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Semper Cool: One Marine's Fond Memories of Vietnam Hardcover – December 1, 2010

by Barry Fixler (Author)

2,637 ratings

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Semper Cool is the wrenching, sometimes hilarious and always thought-provoking true story of a mischievous teenager who enlists in the U.S. Marine Corps seeking adventure and his father's approval and finds both, plus more danger than he ever could have imagined. With its vivid imagery, Semper Cool thrusts readers into a grunt's-eye view of the blood, guts, tears and laughter of war, as told by a Marine who returned home a man and a patriot. Be prepared to laugh and cry and ultimately thank God for the men and women willing to risk their lives for the freedoms that so many Americans enjoy.

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Print length

320 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Exalt Press
Publication date

December 1, 2010
Dimensions

6 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches
ISBN-10

0982518404
ISBN-13

978-0982518403

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Many Vietnam veterans look back in anger on their wartime experiences, but Fixler, who endured one of the bloodiest battles of the war, isn't one of them. The gruesome 77 days he spent defending an isolated hilltop near the border with North Vietnam forms the core of this nostalgic memoir. Growing up in a predominately middle-class Jewish neighborhood, Fixler was dazzled by his father's stories of WWII and volunteered for Vietnam to earn his respect. As a teen, Fixler got into his fair share of trouble and that cockiness seeps into these pages. Arrival at the Marine Corps' Parris Island boot camp is compared to "being thrown into a Nazi concentration camp." He celebrates his sexual escapades and never sugarcoats the nasty business of war; he'd do "everything again in heartbeat." Yet as wistful as he is about the "discipline" and "camaraderie" of the Corps, he's unrelenting in his scorn for the soldiers who return in psychological pieces, suggesting that soldiers should just get used to killing. Nowhere near the league of We Were Soldiers Once...and Young, Fixler is nonetheless an intriguing, rare bird: a man who survived "hell in the raw" without a trace of trauma-or remorse.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Review

This is a powerful and raw book about one man's experience of war in Vietnam. It is unflinching, direct and scary on several different levels. --John D., layersofthought.net

Your stories of combat are timeless and will resonate with warriors across the generations... I am heartened for our nation that this story will remind everyone of you who answered our nation's call. --General James N. Mattis, USMC, commander in chief, U.S. Central Command

No book to date covers a Marine's journey before during and after the Vietnam conflict with so much depth, understanding and passion as Barry Fixler's Semper Cool. His book is a page turner. The pride and brotherhood of the Marine Corps is the star of this great human story. Welcome home brothers. -- --Captain Dan Lauria, USMC (Ret.), AKA Jack Arnold, The Wonder Years

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Exalt Press; First Edition (December 1, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0982518404
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982518403
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.44 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches

Customer Reviews:
2,637 ratings

About the author

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Barry Fixler

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Barry Fixler is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968 and fought on Hill 861-A during the legendary Siege of Khe Sanh. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1973, Fixler used the G.I. Bill to finance his undergraduate degree from the Gemological Institute of America and joined his father in the jewelry business. Today he lives with his wife Linda in Bardonia, N.Y., where he owns Barry’s Estate Jewelry.

Barry received national notoriety after successfully defending his life and jewelry store against two would-be armed robbers on Valentine’s Day 2005. The point blank shootout was captured by a security camera and was made into a segment for truTV's Most Shocking Videos series. The raw footage of the gunfight is also a popular video on YouTube, which you can find by visiting the Semper Cool Web site: SemperCool.com

Barry has long been aware of his good fortune and has made a point of sharing it. He has aided numerous wounded Marines and soldiers, to whom his loyalties are obvious, but has also helped people who have had no connections to the military. In recognition of his good citizenship and humanitarian efforts, Barry was named 2009 Veteran of the Year by the Rockland County Veterans Coordinating Council.

Barry is donating all of his royalties from Semper Cool to physically wounded combat veterans and the families of our fallen warriors. You can learn more about Barry’s foundation, The Barry Fixler Foundation, and monitor the progress of his million dollar goal on his Web site: SemperCool.com.

Barry welcomes all feedback and questions.

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Customer reviews

2,637 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read, with captivating and unforgettable stories that provide a real and informative narration of the Vietnam War. The writing is well-crafted with natural word flow, and customers appreciate its honest and emotional content, with one review noting how it sheds light on lifelong friendships. Customers describe the author as a true hero and appreciate the book's humor, with one review highlighting how it maintains a sense of humor and hope throughout.

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Readability Story quality Written content Insight Honesty Patriotism Humor Emotional content

254 customers mention "Readability"251 positive3 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, particularly noting it is great for Americans and veterans. One customer mentions it is among the best books about the Vietnam War they have read.

"...It is good to read about how the Marine Corps shaped Fixler into a fine citizen instead of hearing all the negatives of war..." Read more

"This book was a joy to read...." Read more

"...I can relate to many of the author's experiences and feelings. Good book, written with sincere, deep feelings and reverence...." Read more

"This is one if the best memoirs I've ever read. One thing that is really important to me when I read a memoir is author authenticity...." Read more

106 customers mention "Story quality"102 positive4 negative

Customers find the book's stories captivating and unforgettable, describing them as an amazing account of memories.

