Customer Reviews

4/4: A LRP's Narrative

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Having known hundreds of combat soldiers, dozens of whom were rangers, and having read more than a hundred of their after action debriefings, this is the best no frills account of the LRP war by a member of an elite group. It is from the heart. I could tell he still doesn't exactly understand a few things, and that is what separates this book out for me... This book is essential reading for those who seek simple truths from basic men, as are the books of Tim O'Brien and John Leppelman. Ford's tale is the only one that brought tears to my eyes after all these years.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the soldiers perspective during the Vietnam War. To make it even more interesting, the reader is told an account from the mind of a ranger. How anyone could infiltrate enemy territory with just six men is still an enigma to me? These men were nothing more than kids, yet they were given the horrific task of seeking and destroying a people in their own backyard. This is not the first book I have read about Vietnam, and yet I still couldn't put it down.

To all you Vietnam Vets reading this, you have my utmost respect!

I find this book very imformative. Having been with a LRRP/RANGER (Echo 50/75) I think that the writer lived it, and knew just what he was talking about. Roadrunner6 out

Having been the first paltoon to go through training at Nha Thrang with the Special Forces once 51st Infantry LRRP was formed. I can honestly say Gary speaks the truth. Many of the incidents recorded in the book were shared with some of my fellow employees where I work at. To my surprise one afternoon, a friend presented me with a copy of the book. Many things that I had related to him were in the book. I am very glad the book was written. I had no idea that the unit was awarded so many awards for valor.

This book is a must for those interested in what really happened in LRP units in Vietnam. The bond that existed among these men and the sacrifices they would make for each other was what the LRP's were all about. Mr. Ford is the only credible author to come out of F/51st LRP, and his book, like those of Kenn Miller, Rey Martinez,Kregg Jorgensen and a small handful of others are must reads if you are either a military history buff, or just want to know the truth.