Papa Bravo Romeo: U.S. Navy Patrol Boats at War in Vietnam [Mass Market Paperback]

Wynn Goldsmith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2, 2001

"Our mission was independent, no-holds-barred combat against a stubborn enemy in the enemy's backyard."                

In Vietnam, river warfare was often conducted in the dark. It was always dangerous, sometimes fatal--especially in the eastern end of the Cong-plagued Mekong Delta. In 1967, U.S. Navy Lt. Wynn Goldsmith was the "river rat" who led the first MK II PBR patrol boats in brutal combat.

It was a deadly business. These sailors, famous for their courage and combat effectiveness, faced sniper bullets, machine guns, and mines while searching sampans, patrolling treacherous enemy-controlled waterways like Ambush Alley, and rescuing crews from burning boats in the middle of firefights. During the Tet Offensive, Goldsmith's area saw some of the most hotly contested fighting in the entire Mekong Delta. This gripping account is a tribute to these brave men and their agony, sacrifice, and heroism.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Our mission was independent, no-holds-barred combat against a stubborn enemy in the enemy's backyard."                

In Vietnam, river warfare was often conducted in the dark. It was always dangerous, sometimes fatal--especially in the eastern end of the Cong-plagued Mekong Delta. In 1967, U.S. Navy Lt. Wynn Goldsmith was the "river rat" who led the first MK II PBR patrol boats in brutal combat.

It was a deadly business. These sailors, famous for their courage and combat effectiveness, faced sniper bullets, machine guns, and mines while searching sampans, patrolling treacherous enemy-controlled waterways like Ambush Alley, and rescuing crews from burning boats in the middle of firefights. During the Tet Offensive, Goldsmith's area saw some of the most hotly contested fighting in the entire Mekong Delta. This gripping account is a tribute to these brave men and their agony, sacrifice, and heroism.

About the Author

Wynn Goldsmith was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the University of Virginia with a regular Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship. Upon graduation in 1965, he received a regular navy commission and reported to an ocean going minesweeper as Engineering officer. In 1967 he was sent to Vietnam and served with the brown water navy. He led the first combat patrol of the MKII PBR. After Vietnam he served as Assistant for River warfare to the Commander Amphibious Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was released from active duty in December 1969. Service awards include the Bronze Star with combat V; two Navy Commendation medals with combat V; the Purple Heart; Combat Action award; and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Mr. Goldsmith currently is a management analyst with Lockeed-Martin Aeronautical. He lives in Roswell, Georgia, with his wife and two daughters.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st edition (January 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080411921X
• ISBN-13: 978-0804119214
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,065,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent counter to a popular myth..., October 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Papa Bravo Romeo: U.S. Navy Patrol Boats at War in Vietnam (Mass Market Paperback)

Wynn Goldsmith's memoir has interesting personal insights and stories. Seeing the brown water navy from the point of view of junior officer provides for an exceptional perspective. Perhaps the BEST PART of this book is what he does to counter a popular myth that has been perpetuated by recent trends in publishing. Mr. Goldsmith contends that too much has been made of the contribution of SEALs to the TF116 effort. Based on historical numbers of personnel and operations conducted, it is safe to say that the SEALs, while contributing greatly to the war effort, have been over-represented in the book stores. Mr. Goldsmith's book is a fine, personal reminder of what the cold facts already say; most of the sailors who went to Vietnam to fight were regular fleet personnel who volunteered to serve their country in a unique way. Their story needs to be told in books like this. Well done.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT VIETNAM MEMOIR, June 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Papa Bravo Romeo: U.S. Navy Patrol Boats at War in Vietnam (Mass Market Paperback)

A thoroughly engaging account of the US Navy's river patrol boats in the Vietnam War. Gritty with all the varnish off - ranks with the fmous WWII memoir, Those Devils in Baggy Pants. I think the only media recognition of PBR's in VN to date was in Apacolypse Now, right? Should be made into a movie, chop chop!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Navy "River Rat" Warfare in Vietnam, May 25, 2001

By 

Jack J. Edwards (Doraville, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Papa Bravo Romeo: U.S. Navy Patrol Boats in Vietnam (Audio Cassette)

Papa Bravo Romeo audio cassette was most exciting. I felt almost like I was part of the action. When the PBRs (patrol boat river) were on the river, or smaller waterways, I was reluctant to take listening breaks, as I did not want to wait to hear what action might be around the next bend. I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys an action packed story, would like to learn about this type of navy warfare, or to bring back memories of their own war experience. I give Wynn Goldsmith's graphic personal "river rat" Vietnam warfare account a five star rating.