Customer Reviews

First Force Recon Company: Sunrise at Midnight

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For students of the Vietnam War, military history, or history generally, I highly recommend "First Force Recon Company: Sunrise at Midnight". This book transports the reader back in time, into the lives and the daring missions tasked to this elite Marine team. The author also provides insightful historical perspective by analyzing how the distant political and diplomatic actions had real, observable impact on the chances for survival of this team of Marines.

It's interesting that the only negative review of this book comes from the only person who failed to give their name - but claimed to be a "Force Recon Marine who was in Vietnam in 1969". I suggest two likely possibilities: (1) this person is not what he or she claimed to be, and / or (2) they have some serious personal problems or agenda that leads them to criticize what is a first hand account of some of the most courageous and skillful Marines in the history of the Vietnam War. If this person can refute the basic accuracy of Bill Peters' book, let's see their book with verifiable facts.

Was I there to verify the facts recounted in "Sunrise at Midnight"? No. But the Recon Marines covered in this book can do so. How do I know this? As a lawyer for one the nation's leading companies, I report to General Counsel Lynn Lowder, who is highlighted in this book and is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star.

Lynn tells me that Bill Peters told it just the way it was. Given Lynn's integrity in the legal and corporate battlefield - I have no doubt that "Sunrise at Midnight" is a credible and accurate retelling of events.

The First Force Recon Marines described in this book have continued to achieve at high levels during the past 30 years. They don't seek egocentric praise for their contributions; quite the opposite. This fine book is clearly written with humility, as a tribute of remembrance to the team - collectively. Hopefully, as time continues to pass, posterity will take note of their extraordinary courage in the face of terrifying adversity, faithfully responding to their nation's call. This book helps us remember and remain grateful.

As a former Force Recon Marine, I am proud that somebody has finally told the story the way it was. I served with many of the people in this book and I have to say that it has certainly been a long time since I had the honor to have worked with such fine people. There hasn't been a day since I left the Company that I have not thought about many of our missions, both good and bad. We were young and all charged up, but it cannot be denied that we were working at our highest potential and we fought to win, when our politicians really didn't know anything about the missions we were undertaking and still don't. RECON is another way to spell TEAM, something many people should learn more about. RECON ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!! Nice job Lt. PETERS. Give me a shout when you have the time. Formerly Sgt. Jim McKee, 1st Force Recon Company, 68-69. MUSK OX 6, OUT!

This book starts off on a college campus with a group of SDS students trying to drive the Marine recruiters away. It was so realistic and it brought back feelings I had long since forgotten. Lt. Peters goes to Nam and joins Force Recon. Contains many insertions deep inside NVA held territory and many close calls in the jungle. Some good firefights. Very difficult to put down in the middle of a mission because you just have to get the team safely back to An Hoa before you can put the book down. A good read. Made me proud I enlisted during the war.

As a fellow patrol leader in First Force, I am well aware of the topics and personnel Bill is profiling in this long-overdue work. First Force was an exceptional group of Marines, enlisted and officer alike. Bill has written an accurate and compelling history about this exceptional group of men who routinely accomplished what most units in Vietnam could never conceive of, must less execute. I am proud to have served alongside such outstanding Marines as Bill and those he discusses in this meaningful and insightful book.

One of the best books on Veitnam I have ever read. I wish Bill Peters would write a couple of more books.

I found Dr. Peters book to be an outstanding account of one of the most under appreciated efforts in American History. Having personally heard other accounts from trustworthy and humble individuals that served in Vietnam, I am assured that this book is factual (despite what some other reviewers may contend). The heroism described in this book is a breath of fresh air in a day when most Americans are only concerned about their own personal gain and have no sense of Country.

We enlisted guys always wondered what the Lieutenants were doing on their time off. That and the overall strategy behind our missions was always a mystery to me.

This is the most accurate book I have read about Force Recon. It's something I would be proud recommending to my friends, family, and survivors of our fallen team mates.

Excellent book about the small recon teams of the marine corps. Highly skilled and trained these small groups of men served as recon elements deep inside enemy territory. They were always outnumbered and outgunned but played a vital role in intelligence gathering missions. I have read many books related to vietnam and rank this as one of the top books I have read.

This is the first book that I've read that was about the vietnam war, and is probably going to be one of the best viestnam books I'll ever read. The guys in this book were like scouts or the eyes of the army. They were alone on those dangerous missions.

Seldom does a book hold my interest in such a way that I am able and willing to read it at one sitting. Although I served in the Army, with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam, I found a genuine interest in this book. It was sent to me by my lifelong friend and fraternity brother (TKE), Lynn Lowder, who is mentioned and pictured generously throughout the book.