Force Recon Command [Mass Market Paperback]

Alex Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 1996

THE A SHAU VALLEYWHERE THE NVA WAS KING . . .
In order to prevent surprise attacks on U.S. forces as they were pulling out of Vietnam, someone had to be able to pinpoint the NVA's movements. That dangerous job was the assignment of then-major Alex Lee and the Marines of the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company when he assumed command in late 1969. They became the tip of the spear for Lt. Gen. Herman Nickerson's III MAF. And each time one of Lee's small, well-motivated, well-led, and wildly outnumbered teams was airlifted into the field, the men never knew if the day would end violently.
But whether tracking NVA movements, recovering downed air crews, or making bomb-damage assessments after B-52 strikes, Major Lee's Few Good Men never forgot who they were: Each of them was in Vietnam to live like a Marine, win like a Marine, and, if need be, die like a Marine.
Forthright and unabashed, Lieutenant Colonel Lee leaves no controversy untouched and no awe-inspiring tale untold in this gripping account of 3rd Force Recon's self-sacrifice and heroic achievement in the face of overwhelming odds.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

THE A SHAU VALLEYWHERE THE NVA WAS KING . . .
In order to prevent surprise attacks on U.S. forces as they were pulling out of Vietnam, someone had to be able to pinpoint the NVA's movements. That dangerous job was the assignment of then-major Alex Lee and the Marines of the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company when he assumed command in late 1969. They became the tip of the spear for Lt. Gen. Herman Nickerson's III MAF. And each time one of Lee's small, well-motivated, well-led, and wildly outnumbered teams was airlifted into the field, the men never knew if the day would end violently.
But whether tracking NVA movements, recovering downed air crews, or making bomb-damage assessments after B-52 strikes, Major Lee's Few Good Men never forgot who they were: Each of them was in Vietnam to live like a Marine, win like a Marine, and, if need be, die like a Marine.
Forthright and unabashed, Lieutenant Colonel Lee leaves no controversy untouched and no awe-inspiring tale untold in this gripping account of 3rd Force Recon's self-sacrifice and heroic achievement in the face of overwhelming odds.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (September 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804110239
• ISBN-13: 978-0804110235
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.9 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #851,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Asia > Southeast Asia
  • #32 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > World > 20th Century
  • #89 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > History > Military > Vietnam War

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Factual, I was there, October 9, 2001

By 

Steve Parrish (Green Cove Springs, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Force Recon Command (Mass Market Paperback)

Sir, Your accounting of the abilities of our teams brought back so many memories. The price we had to pay is still so unknown to so many. I carry the memory of my friend and teammate Sgt.A.Garcia with me every day. I am proud that I had the honor to serve under you and with men like him. For those who fought for it freedom has a taste the protected will never know.
Doc Parrish 3rd. Force Recon 1969-1970

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable men, passing too soon from our lives..., September 6, 2001

By 

TD Midgette (Vienna, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Force Recon Command (Mass Market Paperback)

I believe this is a very balanced work, and sets forth a compelling remembrance of the good and great men who served under unspeakable conditions, and gained little by it for themselves but silent honor.

I bought and read this book, after returning from the funeral of my friend's father, Lt. Col. Buck Coffman, this past weekend (1 Sept., '01). Col. Coffman was a fascinating, remarkable man who served his nation well. Sometimes, perhaps, better than it's people deserved. I knew him apart from his role as warrior (though ALWAYS a Marine), and he set a standard to aspire to, as a man and as Man. He was loved truly by his family and friends.

At his memorial service, I had the privelege of meeting the author, Col. Lee, as well as Maj. Norton, Col. Morris, Gen. Gray and several of the other courageous men who served with them in the Marines; men written of in this book. Each and every one of them impressed me with their intelligence, decency and honor, and for the love they so obviously share for one another.

I am now starting on Doc Norton's Force Recon Diaries. I am very grateful to the men who write these books. We should always remember that giants DO walk the earth. I'm honored to have spent a time, even but a moment, in the shadow of one.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Range Patrolling by the Marines, February 12, 2004

By 

Thomas H. Savery (Loganville, Ga) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Force Recon Command (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a great book by Alex Lee that describes his experiences commanding a Marine recon company near the DMZ in 1969-70.
He does and excellent job describing the perils of even getting to his assigned position at the time, as different personnel shops wanted to Shanghi him for other duties. Only appeals to the commanding general in his area got him to his post.
His group was an outcast outfit that had to scrounge for equipment. He had fights with rear echelon people to get adequate gear and air support. He had one Lt. that turned out to be a coward and almost caused many other casualties. He was gotten rid of, and later, back in the states found that the Lt was about to be made Cpt. He described what had happened, and the person resigned from the Marines.
He had 6 person teams inserted to do recon work. Some headquarters people thought that 8 person teams were better, ignoring the fact that only 6 can be put on one chopper.
He was given direct orders to put in 8 man teams, and just ignored them.
A Col Patton even said his men were liars when they reported trucks at Ashau. Later, truck parts were taken from Ashau and presented to the Col's assistant, as Col Patton was not there.

Maj Lee had to scrounge supplies from the Army, Air Force, Navy, the CIA, and even rations from the Australians.
The bravery of the helicopter pilots is described in some detail. He rode with one pilot on a mission that got the pilot the Navy Cross. Maj Lee got no award, even though he was right behind the pilot the whole time.
Maj Lee went on several missions himself, so has detail memory of those events. A tiger was around on one of their patrols, keeping everyone awake.
The lack of security of B-52 missions was discussed. Many were wasted as the North Vietnamese were told days in advance that a target was to be bombed, so they got out of the way.
Effects of B-52 raids is described, as his unit went to see the after affects of the bombings in his sector. When they did hit something, the carnage was great.
The book describes a group of very brave men, doing a very difficult mission. They knew that the U.S. was pulling out of Vietnam, and could have coasted, but did not.