1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book, May 13, 2011
Father Robert Falabella is a Priest at my Parish. I bought three of these books; one for me and one each for my two sons. The book arrived at 1630 hours yesterday and at 0100 hours this morning I had already read through page 112. What a man Father Robert is, a man of honor and integrity that did things in Vietnam that went far and above what was required of a Chaplain! This book should be reprinted! If you desire to know how it was in Vietnam this is the book to read! Sincerely, Robert K. Tucker, RMCS USN (Ret.), Naval Advisory Detachment DaNang, Vietnam 1969 - 1970. I have finished reading this book and in my opinion Father Robert is one remarkable man! As a purchaser of many books from Amazon and an avid reader this is one of the best. I talked with Father Robert a few days ago and he said that he would come to our home for dinner and autograph the books for us. It is my honor to know Father Robert and be a Vietnam Brother in Arms of his. Sincerely, Robert K. Tucker
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful account of a Vietnam tour by a man of the cloth., February 21, 2012
I always enjoy Vietnam memoirs, especially if there is some distance between the time of the tour and the writing of the memoir. The distance allows for reflection and analysis usually gained with the maturing of time. This memoir from J. Robert Falabella, a Catholic priest, is slightly different to the others I've read insomuch as his recounting is not of battles and conditions but more of the men out there doing the fighting.
As a priest, Father Falabella had to wear many hats: Ministerial, Psychological, Parental, Mentor etc ... His duties involved ministering to the men, helping the men reconcile what they were ordered to do with the teachings of their faith along with talking men out of suicide. Amazing year in the war-zone of SE Asia.
Throughout his tour, Falabella endured physically hard conditions but felt that, to get to the men, he had to live like the men. He had a genuine concern for all the young souls thousands of miles from home and loved ones.
He chose to carry a weapon whilst in-country despite there being no mandate that he should. There is a whole page explaining his rationale in making this decision.
All-in-all, you come away from this fast read liking the author and admiring his bravery, concern and sense of duty. He walked the walk unlike so many others who talk the talk.
Though the book itself won't win any literary prizes, it's honest, it's true and very real. I'm glad I read his book, it was a fast read and upon closing it, I wished there was more.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chaplain par excellence, May 8, 2011
This review is from: Vietnam memoirs;: A passage to sorrow,
I was a platoon sergeant with Delta Company, 2d/27th Wolfhounds during the time Fr. Falabella was Catholic chaplain for the 25th Infantry Division. Though I never saw him in the field or anywhere else, he apparently had his hands full ministering to the troops. This book is an honest account of not only the problems faced by the Army chaplaincy during the Vietnam war, but also of Father Robert's personal trials and "heroics" in combat. He might have been the only chaplain ever to carry an M-16 in combat, and this book explains why. Wounded but refusing to take the Purple Heart because it would signify a double standard in his mind, he nonetheless accepted a Silver Star for disarming a suicidal soldier. The book is not in print but can be borrowed on interlibrary loan from larger libraries. It is interesting to note that only four chaplains received the Medal of Honor for heroism in combat, WWII to present. All four were Catholic priests. Had he the opportunity, I'm sure Father Robert would have been the fifth. This book deserves to be reprinted.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
