THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ. I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH VITOU AND I HAD THE FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF HIS STORY. HE NEVER STOP TO AMAZE ME FOR THEIR WELL TO SURVIVE.THIS STORY SHOW THE TERMENDOUS COURAGE AND STRONG WELL TO SURVIVE AMONG MONSTERS WHO HAVE NO REGARDS TO FELLOW HUMANS, YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD AND RISK YOUR LIFE EVEN FOR THE BASIC NECESITY OF LIFE JUST TO SURVIVE. THIS IS AN EPIC OF FORGOTTEN HOLOCUST AND THE STORY OF A CAMBODIAN FAMILY GOING THROUGH HELL AN BACK. A SUCCESS STORY OF A FAMILY MOVING TO A COUNTRY WITH A DIFFERNT CULTURE AND LANGAUGE AND MAKING SOMETHING OF THEMSELVES. I AM PROUD TO BE A FRIEND OF VITOU AND I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HIM. EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK, IT WOULD MAKE YOU APPRECIATE MORE OF WHAT YOU HAVE IN LIFE.

"To Destroy You Is No Loss is an extrodinary book; it should be read by those who wish to understand this or any genocide, by those who would like to better know the Cambodians among us, and by those who are concerned about the still unresolved tradegey of the world's refugees. Criddle's book is far more than a history of annihilation. Like the finest examples of Holocaust literature, it is an affirmation of teh human spirit, of the will to prevail. It is the proof of the possibility of endurance of the human dignity in the face of incredible brutality. This book is in fact a deeply disturbing real-life story.

Joan Criddle has woven a gripping account of the personal experience of one young woman, Teeda Butt Mam, and her family under the oppression of the Khymer Rouge. Although I knew a little about Cambodia's killing fields, this book reveals in considerable detail the brutality and horror of Pol Pot's regime. Yet, it's an inspiring tale of survival, courage, and family loyalty under the most extreme conditions of deprivation, fear and suffering. I couldn't help but wonder if I would have had the strength, ingenuity and willpower to survive such horror. The book also includes many interesting details about traditional Cambodian life and culture.
I highly recommend this book. It's an amazing story!

This book brought back painful memories for me. As a young sailor on a River Assault Boat in River Assault Division 92, I participated on "Operation Barrier Reef" in January 1969, from the MACV compound described in this book. Although this book does not cover boat operations and the part that Mobile Riverine or River Patrol Units played during this period of time, it is an excellent description of the warfare of the period and operations in a remote area of Vietnam without fire support or air support. Those of you that want a graphic description of
river operations in that area, read the prologue from Brown River, Black Berets, a description of a firefight on the Dong
Tiem Canal, that I participated in January 1969. Both books
are excellent background sources for river warfare and the
seldom covered special unit operations.

I was stationed in Duc Pho, Southern I Corp, and spent over 8 months living in a remote village with my platoon during 1969 and 1970. I saw so very much and understood so little. This book brought back the conflicts that haunted me for years and helped me come to grips with the most significant year of my life. Fear, anxiety, exhaustion, isolation, and confusion blended into an environment that this book describes like none that I have read.

This is absolutely the best first hand account of the Vietnam War. Very well written, detailed and introspective.

If my son were to enter the service, I would require him to read Mr Parker's book. The details of how to survive Army life are staight forward and important. I found the book easy and enjoyable to read. Could not put it down. As with any super book, I often found myself looking at the number of pages left to read-the more the merrier. Mr. Parker has truely made something of himself and the people of the United States have reaped the benefits. Thank you Mr. Parker.

This book is a necessary and thorough follow-up to the author's first account of his involvement in southeast Asia on behalf of our government: CovertOps. It is yet another compelling story in exquisite detail and poignant analysis of his development as an infantry officer into a paramilitary officer and finally into a skilled case officer for CIA. It provides the essentials for anyone considering such a career, as well as properly articulated facts for historians and others who are interested in hearing "the other side of the story" about those who served with honor, dignity and courage (or as he would put it, "hang")in a noble cause to preserve, protect, and defend freedom on behalf of our country. His wit, humor, objectivity, and humility are testimony to his credibility as a professional in service to his country and as a skilled writer. Read now with the advantage of historical hindsight, it brings into focus with uncommon clarity and precision what we were fighting for then, and the political and social values that our efforts there continue to serve our national interests today, despite what many conclude was a lost war.

