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book is a MUST HAVE for your Special Forces collection!
I practically own every book on the subject on the Green Berets in Vietnam, and this one is superb by far. Brief histories (pick up Stanton's Green Berets at War for more written history) are provided, but the PICTURES! This book follows the Special forces in Vietnam (mostly Green Berets) chronologically with pictures,I have never seen 98% of the photos in this book published anywhere else ever! Great amount of detail following the SF into Laos, VN A-camps (best pics ever), weapons, 'yards, nungs, SOG (personal favorite), and anything else. I cannot praise Shelby Stanton enough for this book, along with the rest of his wonderful collections.
This book is a great reference that is invaluable to anyone remotely interested in the Special forces. The maps in the back are superb as well, and great overhead pics of base camps including part/full layouts!! No other book on the Green Berets can even touch the sheer magnitude and scale this book covers. A true prize for any collector - Running Recon (Greco) and SOG A Photo History (Plaster) are really the only illustrated books that have as great of a scale. In many respects this book stands alone - If I could give this book a 6/5 I would - actually I would give it an infinite - If you are into the Vietnam Green Berets or really any Special Forces from any era - BUY THIS BOOK NOW NO MATTER THE PRICE!

An outstanding compendium of the SF in Southeast Asia
The book is a great photographic representation of the Green Berets in Southeast Asia. From helicopter rides and walks in the jungle to training and living with the natives, its pictures and narratives take the reader through the many missions ofthe men of Special Forces in Vietnam and the surrounding countries. One can see (and almost feel) the sweat, pain and the joys of those "selected few." The book is presented cronologically making events easy to follow, and it helps relating to the rest of the history of the Vietnam conflict. The book is a must have for those who like to remember and honor those "who were there." ... Read more

Product Description
At the height of the Vietnam War, in 1968 and 1969, Reginald Hathorn flew 229 combat missions as a forward air controller for the U.S. Air Force. He inserted Special Forces teams into North Vietnam and Laos, completed missions for the CIA, and flew missions with the Lao Army. Most of the time, he flew into Laos and called in airstrikes against targets inside that country in a war which did not officially exist, about which the world knew nothing, and which the U.S. government denied. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent read!
Thisis the kind of book that you want to reread!An excellent read.The author makes you feel like you are sitting in the cockpit with him.

Being There
This book is mostly a combat diary, sticking to the day to day events within the author's direct experience.Unlike some diarists, he recreates the feeling of living in the thoughts and experiences of a line combat officer without extended retrospectives on strategy.The prose reveals the author's personality.It is direct without being pedestrian, professional without being obscure, and insightful without editorializing.Pilots will find it interesting as Hathorn fluidly describes sequences of the control inputs as he is manuevering the Cessna O-2 under fire on Forward Air Control missions over Laos.His description of the need to "fly like a drunk" makes sense in the context of the mission.

For those interested in the clandestine nature of the war in Laos, Hathorn's book valuably expands several areas including Igloo White/Muscle Shoals, Prarie Fire and Heavy Hook.While no single comprehensive book has yet been written for this theatre and time, Hathorn gives a great account of the air element that had to coordinate the timing and accuracy of combat air missions and should be part of any library of the Southeast Asia War.

I should add that I was at NKP for 18 months from 1968-1969 with the 56th ACW/SOW and Task Force Alpha.I flew more than 25 missions as a photographer, many with the author's unit, the 23rd TASS.I found few factual recollections that were different from my own.

Tigers here
A well written book. Almost reads like a fast paced novel. I flew Cessna 337s for a while as a civilian. None had reversible propellors. I researched the net, found no O-2s with reversible propellors. The author described a landing in which he used reverse pitch to make the O-2 slow down on the runway. An oversight I'm sure.

This author has the eye of the tiger.
This pilot author has the eye of the tiger, as they say. This book gives a "right hand seat" view of the war that the forward air controllers in Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand operations. I would like to recommend this book "Here There are Tigers" The secret air war in Laos, by Reginald Hathorn is an outstanding read. Mr. Hathorn has given us the true taste of what it was like in that Secret war during 1968 and 69. This is the real "McCoy" and the battles were real, the personalities of the characters are real and the stories bring the smell of burnt oil, hot vinyl and sweaty flight suits to the reader in every page.
The FAC pilots had nerves of steel and many others owe our lives to these wonderful men who flew the unfriendly skies of southeast Asia. Thanks Major Hathorn.
The FACs truly were guardian Angels to "zoomie" aviators and the Grunts on the ground. Good Read. No, Great read!! As a author myself I recommend this book with every fiber of my being... ... Read more

Product Description
The book chronicles the Navy Medical Department's participation in Vietnam, beginning with the Navy's rescue of the French survivors of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and ending with the Navy's rescue of Vietnamese refugees fleeing the fall of South Vietnam in 1975.

