Customer Reviews

Vietnam, 1969-1970: A Company Commander's Journal (Williams-Ford Texas A&M University Military History Series)

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

 

 

George Orwell said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Lanning is such a rough man--tough-minded, fearless, un-self-doubting. Apart from regret over his fallen men, he has little of what more effete types might call "sensitivity".

This is an insider book. Anyone who has fought in war--especially in the Saigon military region in 1969 and 1970---will have the intensity of that experience brought back. Anyone unschooled in military matters will find the jargon mystifying and the martial swagger off-putting.

Today's Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will be bemused the learn that six months in the field was considered all an Army officer of those days could take.

There are better "how it really was" books for the general public. I would mention Donovan's "Once a Warrior King", Leib's "The Fire Dream", Mason's "Chickenhawk" and Moore and Galloway's "We Were Soldliers Once, and Young".

Lanning wrote a later book called "Vietnam at the Movies", which is excellent. Read it instead.

I served in Delta Company and was there on July 3, 1969 when we were ambushed by the NVA. Lt. Lanning's descriptions of that day are exactly the way it happened. He mentioned Mike Folland (winner of the Medal of Honor that day). I was his squad leader and will never forget the bravery I saw that day, not only from Michael, but many others. I know that Lt. Lanning is in poor health. My prayers are with him. Buy the book.

The first book, that goes with this one is; The Only War We Had. Both these books are a compelling read, and I enjoyed them very much. The author writes directly from his journals keep during his 12 months in VN. He quotes the journal day by day and then expands on that from his memories of the events. His memory is reenforced by letters to his beloved wife.

As a vet myself (91b20) I really enjoyed this book, but being an enlisted man, I am reminded this is written by an officer.

That's not meant to be criticism, just an observation. It sounds like he was a remarkable officer.

And excellent history of man and his commands. I'm really glad I read it. I noticed he has made some TV appearances on the history channel. I assume as an expert on VN., makes me want to watch for those.

Thanks for your service Col.!