MWSA

Friday, February 28, 2020

Review: A Blessed Life: One World War II Seabee's Story

A Blessed Life: One World War II Seabee's Story by Tamra McAnally Bolton
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

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Monday, February 24, 2020

Review: Bangkok File

Bangkok File by Dale A. Dye
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

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Review: Alone In The Light

Alone In The Light by Benjamin W. Bass
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

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Saturday, February 22, 2020

Review: Off the Hook: How Forgiving You Frees Me

Off the Hook: How Forgiving You Frees Me by Dana Tibbitts
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

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Thursday, February 20, 2020

Review: POINT: WILDERNESS WAR IN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA - A MEMOIR

POINT: WILDERNESS WAR IN VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA - A MEMOIR by Jamie Thompson
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

Jamie Thompson’s Point, Wilderness War in Vietnam and Cambodia is a unique insight into a combat infantryman’s experience in Vietnam.

Walking point (leading a patrol, platoon, or company), could be the most dangerous job in Vietnam. Sergeant Jamie Thompson doesn’t avoid such duty, he craves it. To him, he has never felt so focused, so alive, as when leading his unit through Vietnam or Cambodia. After he is wounded, he must decide if he can overcome his fear and return to the job he loves, and to the men he feels sworn to teach and protect.

The author has an extraordinary memory, and relays his entire army experience in vivid detail. The book is very technically well written and Thompson does a very good job of mixing combat field experience with tales of fun and camaraderie in the rear areas. This is the grunt’s perception, no strategy or heavy moral points, just survival and love of one another in combat.

I especially enjoyed how the author’s upbringing was reflected in his memoir. His father always taught him to “do the right thing,” and that was clear in his writing. He had several chances to make it easy on himself, but instead took care of his men and his mission first.

Any Vietnam grunt, especially one who was wounded, will appreciate this story and relate. Also, anyone interested in the Vietnam experience because of a family member will learn more about what their loved one endured in the jungles of Southwest Asia.

Review by Rob Ballister (February 2020)

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Review: Youth In Asia: 1968. Vietnam. The Central Highlands. Young Men Will Change. Some Will Die.

Youth In Asia: 1968. Vietnam. The Central Highlands. Young Men Will Change. Some Will Die. by Allen Tiffany
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

MWSA Review

A.L. Tiffany’s novella covering a short period of time in the jungles of Vietnam conveys a story of young men living in an environment where they age quickly. While the men are young in age, they soon learn they must make mature decisions or suffer deadly consequences. The author describes combat patrols with enough detail to place the reader in the scene and at the same time keep the story moving at a good pace. Readers get to know the characters through few words and empathize with the main character, a corporal leading a squad in combat based on his limited experience patrolling the demilitarized zone in Korea. Tiffany portrays young men involved in an unpopular conflict hoping to stay alive long enough to get back home. This story is highly recommended for a realistic glimpse into the lives of young American infantrymen fighting in Vietnam as told by a thoughtful soldier and storyteller.

Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2020)

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