When American involvement reached its peak in 1968, the 750-bed Naval Support Activity Hospital Danang (NSAH) was in full operation, and two hospital ships--the USS Repose and the USS Sanctuary--cruised offshore. Whether the situation called for saving the lives of injured sailors aboard a burning aircraft carrier or treating a critically wounded Marine for shock in the rubble-strewn streets of Hue, Navy medical personnel were in Vietnam from the beginning of American involvement to the very end, saving thousands of lives.

This book tells the story of the Navy Medical Department's involvement through stark and gripping first-person accounts by patients and the Navy physicians, dentists, nurses, and hospital corpsmen who treated them. More than 50 historic photos document their work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not for me...
...I didn't read this book. I bought it for my father who was in Vietnam, and he knows many of the people interviewed in the book, as well as the author I believe. I only give it four stars because my father was disappointed not to be one of those intereviewed!

excellent
A good review of what Navy medicine was like in Vietnam.I was stationed at the Naval Hospital in Danang as an anesthetist and was hoping for some detail for the years 1969-1971. The discription of the compound brought back many memories.Thank you for this book.B. Russell shannon

NAVY MEDICINE IN VIETNAM
It is very factual.One of the historical narratives about Charlie Med 3rd Marine Division Mash Unit in 1965-66 is true.It was written by a physician and friend of mine.I was there!

Dr. Peter Steinhauer (husband of Julianne M. Steinhauer ... Read more

Product Description
David W. Powell enlisted for a tour of duty in April 1966 with the USMarines after receiving an imminent draft notice.Believing he would beable to leverage his existing skills as a computer programmer, he neverthought all they would see on his resume was his Karate expertise.Evenless that he would wind up serving as a Rocket man in the jungles of DaNang and Chu Lai for a 13 month tour in hell.

David's journey from naive civilian to battle-hardened combat veteranshows us all how fragile our humanity really is.In addition to killingthe enemy on the field of battle, he was witness to countless crueltiesincluding murder both cold-blooded and casual, cowardice under fire, anda callous disregard for life beyond most people's imagination.Witheach new insult, he lost a little bit of his soul, clinging to his Bibleas his only solace while equally certain of his own imminent demise.

Upon returning to civilian life after a two year enlistment, he foundhimself with nightmares during sleep, intrusive thoughts while awake, ahypervigilant stance combined with an exaggerated startle reaction, anda seeming inability to control basic emotions like anger and sadness.

The price he paid for what would only be diagnosed decades later asPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder was broken marriages and relationships,inability to hold down jobs leading to bankruptcy, alcohol abuse, andhaving to hide the service he willingly gave to his own country.

In 1989, David eventually recovered through a simple but powerfultechnique known as Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and is nowsymptom-free.Not just for veterans, TIR has since been successfullyapplied to crime and motor vehicle accident victims, domestic violencesurvivors, and even children.His story shows what is possible foranyone who has suffered traumatic stress and that hope, healing, andrecovery can be theirs too.

What People Are Saying About My Tour In Hell

"His autobiographical work is a must read for veterans who remain stuckbetween two worlds.Healing is not forgetting; healing is making senseof the past in order to live life in the present with a restored hopefor the future.Powell articulates this process very well and has givena tremendous gift to the combat veteran community of any generation."
- Father Philip G. Salois, M.S.,National Chaplain, Vietnam Veterans of America

"The connection of David's problems in his current life and his VietNam experiences is one of the clearest descriptions of how trauma affectsour lives I have ever read. My Tour in Hell is a tribute to David's unwillingness to give up on himself in the face of great unhappiness."
-Laura W. Groshong, LICSW (Seattle, WA)

"Years in combat zones, group psychotherapy with combat vets diagnosedwith PTSD and TIR training qualifies me to recommend this book.Those in the helping professions will learn how the negativeemotional 'charge' of trauma can be partially or totally eliminated throughthe adept facilitation of Traumatic Incident Reduction."
-Sister Kateri Koverman, LISW, ICDC

"Powell presents a brutally honest and riveting account of one man'sdescent into the dehumanizing realities of war. However, the journey isworth it to relive his dramatic ascension and redemption from the abyssthrough the life changing, powerful, and therapeutic techniques of TraumaticIncident Reduction."
- Rev. James W. Clifton, LCSW, PhD