Last Man Out: A Personal Account of the Vietnam War by James E. Parker, Jr. is the best book I've read in a long time. If this author didn't have a tape recorder or a diary that he wrote in everyday then I have to say he has a most remarkable memory. James takes the reader back to his home in North Carolina and introduces his family and friends. He continues as he makes the decision to enlist in the Army at a time when others were already doing everything they could to avoid serving their country. The reader goes through Basic Training with James and his buddies at Fort Gordon, Georgia in February 1964. Two months later after being named "Outstanding Trainee" James reiterates some of his time while at his Advanced Infantry Training. You are there when he signs up for Officer Candidate School and while he waited to be selected. You go through that six-month course with him too beginning in November at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduation James goes to Jump School. From there the book gets even better. James first Permanent Party duty station was at Fort Riley, Kansas with the 1st Infantry Division. Then through his Tour of Duty in Vietnam. James told about an encounter with General William Westmoreland following a mission. The general flew in to review the troops, present medals and then was gone. It was a mere media event. When the general departed, another officer walked the line and took back the medals. After Nam James next assignment took him to Fort Ord in Monterey, California. He became the Officer-in-Charge of the 6th Army Area Drill Sergeant School. It was a great assignment. BUT James was thinking about leaving the Army but he "felt guilty about forsaking my duty, abandoning my obligation to country at a time of war." Unable to find a job that suited him he applied for and was accepted as a member of the Central Intelligence Agency. By September 1971 James was headed back to Southeast Asia "as a case officer in the Lao program, the CIA's largest covert operation." James was involved with several operations before heading stateside in 1973. He spoke openly about them. By January 1975 James was the only American left in Vi Thanh province. At that point he secured himself a "bodyguard." James wrote of the fall of Ban Me Thout, Hue, Da Nang, and Saigon. He took part in the evacuation of the Vietnamese who worked as agents for the CIA. He spoke of the problems encountered onboard the USS Vancouver and the transfer to the USNS Pioneer Contender. James Parker Jr. wrote an incredible account of his military and civilian service to our country and the people of South Vietnam. It is a book well worth reading. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet the author in person in 1998. AND I'm glad I took the time to read his book. You will be also.

The LRRPS did. Time and time again the long-range-reconnaissance-patrols went out to "see" and not be "seen", and sadly, some individuals wouldn't return home.

This is fantastic series of books covering the history and evolution of the LRRPS/LRPS/RANGERS during the Vietnam War.

Rey Martinez, Kenn Miller, and Gary Linderer interviewed a great number of the surviving members of the LRRPS/Rangers to bring their history alive. While some members were able to tap into their memories, others wouldn't touch the pain from long ago. The authors did a terrific job bringing the histories together for a strong narrative.

If anything, I found myself wanting to know more! What were they thinking? What were you feeling? I'm sure much ended up on the "editing room floor".

The "SIX SILENT MEN" books are a very honest account if the units actions. They're packed with adventure and daring. While reading their books, I was filled with tension and dread, other times I had to laugh aloud, and a few times I became misty-eyed. You feel for the teams as they "will" themselves to become invisible while on patrol.

Don't be mis-lead by a negative review. The reviewer misquoted the book. This I know since I pulled my copy off the shelf and checked the text. The reviewer claims the authors are liars --- NOT SO. A great number of books on the Vietnam War are written very honestly, and the publishers do "Fact Checking" before publishing these books. Read the review by Harold Nealy, who was a LRRP! His testimonial supports this fine series. If these books were embellished tales, then Vietnam Vets who served in the LRRPS/Rangers wouldn't hesitate to post a review here and let the truths be known. As you see this isn't the case.

I have never met a veteran who has panned these books. Never.

If you enjoyed this series, I would also recommend Jim Morris' WAR STORY, John Plasters' SOG, James Rowe's FIVE YEARS TO FREEDOM, Larry Chambers RECONDO, and Leigh Wade's TAN PHU.

I had the honor of meeting Kenn Miller, Jim Morris, and John Plaster (and other Vietnam Vets) two years ago. They freely answered my questions. I was going to 'buy a round' when one of them said, "Put your money away kid." I was 33, and that gathering was enjoyed by all.

Read the books. You won't be disappointed! God Bless and Attack life!

This work is all that is to be expected from a sequel to the first "Six Silent Men". I was not let down, as I so often am, with some of the small unit contact books. This work was all that I expected. The action was close to non stop. The depictions of contact were thrilling and heart stopping. I was with and rooting for the teams all the way. This book, as was its precursor,is top notch. After having read circa 110 books about this subject, you may take my word for this book's being an interesting read.

