Customer Reviews

Papa Bravo Romeo: U.S. Navy Patrol Boats at War in Vietnam

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I am the wife of one of the men mentioned in the book. I did not know that he was being in the book plus not everything said about him is true. My husband recieved the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and as results of the wound he recieved he is a paraglegic. I know there is a disclaimer written but in all fairness to the men mentioned I think they should have been contacted. The book tells of the hardships of the men and what they had to encounter but not all is true. Sorry, if I rub anyone wrong.

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 famous WWII memoir, Those Devils in Baggy Pants. I think the only media recognition of PBR's in VN to date was in Apocalypse Now, right? Should be made into a movie, chop chop!

I was a NOC watchstander who served in TRA CU in operation Giant Slingshot which is only mentioned in the end of the book. I can't say weather any of the personal slams and accounts are justifyed. I agree with the previous reviewer that for the most part the various service worked well together with a common purpose. However taking those issues aside, the tempo of the book seemed to accurately describe the battle rythm that was the PBR sailors lot in life.

As a former River Rat myself this book brought back memories for me, as a Vietnam era vet. Mr Goldsmith simply puts it out there the way it was,,,no sugar,,,the facts. The Brown water Navy is a very small and at times mis understood for what its role was in the war and for me also subsequent conflicts.

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.

I served in Nam and Road many a PBR, But This writter was not where I was, I question him even being there. He sounds like a Officer with NO BACK BONE hiding behind a PEN and a Publisher that should have checked his stories prior to print. Where was this guy any book I have ever picked up by PBR or SEA WOLF Vets are just opposite of this mans tales and Boy He Tells some woppers I would like to know what his Brother? PBR guys have to say.

This is another excellent account of one mans tour through vietman.