Customer Reviews

Lima-6: A Marine Company Commander in Vietnam

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

 

 

Very even and factual account. I would encourage persons interested in USMC history to read this account of one man's perspective of events that occured in the second half of 1967, in I Corps. I have to tell you that I am slightly prejudiced: Captain Camp was my Company Commander in Viet Nam. He is the one against whom all others are judged. Skipper Camp is not only the finest Officer I encountered in the Marine Corps but, also, a real human being.

A tremendous book recounting battles, fire-fights, ambushes, as well as the challenges of leading 18 and 19 year old marines in war time. Gives a good idea about the physical hardships and danger that our men encountered in Vietam. Capt. Camp also admits near the ending that he was "very, very, glad to get out of Vietnam." An honest insight !

I think I've read most of the Vietnam "been there, done that" books, but most are not that well written. Lima 6, right up there with A Rumor of War, is one of the clear exceptions. So much so, I'd say if you only read one book about Marine grunts in Vietnam, this is the book I recommend. Camp didn't write this book for his own glory. In fact, he goes out of his way to tell the truth about the heroism of others--his Lieutenants, his NCOs, his Corporals and Privates. An excerpt from a fire fight in Leatherneck Square below the DMZ: "And before my disbelieving eyes--the NVA fire was as heavy at it had ever been--Sergeant Brown stood, then took off his flak jacket and helmet because he couldn't throw the grenades far enough with them on. I was stunned--too scared for Brown--to do anything but watch." The heroics of Sergeant Brown continue for a couple of pages, just one of the many examples of the courage of the Marines Camp commanded. Then there is Khe Sanh. If you've ever wondered what happened to the massive NVA ground assault planned against the Marines at Khe Sanh--the assault that never happened--here is the true story of why it didn't happen, here is the answer to your question. And once again, it's a young Marine who does his job and defeats the enemy. I'd say read this book for that story alone. Amazing.

I lost several nights' sleep because of this book! Once begun, it is hard to put down. The author did a good job painting a picture of the highs and lows of war. No punches were pulled in this honest portrayal of a USMC company commander in the Vietnam War.