Through the Valley: Vietnam, 1967-1968 [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

James F. Humphries (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 335 pages
• Publisher: Lynne Rienner Pub (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555878210
• ISBN-13: 978-1555878214
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #600,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone claiming to know VN combat history., October 16, 1999

By 

Gary L. Noller ([e-mail]) (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Valley: Vietnam, 1967-1968 (Hardcover)

Humphries is extrememly qualified to document the day-to-day action in the Que Son and Hiep Duc valleys of northern I Corps. He has researched the official files to glean the fine details of the units involved in fierce action against the Viet Cong and NVA.

Adding to this scholarly research, Humphries has first hand accounts of the men that fought it out with a persistent and fierce enemy. Their stories tell of the cost that was paid in the effort to secure the South Vietnamese countryside.

A special treat is the numerous maps and sketches that show the movements of the opposing forces. Paired with the gripping descriptions of those who were there, THROUGH THE VALLEY fulfills the need for the truthful telling of the sacrifices made by American soldiers in this costly war.

Every soldier that fought in Vietnam should have his story told. Humphries helps complete this necessary effort. This book is a must read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way combat really is..., August 11, 1999

By 

LtCol W.C.Curtis USMC Ret.([e-mail]) (Mission, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Valley: Vietnam, 1967-1968 (Hardcover)

After viewing movies, watching televsion, and reading novels, most Americans have a completely distorted picture of what the day-to-day life was like for real warriors actually engaged in combat in Vietnam.

Colonel James f. Humphries, who served as a infantry company commander for nearly a full tour before he was seriously wounded, gives us a superior work on what real fighting is about for the soldiers at the squad, platoon and company level...where real war goes on.

Rarely inserting himself into the narrative, he uses extensive interviews with soldiers of all ranks to insure that the real story is told. Additionally, he combines that with painstaking research to assure the facts are right.

The result is a book that you'll rarely find on Vietnam. A work that tells the unvarnished truth. It is a must for real warriors, or people that want to understand what real warriors do.

Colonel Humphries brings a full "ruck" of experience to this superior story. He served as an enlisted paratrooper in the 101st prior to Vietnam, and being commissioned served mainly with soldiers at the "pointy" end of the Army's spear. He went back to Vietnam and served in the same battalion as in his first tour...at his own insistence. No "staffie" he.

Avoid the smoke and mirrors of less authenic works. Go for the real deal. I did, and I'm most grateful to read a book that is true to the way it really was.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Candor and truth about a not yet told Vietnam battlefield., September 4, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Valley: Vietnam, 1967-1968 (Hardcover)

Candor and truth imbued with wonderfully woven metaphors tells a story yet tackled about the most critical years of the Vietnam war; 1967 and 1968. Well researched and documented by those who were there is the manner in which Colonel Humphries has preserved, immortality, a part of the Vietnam War that has long been forgotten.

Gut wrenchingly honest and soul penetratingly provocative this true story chronicles events validated by over 50 soldiers interviewed that were there with Captain Humphries about an intensely controlled territory of the formidable North Vietnamese Army. A soldier's story about soldiers; what they are confronted with and how they overcome it in combat. This important book addresses all battle field conditions from survival, to being captured to being wounded.

For me, a fellow soldier, the journey into the thought process of a battlefield commander at company level was mesmerizing, insightful and validating of the importance of good leadership at the working level. Humphries describes countless situations were the commander made the ultimate difference of life or death.

In his low key, metaphorically enriched writing style, Colonel Humphries unfolds the situation on the battlefield on both sides; enemy and friendly. He adds to that a smattering of thought processes and decision-making at all levels of command from Private to the Colonel and grippingly tells it, 'like it is'.

His unique approach of weaving survival in with accomplishing the mission captivates the reader. Closeness to his men and a few select officers dominate his leadership style. This is a lesson for senior commanders to think about their commands because the subordinate will execute the command with vigor. They have the fate of the men in their hands.

In the eye of the enemy Humphries battlefield tactics were calculated and dynamic allowing the company to accomplish the mission. From a ground pounder's view, the foot soldier is seen at his craft, surviving and charging ahead as directed.

There were no drugs or liquor or fooling around, probably because these fighting men had no time. Their concern was fighting for their very survival. There has been little written about this critical battle-ground. I submit for the same reason; there was no time.

Well done, Colonel Humphries, lets see more books with your witting descriptive story weaving. I'm sure there is more for you to tell the world about soldiers. Thanks for a job well done.