"...But Barry Fixler's book has really opened my eyes to situations and a whole era of history I never really considered...." Read more

"...I like the way he intertwined chapters about his home life in NY along the way. I was able to better understand him as a human...." Read more

"...Good book, written with sincere, deep feelings and reverence. Fine American veteran." Read more

"...It is an incredible book, and I enjoyed it very much. It was also thought-provoking, in a good way...." Read more

93 customers mention "Written content"87 positive6 negative

Customers find the book well written, describing it as an easy-to-read memoir with a natural word flow.

"...I'm happy that Fixler has written this book - Like I said earlier, all the proceeds go to a good cause, and if that isn't enough to get you to buy..." Read more

"...Good book, written with sincere, deep feelings and reverence. Fine American veteran." Read more

"...Most importantly, everything I read in it had a voice of 100% honesty. Now I can't say if everything in this book is true...." Read more

"...With all it's rough language, the type of language someone would expect in the highly intense atmosphere of a combat zone, Semper Cool: One Marine..." Read more

80 customers mention "Insight"80 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's informative narration of the Vietnam war, with one customer describing it as a very human journey into battle.

"...It's cool to read the honest story of a Vietnam veteran who is proud of his country and wants to help his country...." Read more

"...He accurately describes his combat experiences and how he and his comrades would move on to survive another day after near brushes with death...." Read more

"...didn't portray himself as any kind of a hero, but rather a fortunate survivor of the war who escaped with arms, legs, and no psychological trauma...." Read more

"...a good lesson; however, there were a number of other good lessons woven throughout the book...." Read more

45 customers mention "Honesty"45 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the honesty of the book, describing it as truthful and real, with one customer noting it is told in an objective way.

"...you're not a VietNam vet, I think this book will give you an honest and accurate view of what it was like to be a young man in the midst of war...." Read more

"...One thing that is really important to me when I read a memoir is author authenticity. I don't want to be lied to...." Read more

"...He does an excellent job of describing what we experienced, but more importantly, what we felt, all those years ago. Read it, you won't be sorry...." Read more

"...It's a true accounting of the horrors they faced and the high cost of this war...." Read more

25 customers mention "Patriotism"25 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's patriotism, describing him as a true hero with exemplary character.

"...Mr. Fixler has done something spectacular, though. His character is exemplary, in the manner of most combat vets that I have had the privilege to..." Read more

"...he manages to keep his sense or humor and hope, and seems like a very positive person. I don't want to spoil any plot or stories...." Read more

"Coming from a fellow marine I loved the stories. This guy is top notch and really makes you feel like you're right there...." Read more

"...hand account of the authors Vietnam experience, marine pride, never-ending patriotism and gratitude to those who paid the price for their country..." Read more

22 customers mention "Humor"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, with stories that make them laugh and keep their sense of humor and hope throughout.

"...It contains a bit of humor as well ; but it never strays far from the theme and the reader is drawn in to the stories that often tell of heartbreak,..." Read more

"...At times humorous (one story regarding a patrol had me rolling on the floor, I was laughing so hard) and at times dramatic and wrenching, there can..." Read more

"...A great story, with good flow and entertaining at times." Read more

"...Other parts of his book are funny and tell of his days after Viet Nam and his growth as a former Marine who helps a disabled Vet and his family...." Read more

14 customers mention "Emotional content"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with one review highlighting its portrayal of lifelong friendships among infantry combat veterans.

"...More importantly, Fixler sheds light on the lifelong friendships that were forged between men who fought for survival on a daily basis...." Read more

"...Good book, written with sincere, deep feelings and reverence. Fine American veteran." Read more

"...survivor of the war who escaped with arms, legs, and no psychological trauma...." Read more

"A great and quick read that will have you laughing at times and teary eyed in others...." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

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Kyle West
Amazing Story
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2011
Verified Purchase

I'm not one to read war books, or even autobiographies, really. But Barry Fixler's book has really opened my eyes to situations and a whole era of history I never really considered. I'm a young guy, so I didn't really live in that time period, and I have never experienced combat. What I know about the Vietnam comes from school, and that's not all that much. But reading a personal firsthand account of it that does not hold back on the honesty has helped me understand, at least little better, what it was like for Vietnam veterans who fought for our country.

The writing and the story are very well done. It is clear and to the point, and never lets up on the excitement. While you get the personal side of the story, you also get background and feel like you're there and see just a small taste of how intense and horrifying the Vietnam War was. Added to that is Fixler's unique perspective on the war. Whenever I hear about the Vietnam War, even today, I just know that it wasn't that popular and when anyone ever says anything about it, it's negative. Fixler's perspective has given me another way to look at it - even something as horrible as a war can make someone stronger and a better person.

