Operation Tuscaloosa [Mass Market Paperback]

John Culbertson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 1997

THE MATCHLESS COURAGE OF U.S. MARINES UNDER FIRE

In 1967, Operation Tuscaloosa sent 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines into the hostile Song Thu Bon valley. Their mission: to exterminate the Viet Cong. But a sandbar island in the river quickly became an island of death for the Marines who lay trapped there, pinned under merciless enemy fire. Seventeen would die. And that was just the beginning. . . .

As point man for the lead squad of Hotel Company, 2/5, Marine John Culbertson tells the full bloody story of the battle that wiped out nearly an entire battalion of crack VC troops. OPERATION TUSCALOOSA gives full honors to the final sacrifice of the young Marines who made that victory possible.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

THE MATCHLESS COURAGE OF U.S. MARINES UNDER FIRE

In 1967, Operation Tuscaloosa sent 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines into the hostile Song Thu Bon valley. Their mission: to exterminate the Viet Cong. But a sandbar island in the river quickly became an island of death for the Marines who lay trapped there, pinned under merciless enemy fire. Seventeen would die. And that was just the beginning. . . .

As point man for the lead squad of Hotel Company, 2/5, Marine John Culbertson tells the full bloody story of the battle that wiped out nearly an entire battalion of crack VC troops. OPERATION TUSCALOOSA gives full honors to the final sacrifice of the young Marines who made that victory possible.

About the Author

John J. Culbertson served with Hotel Company, 2/5, 1st Marine Division, at An Hoa, Republic of Vietnam, from December 1966 to July 1967. Mr. Culbertson served as a Marine Rifleman, MOS 0311, on Operation Tuscaloosa. He completed 1st MarDiv Sniper School in Da Nang, where he earned the secondary MOS 8541. He was wounded in action, earning three Purple Hearts. He was also awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, and multiple expert rifleman badge awards. Mr. Culbertson received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1971 at the rank of sergeant.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books (April 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804115656
• ISBN-13: 978-0804115650
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,033,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fox 2/5 1967, February 27, 2000

By 

Donald R. Grace (Cincinnati, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Operation Tuscaloosa (Mass Market Paperback)

I was one of the original 2/5 marines that was there on operation tuscaloosa. H Co. was on the right and F Co. on the left. After reading this book, it brought back very vivid memories. I can assure the readers it's very accurate in detail.I know everything cannot be put into a book, but the events he describes did take place. I am glad that someone put this operation into words. I wish someone would tell the rest of the story of 2/5 Fox at the coalmines. Thank You Mr. Culbertson

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Brother, August 1, 2001

By 

Melinda Bell (Gallatin, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Operation Tuscaloosa (Mass Market Paperback)

I have not completed the book yet. I never met my brother. All I had were letters sent to my mother to read. In this book it mentions my brother and it also answers a 35 year old question. To me, this book has brought a part of my brother to me. I have also purchased A Sniper In The Arizona. Thank you Mr. Culbertson..

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll Never forget January 26, 1967, August 21, 2000

By 

Ronald R. Willoughby (North Olmsted, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Operation Tuscaloosa (Mass Market Paperback)

It was like reliving Tuscaloosa all over again. As I was reading Johns book I could almost close my eyes and tell you what was on the next page. I was there with my face in the sand trying to servive. And I am extremely proud of the way my fellow Brother wrote our story. The reality even allowed me to see the young marines faces that I now will never forget. Thank you john Culbertson for an excellent, excellent accounting of times that should never been forgotten, nor the young Marines who laid down their lives that day. Semper Fi