More Than A Memoir, My Tour In Hell includes

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Customer Reviews (1)

The best on contemporary Vietnam
Considering myself something of an expert on contemporary Vietnam, I thought I might write a book.Then I discovered that Bill Hayton has already written it, and far better than I might have done!Vietnam: Rising Dragon perfectly reports the complex reality of a nation that, having left its legacy of war and economic failure far behind, may -- or may not -- succeed in its goal of becoming 'becoming a developed country by 2020.' Dozens of telling vignettes illuminate Hayton's critique of Vietnam's rapid socio-economic progress and the much slower pace of political evolution.The BBC's former Vietnam correspondent is an expert analyst of the shadowed inner workings of the Vietnamese Communist Party, showing it to be nowhere nearly so monolithic nor effective in enforcing its wishes as is commonly assumed.Hayton deftly exposes the stresses that exposure to global markets and information flows have put on Vietnam's national life, leaving us wondering -- as indeed we should -- whether all this will lead to sustainable prosperity or a new cycle of instability.Highly recommended for curious backpackers, teachers, expatriate executives and anyone who's wondered what happened to Vietnam after it disappeared from the daily newspapers. ... Read more

Product Description
Subtitled Revolution Versus Containment, 1955-1961. "In placing the conflict in a global perspective, Smith has added a new dimension to our knowledge of the war and provided a useful corrective to the recent tendency to see the conflict in purely bilateral terms."--Journal of Asian and African Studies. " . . . significant contributions to an understanding of the global context of decision making for Vietnam in the late l950s . . . "--American Historical Review. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive narrative history of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, from 1942 to 1975. Unlike most general histories of U.S. involvement in Vietnam–which are either conventional, diplomatic or military histories–Vietnam: An American Ordeal synthesizes the perspectives to explore both dimensions of the struggle in greater depth, elucidating more of the complexities of the U.S.-Vietnam entanglement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Poorly written, confusing, using too many abreviations
I had to by this book for a class. I thought it would be interesting. Very contrary to my original thoughts this book has become an albatross. It is written for military people, who might have a clue what all the abbreviations are. It is very biased. The author definitely does not have a clue what how a situation might be handled other than in a military fashion. Communists are the scourge of the earth to this guy. If anyone is thinking of using this for a textbook please give your students a break and find something might actually be interesting!

comprehensive and clear
This is one of the very best books on America's Vietnam experience. Unlike most books on the war it combines historical, cultural, military, and political perspectives.
Moss is also clear on how the media reported the war and how myths about media bias have clouded America's understanding of the war.

Good analysis marred by numerous egregious typos
Moss's analysis is astute and objective.I tremendously appreciate that this book provides documentation (endnotes and an excellent bibliography).But I can't assign this edition of the book because of the astoundingly numerous typos.We can't in good conscience expect students to proofread and edit their papers, while asking them to spend $50 for a book whose editors didn't do this!

Unbalanced
Very biased.If we lost a battle it was to "elite" troops.The agent orange problem is still treated as a myth believed in by a few veterans.Nurses were given a whole page."Many" and "some" are used to imply a majority of believe that is unargued and unsupported.PTSD got a whole paragraph, other than what was lifted unfootnoted from the DMS.

astounding
This is the fairest, most politically comprehensive book on the Vietnam issue you will ever read! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

The VietNam War handbook
Good overall review of the VietNam war. Like the unit histories. Some errors. There were no Physician Asst's in the Viet Nam war. I am one and the idea did originate there. There were no PAs in VietNam. First war was Grenada. Few other minor errors, still a good review. Worth buying. ... Read more

Product Description
Though three decades old, the legacy of the 10,000-day war between Vietnam and the United States stills resonates in both countries and for the millions on both sides whose lives were forever touched by the conflict.In defense of the Domino Theory, the United States brought all its considerable military might to bear on a small, largely rural nation half a world away.The US spent $145,000,000 at 1974 prices, her aircraft dropped 8 million tons of bombs, and her armed forces suffered 46,370 fatalities.The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong accounted for 900,000 dead.This illustrated history documents every aspect of the war, from the role of the French, through all major actions, and up to the fall of South Vietnam.The book strives to understand not only the causes, but also the war's lasting legacy.Over 250 color and b/w photos bring the conflict to life again after all these years have passed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Mediocre
I was let down by this book which I purchased thinking that it will contain new information and unpublished photographs. Neither is true: the text is very poor in hard data, the chapters are too short, the maps average and most of the photographs have been published many times over the years. The serious student of the Vietnam War should better spent his or her money in the old but excellent multi-volume series of Boston Publishing "The Vietnam Experience" to get a wealth of photos and the analysis also. As far as the strategy of Vietnam War is concerned, Palmer's "Summon of the Trumpets" is unsurpassed.

