Brown Water, Black Berets [Paperback]

Thomas J. Cutler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1989

Now, for the first time ever, the electrifying story of the most unique and frightening war ever fought on water is finally told. From the Navy's early fleet of Oriental junks to the final withdrawal of U.S. troops, the incredible experiences of the Black Berets and their Vietnamese sailors are brought vividly to life. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Cutler reminds us that 1.8 million Navy and Coast Guard troops served in Vietnam (2670 killed in action), with most of the casualties sustained in coastal or riverine operations. Himself a veteran of brownwater action, the author presents a stirring collection of unit histories that starts with the arrival of the first U.S. naval adviser in Saigon in 1964 and ends in 1972 when the last American naval bases were turned over to the South Vietnamese. He chronicles the genesis and operations of Task Forces 115, 116, 117i.e., the Coastal Surveillance Force, the River Patrol Force and the Mobile Riverine Force. Most of the action consisted of small-craft interdiction patrols. Readers will find that, with one or two exceptions, the action reported here is low-keyed in comparison to most infantry-oriented books about the Vietnam war, but Cutler, who teaches at the Naval Academy, is primarily interested in publicizing the overall contribution of these special task forces, which was considerable.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This is a well-written journalistic account of some of those men in small boats who fought and died on the canals and rivers in Vietnam. Cutler writes from personal experience and interviews, paying particular attention to the human side of the war. There is little of the broad context within which these events took place, nor much criticism. The information is reliable, and some of the stories are gripping in their action. From books like this, the definitive history will be written. Illustrations not seen. For libraries with special interests in the Navy and Vietnam. Edward Gibson, Alderson Broaddus Coll. Lib., Philippi, W. Va.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 393 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (September 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671672800
• ISBN-13: 978-0671672805
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,379,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for ALL Sailors and Naval/Warfare Historians, January 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Brown Water, Black Berets: Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam (Hardcover)

As a modern day "River Rat," I started reading this book, while waiting to kick off that little invasion down in Panama, affectionately known as "Operation Just Cause" in Dec 1989, and managed to finish reading it in between "Brown Water & coastal Patrols." It's hard to put down once you start reading, and CDR Cutler does this small, sub-community of Navy Special Warfare Sailors justice (pretty unique thing to do for an officer). It's the roots & history of the U.S.N.'s "Brown Water Navy", the combat tactics and actions that are still in use to this date. I highly recommend this literature work to any person(s) that's interested in the Navy, and the and the personnel that forged the Brown Water Navy's history in the volatile rivers, canals and coast line of Viet Nam. A true reflection of courage, human spirit and dedication in the most adverse conditions. PBR= Proud, Brave & Reliable! Keep the Faith

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fine military history..., October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Brown Water, Black Berets: Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam (Bluejacket Paperback Series) (Paperback)

An excellent and highly informative narrative of the nearly unknown world of the United States Navy's small craft fleet in Vietnam. A fine reminder to the sailors of today that individual heroism in a war fought with the machine gun and not missles is part of the recent naval tradition. If anyone can say they followed the path of John Paul Jones and went into harm's way, these sailors can, and LCDR Cutler has told their story well.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, factual account of the "River Rats"!, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brown Water, Black Berets (Paperback)

I was in the Naval Advisory Group at the same time as LCDR Cutler and I know where he's coming from. He did a great job of research. I'm really surprised at the volume of good factual info he managed to scrape up! BRAVO ZULU from an ex advisor at Rach Soi, Qui Nhon and Cam Ranh Bay.