Linderer, Martinez, and Miller are all great authors, and write about their experiences in such a way as you almost feel like you were there. In fact, if you like this style of book, Buy any of the Ivy publishing books related to the Vietnam War. Ivy caters to this style of book and all are well written accounts of what happened. Being ex-military, I found them hard to put down.

Anything, anytime, anywhere
-motto of the Flying Tigers

Let's go feed someone.
-Captain Bob Bax

On March 18, 1969, American B-52s began the first of many bombing raids into Cambodia, an action for which the American Left would never forgive the
military and the government of Richard Nixon. On April 17, 1975, the American military having been withdrawn from Southeast Asia, Phnom Penh fell to the
Khmer Rouge, its citizens disappearing into Pol Pot's Killing Fields. For this the American Right will always blame the Left. It seems we've all got something
to ashamed of in how the U.S. treated Cambodia. But largely forgotten between these infamous dates, and amid the bickering over which Americans treated
the Cambodians worse, are the courageous and selfless efforts of the Flying Tigers, noncombatant flyers who airlifted tons of supplies into the besieged
Cambodian capital in the weeks before it fell. Larry Partridge was one of those pilots, a volunteer. In March 1975, he flew 52 missions in operation "Ricelift"
and he tells the story here.

He's reconstructed his tale from a diary he kept at the time, so it's understandably prosaic at times. And it doesn't have the usual shape of a war story, because
the planes he flew--including a DC-8 named Phnom Penh Phnancy--weren't dealing death, but bringing life. But it is this unique aspect of his peaceful
mission set against the wartime background, and his friendship with crewmates and comrades, like Jim Winterberg, and with locals, like a young newspaper girl
named Maria, and even with a cockroach they called Hiram, that makes this an exceedingly human and humane story, all the more remarkable because that
war zone has produced so few.

Larry Partridge has given us a heroic and heartwarming vision of a different side of America's generally tragic engagement with Southeast Asia. We thank
him for his service and for sharing his experiences.

GRADE : B

I work with Larry's son and was honored to receive an inscribed copy of this great saga.I began to read it as soon as I received it.I became completely absorbed in the humor and the horror of the tale he tells.When I say I couldn't put it down, I mean it in the literal sense.It is completely captivating.We are truly fortunate to have men like larry and his fellow "miracle workers".This book gives one an insight into the life saving effort made in the worst of circumstances.I thank you for the ride.

Larry Partridge does a wonderful job of taking the reader into the cockpit of "Phnom Penh Nancy" with him... along for the ride into Phnom Penh's Pochentong Airport between rocket attacks, the last "lifeline" to a country under seige! Cambodia 1975. Partridge is able to convey his "birds eye" perspective of what was soon to become the horrific fate of this tiny country, and her people. Though the backdrop of this book is Pol Pot's genocidal victory of 1975, the author has softened the harsh blow of reality by interjecting his own human feelings, observations and light humor. An Exciting True story, A Good Read! Well Done! Mr. Partridge.

Burma (aka Myanmar) is a country of many, many different ethnic and tribal groups. While the majority (69%) are Burman, there are many others including Karen, Kachin, Shan, Mon, and the author's own Padaung tribe. (The Padaung are most famous in the West for their "giraffe women" who wear golden rings about their necks that elongate their profile to freakish dimensions.)

Pascal Khoo Thwee's book is a narrative of his life as an ambitious young Padaung man trying to negotiate his way through the brutal, murderous, politically-dysfunctional culture that is modern-day Burma. It is an incredible story, cinematic in its dimensions and bizarre, fortuitous coincidences. Thwe gives voice to the Burma that nobody knows, i.e., life as experienced by one of its minority tribal groups.

Thwe's descriptions of his life among the Padaung are extraordinarly rich, with all the subtle nuances that only an insider could provide. His account of his flight from a hideous regime and life among the anti-government insurgents in the jungle is equally riveting. Eventually, he escapes to the rarified academic milieu of Cambridge University. It is a great story (and would make a fine movie.)

Unfortunately, it is in the account of his political awakening/transformation (the bridge between the two stories above) that the book falls flat. This was the most momentous and revolutionary period in the history of modern day Burma. It was when Aung San Suu Kyi came to world prominence and Burma looked like it had a hope of abandoning its decades long isolation and rejoing the modern (democratic?) world. One would expect that Thwe's narrative would sing at this point. Yet, it seems curiously detached -- almost mailed-in. It seems, in fact, to be reconstructed in significant measure from secondary sources. Only the death of his lover/girlfriend at the hand of the government has any resonance in accounting for his ultimate apostasy from General Ne Win's abominable political ideology.