The American Vietnam War in one book...
The best general account of our war in Vietnam that I have read.I recommend it without reservation.Excellent photographs, most of which I have not seen elsewhere, and a surprisingly low price.I served as an infantryman in Vietnam, and I am gratified to find an even-handed and understanding narrative by two noted military writers.Thank you, Dr. McNab and Dr. Wiest!

Excellent!
This book hits the nail on the head. The information in this book really shows what an awful blot on US history the Vietnam War really was. ... Read more

Product Description
Ride a Huey with the Outlaws of the 175th Aviation Company (AML) in the Mekong Delta and experience a first-hand 1st Lieutenant's account of a tour in Viet Nam from 1966 to 1967. David Eastman's lively account reveals an untold story of competence, camaraderie, and fellowship. Often referred to as the one combat element of the US Army that did not succumb to the stress of the war in Vietnam, the men of the helicopters kept their discipline and their spirit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

I Know This Man!
The first time I read David's book I really couldn't put it down.For a 20 year old in 1966, I honestly didn't know much about the Vietnam war.But, by reading this book I saw and felt the experiences of these men who actually lived this life.To me it is a very emotional book...you understand that these men were "family".They depended on each others skills, knowledge, respect and leadership in order to survive that period in their lives.You will indeed laugh and cry many times while reading this book. "Outlaws" is not just about the writer, but about a "family" of guys of various ages and backgrounds trying to make it through each day in a not so everyday life.

Disappointing is an understatement
I ended up with this book because it was matched up with another book, "Kill Me If You Can", a book that many battlefield hardened grunts had said was a really good book, and it was. This one leaves a lot to be desired if one is non-military and trying to learn what the war was like. I suspect that most of the really good reviews here came from the author's friends.

Great book about the 175th Aviation Company - The Outlaws
Author David Eastman treats the reader to an insider view of one of the best aviation units in the Delta during the Vietnam War.This was a totally different kind of war and his historic look back at the 175th Aviation Company from 1966 through 1967 is a real snap shot of that special kind of helicopter warfare.His book, "Outlaws in Vietnam," is a masterpiece of writing.It loses nothing in the details and the historic reconstruction of memories.The author takes us along on the missions and we get to meet some of the men in the unit.

The action is a real accounting of what it was like.This book will take you on a flight of adventure safely from your sofa but emotionally you will be with this group of men all the way from the beginning to the end.You will get your money's worth of this unit's story along with some black and white photos.

David does a great job writing this historic memoir.The MWSA gives it highest rating to this book.

Reactions of a Chopper Client
Want to know what it was like to be a Huey chopper pilot, deep in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War? Read this book. Dave Eastman flew both "slicks" (transport choppers that carried mostly Vietnamese soldiers into battle) and gunships during a year of heavy fighting in a particularly deadly part of Vietnam.

Dave describes the life of a helicopter pilot superbly-not only the flying and fighting, but also the sociology of chopper pilots and crews.

This book fascinated me, partly because I was a "client" of the chopper crews, including the 175th Outlaws, and I know the terrain well. I was an adviser on Military Assistance Command-Vietnam (MAC-V) Team 73, based in Vi Thanh. Dave writes a lot about "the first battle of Vi Thanh," "the second battle of VT," etc. (there were plenty).

But I was fascinated mainly because "Outlaws" is a good book. Dave Eastman writes well, and has contributed significantly to a vital, but seldom documented, aspect of the Vietnam War.

Tom Hargrove, Author, A Dragon Lives Forever: War and Rice in Vietnam'sMekong Delta

The thoughts ofnamed places brought back memories.
I don't know how I ended up in this under 13 review, but here it is.The thought came to me as I read OUTLAWS in Vietnam , that I didn't know what the pilots were doing and feeling when landing and taking-off from areas that most people will never experiance. As a door gunner I remember thinking how we would work together giving instruction from our gunner wells on the position of the helicopter in relation to the surounding trees, brush, and mountain cliffs that we used as a landing zone (LZ), I often thought "that was scarry" when we did this type of landing. Dave wrote this book from a pilots view and I did enjoy the memories. He also gave some credit to the crew that flew with him. Fine book Dave, I'm glad I bought it. Tony Villarruel Outlaw (Door Gunner) 26, 1971-72 ... Read more