Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon [Hardcover]

Albin F. Irzyk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 2008

Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon, the latest work by retired Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, recounts the harrowing events that occurred in Saigon during the notorious TET Offensive of 1968. Irzyk, as the leader of Headquarters Area Command (HAC) in Saigon, was the city s unofficial Military Mayor, and was at the heart of the action in Saigon when the Viet Cong forces launched attacks all over Vietnam in the midst of that nation s greatest holiday. Though taken by surprise, the forces that Irzyk commanded, none of whom were trained for tactical engagement, rose to the occasion and courageously helped prevent VC attackers from taking control of key installations in the capital city. Many of these brave men have gone unrecognized for many years, but Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon corrects that grave error by highlighting their amazingly bold deeds. From the U.S. Embassy to dark, dangerous alleys, numerous battles took place in the middle of Saigon. Many soldiers fought. Some were wounded. Others perished. Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon will help ensure that they are never forgotten. Cover photo by Don Hirst

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (Ret.) fought WWII in Europe as a twenty-seven year old tank battalion commander in the famed 4th Armored Division, which spearheaded General Patton's Third Army all across Europe. He was twice wounded, for which he received two Purple Hearts. He commanded the 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment along the Iron Curtain at maximum alert during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. From 1967 to 1969, he served in Vietnam. Among his decorations for valor, he holds four Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, and the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism. He has been married to Evelyn for sixty-one years. They have three children, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. They reside in Florida.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Ivy House Publishing Group; First Edition edition (August 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571974881
• ISBN-13: 978-1571974884
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,254,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable addition to Vietnam War history, February 26, 2010

By 

Donald A. Hirst (Catonsville, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon (Hardcover)

First of all, some disclosure here: I am not exactly an unbiased source since one of the photos I shot that day, when I was a young Army photographer, is on the cover of this book and several others appear inside. But it is an undisputed fact that the 716th Military Police Battalion saved Saigon during the first bitterly fought hours of the 1968 Tet Offensive, as did other members of Headquarters Area Command. Gen. Irzyk, our commander during those difficult times, tells a much-overlooked story of how that happened. Tet has often been compared to the 1944 Battle of the Bulge, and therein lies a particular irony insofar as it concerns this book and its author. Bastogne was relieved by the 4th Armored Division in December 1944, and Gen. Irzyk, then a 20-something major in command of one of the division's armored battalions, spearheaded that historic accomplishment. In 2009, he attended a ceremony in Belgium that honored his role in the battle -- and which saw a plaza named after him. Although well north of 90 years of age at that time, in the photos he sent me, he still looked very sharp in his dress blues. This book holds an honored place in my extensive collection of military history. You should have a copy, too.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars V.P. Tom 716 Vietnam Reunion Inc., November 19, 2009

By 

Thomas J. Malotke "716 MP Vietnam" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon (Hardcover)

I was at the American Embassy during TET 1968. We new General Irzyk along with General Westmorland. We have about 2300 members of the 716,527 and attachments on our roster. This book sets the rcord straight and validates our purpose and loses.We are greatful to our cadre for our saving of many lives and defense of Saigon. Special thanks to General Irzyk.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A solid addition to any military collection or for military readers, October 10, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon (Hardcover)

The Vietnam war is not regarded as a war of heroes, but that doesn't mean there weren't any. "Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon" tells of just one of these events where heroes were made. Brigadier General Albin E. Irzyk served as an unofficial mayor of Saigon, and he tells his story of how he lead his men in an epic defense of Saigon against the oncoming Viet Cong. A story of heroics in an unheroic time, "Unsung Heroes, Saving Saigon" is a solid addition to any military collection or for military readers.