We see this in Fixler's life following the war. His experience in Vietnam led him to raise $100,000 for a disabled Iraqi War veteran who the government would not help. It has led him to give all the proceeds from this book to helping disabled veterans. It is good to read about how the Marine Corps shaped Fixler into a fine citizen instead of hearing all the negatives of war (and there are plenty of negatives), which can get tiresome sometimes.

It's cool to read the honest story of a Vietnam veteran who is proud of his country and wants to help his country. I have to say that such an attitude is very rare in today's society. I'm happy that Fixler has written this book - Like I said earlier, all the proceeds go to a good cause, and if that isn't enough to get you to buy the book, then the story alone and unique perspective it brings should be enough. I bought it a few hours ago and couldn't put it down, finishing it in one sitting.

Very well done, and I wish the best for this book and that it reaches a very wide audience.

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3 people found this helpful

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John L. Gonzales
An accurate and unselfish memoir
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2011
Verified Purchase
This book was a joy to read. I was also in VietNam from 3/67 thru 4/68 with the 3rdMarDiv, so I have a special appreciation for the way Mr Fixler shared his memories.
Fixler doesn't dwell on himself, but instead brings the reader along to meet the different people whom he met and interacted with along the way. He accurately describes his combat experiences and how he and his comrades would move on to survive another day after near brushes with death. This book is thoughtfully laid out and has no dead spots that lull you into boredom. I like the way he intertwined chapters about his home life in NY along the way. I was able to better understand him as a human.
I have a Kindle, but in this particular case, I just had to have a hard copy of this book. If you're a VietNam vet, I think you'll really enjoy this book. It isn't a macho, war stories book. If you're not a VietNam vet, I think this book will give you an honest and accurate view of what it was like to be a young man in the midst of war. More importantly, Fixler sheds light on the lifelong friendships that were forged between men who fought for survival on a daily basis. Lastly, I have the deepest respect for Mr Fixler after reading this book. Not just for his service, but also for his humanitarian side in today's world. The guy is giving proceeds from this book to veterans who may need help and he continues his tireless efforts in that endeavor on a daily basis. In closing, I'll say that I'm glad he shot that MF'er who tried to rob him (read the book) during a jewelry store heist. Semper Fi to all my USMC brothers who served in VietNam!

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8 people found this helpful

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Major T
Bonded in War, Brothers Forever
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Barry Fixler's remembrances of his Vietnam war experiences helps one realize what makes being a Marine a unique, life-long experience based on pride, brotherhood, bonding, tradition and the spirit of "semper fi." Barry volunteered for the Marines as the Vietnam war was heating up and the draft was on full steam ahead. He looked forward to combat with fear and trepidation but found comfort and support from the veteran members of his unit who became his mentors. As he matured into a experience combat warrior his leadership and heroism was recognized in early promotion. The siege of Khe Sanh was Barry's crucible and bonded him for life with those he fought with so valiantly. His experiences after the war reflect the sincere patriotism Mr. Fixler was branded with and his efforts to aid wounded warriors are inspirational. As a Vietnam veteran (Air Force, Bien Hoa. 1968) I can relate to many of the author's experiences and feelings. Good book, written with sincere, deep feelings and reverence. Fine American veteran.

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One person found this helpful

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The Cool Guy
Fantastic Memoir!
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2016
Verified Purchase
This is one if the best memoirs I've ever read. One thing that is really important to me when I read a memoir is author authenticity. I don't want to be lied to. I've read memoirs before that seem exaggerated, or even completely fabricated. I am very happy to say that "Semper Cool" does not fit into those categories!

It is an incredible book, and I enjoyed it very much. It was also thought-provoking, in a good way. Most importantly, everything I read in it had a voice of 100% honesty. Now I can't say if everything in this book is true. But I can say that this author has done an awesome job when it comes to authenticity. Because things you read in this all strike the right chords when it comes to the history.

This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it! I've bought a hardcopy to give to father, who is also a Vietnam veteran. Two of his best friends were killed in Vietnam, and he was wounded and sent home after receiving his third Purple Heart. I know he is going to enjoy reading "Semper Cool" very much.

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15 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Cameron Flanagan
Hits Home
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2020
Verified Purchase

A great book which tells the story of a US Marine during his time in Vietnam. The flow of the book is great and the accounts that are told are interesting to read and make it difficult to put down. It is also great to see that the proceeds from purchases of this book go towards former USMC Marines who have been affected by recent conflicts. Overall, a must read to gauge the Vietnam War from an ordinary American who experienced it first-hand.

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RW
Great book
Reviewed in Canada on May 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Nothing but respect for the author. 100% proceeds from the book go to US war veterans. Exciting read to boot.

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Russell
Good read great story
Reviewed in Australia on January 5, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great story about the Vietnam war and Barry's life after it, worth buying just for the donations to a great cause and you get a good book as well.

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Tony N
A Down to earth view of one man's war in Vietnam
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
A thought provoking look at the authors experience during and after his tour of Vietnam, well worth taking the time to read

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Amazon Customer
Good Marine Read
Reviewed in Australia on November 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
A well written earthy remembrance of the horrors of combat told by a true American Patroit. Still giving help to other Marines long after his serve to his country ended; God Bless him.

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