River Rats [Paperback]

Ralph Christopher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2005

The United States Navy's fight for control of the waters of Southeast Asia By far the greatest contribution of the narrative is the insight it provides into the how's and whys of United States involvement in Vietnam, and the attempt of that involvement to bring freedom to those who were unable to achieve it by their own efforts. We see the United States more as a caretaker and less as a policeman in terms of motivation for its involvement half a world away. And . . . we see the tremendous price paid by those who served to ensure that freedom - ordinary men who, by fate, were thrown together in a strange land, and who fulfilled a part of their destiny, and their Nation's, on the brown water. Weldon Bleiler

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After Ralph Christopher served in Vietnam with the United States Navy, he returned home to Virginia and attended classes at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1982, he graduated the Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood California. He was the oldest student in his class. He is now a veteran performer and recording artist of over thirty years. He lives with his family in Nevada and works with young adults, music, and Veterans affairs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420826905
• ISBN-13: 978-1420826906
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From RET. Commander Kirk Ferguson, CO STABRON-20, September 26, 2006

By 

Ralph W. Christopher Jr. "Ralph Christopher" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: River Rats (Paperback)

"Ralph Christopher's 'RIVER RATS' has captured the essence of his tour of duty in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. Don't miss the impressive artwork design of the PBR churning up a brown water wash of riverine squadron shoulder patches on the book's cover, and the free-hand drawn map of the Mekong Delta on page v with place names we who were there in the early 1970s know but cartographers for National Geographic would not necessarily know. Ralph recounts the progress of the war, the day to day experiences with many of the U.S. Navy sailors, by name, who were all a part of the Brown Water Navy forces fighting a formidable enemy. There are 47 new photographs and all of his recollections are true, the men you meet through Ralph were naval warriors fighting and dying in this hostile environment. Ralph Christopher's narrative moves from often humorous situations to riveting, gut-wrenching firefights where his dialog is that of another Tom Clancy. Every armchair badmiral who served in any war will want this book in his library,"

Fair winds...safe harbors,
Kirk Ferguson
RET USN Commander

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it, August 21, 2005

By 

Sam Eaton "Linh My" (Texas and Viet Nam) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: River Rats (Paperback)

First I did participate in the creation of the book and am acknowledged in it. So I may not be unbiased. I was also there, where and when some of the events described in the book happened. Ralph states that the book is 70% true and 30% "sea stories." Having been involved in fact checking the areas of the book where I had some knowledge, I can honestly say that Ralph has worked very hard to get the facts right. I feel that at least 90% of what is stated as fact in this book can be taken to the bank. The remaining 10% could well be true as well.

Despite Ralph's offer of free copies, I have with my own money bought eight copies. Now when the kids ask, "Daddy. What did you do during the war? I can give them this book. Ralph got it right. What more can you ask?

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, July 10, 2006

By 

Jack Miller (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: River Rats (Paperback)

I was in the military during, but never went to Viet-Nam. I think I am grateful because I don't know how I would have handled it. From talking to others who did go I have learned what some actions were like. Ralph brought to me another aspect I never knew. The river war was fought by heroes. Ralph is one of those heroes. I hold him and his book in very high regard.