I acknowledge that this may be unfair to Thwe in that I am thinking like a Westerner. He is candid in talking about his difficulties in coming to terms with concepts such as "human rights", "democracy", and "freedom of thought." Still, I feel that his account of the pressures that pushed him toward exile is woefully underdeveloped.

On the whole, this is a fine book. I learned much about minority cultures in Burma that I probably would not learn anywhere else. But. . .if you want to understand the revolutionary events that led to the great Burmese uprising of 1988 I would suggest that you look elsewhere.

I live in Thailand and have traveled to Burma (sometimes called "Myanmar"). I was prepared to like this book and I was expecting the heroic life story that I got. I was not, however, prepared for the beauty of the writing and the depth of the tragedy so simply, but touchingly, told. It is simply amazing to me that anyone can write so beautifully in a second language; Thwe is very talented. I hope that he keeps writing. I also hope that in his next book, he drops some of the reserve that characterizes his cultural upbringing and lets us into his inner life a little more.

A stunning tale of a man who dared to change. As a young boy he amazingly learned english with virtually no resources. He then became the first in his family to go to college. There he met a saint in Dr. Casey. Pascal's run for the Thai border really showed his want for a new life. At Cambridge he stayed hungry , and took advantage of the education. Pascal's determination is something we can all admire

As an Army veteran who served three tours in Vietnam and Cambodia, is a student of Southeast Asian history and one who has well over 200 non-fiction books related to Vietnam in his library, I believe that "Where We Were" is surely one of the best reference resources that I own.

For those who served in Vietnam or those with a interest in the history of the U.S. involvement there, "Where We Were" is an indispensable piece for your library. This book is a monumental compilation of firebases, landing zones, airfields and navel vessels with over 10,000 entries. Not only do most of these entries have grid coordinates but the author has taken the effort to triangulate many of their locations with other know sites such as towns, firebases, airfields, etc. This makes looking up specific sites on a map a very simple matter. No other book I own goes to this detail to make it so useful. This book is nothing short of outstanding. Its like having a piece of the National Archives right on your bookshelf.

And if that wasn't enough, there is a fairly comprehensive Internet guide and as well as a recommended reading list. These are real bonuses for those intent on doing further research. The writing of this book was, in this reader's opinion, a true labor of love. It is a must for those who were there and for the serious researcher. My hat goes off to Mr. Kelly for this painstaking piece of history.

As one of the webmasters of the Vietnam Veteran's Home Page... I get a lot of questions about names of places, place locations and relationships, map coordinates and other details that a researcher needs or a memory has forgotten. Mike Kelley's book is a godsend for finding and verifying most all of those details. It will undoubtedly take its place in history as the definitive guide to where US and allied troops really were and when they were there. Bonus features like the extensive glossary, maps, name lists, and copious references make this book indispensable.

Vietnam had no fronts, but it sure had perimeters. Everywhere. Those perimeters defined a whole generation of soldiers. I thought most of that was lost forever. I was wrong.

If you served in Vietnam, chances are that the places where you hung your web-gear on a hook are described in Mike Kelley's amazing work. Some of what he lists includes coordinates of places that were just mud berms, sandbags and fighting positions.

It is obvious that Mike Kelley did more than years of detailed document research. He met hundreds of vets over the years, and enlisted their personal knowledge. The final product is a treasure of information. I can't imagine a Vietnam veteran not wanting a copy. This kind of reference material will be pulled off my personal library shelf every time the subject of Vietnam gets serious. No future article that references Vietnam will be written without a reality check through these pages. The glossary of "minutia" alone is worth the price.

Bill Hunt

Vietnam
1972

War is hell. To this end, author Mark Baker collects a vast series of comments from many of the brave men and women who answered the nation's call to duty. In doing so, Baker captures the terrible bloodshed of the Vietnam war.

The only negative factor of this book is that Baker is not a veteran. He is a journalist who did not serve in Vietnam. Consequently, a few of his snapshots are open to question. They certainly make for good copy but as a two tour USMC Vietnam vet I offer with absolute certainty that some parts of this book do not ring true.

Nevertheless, this is an important book. Baker reaches out to vets and allows them to bare their soul. Some sections of this book are horrible. Others reflect well on the quality of the American fighting man. All in all, any young kid who foolishly thinks war is glorious and that the battlefield is a place of honor should read this book. It will probably save his or her life.

Not for the faint of heart. This is a powerful collection of accounts from Vietnam veterans. They are arranged by the author in a mosaic rather than presented in their entirety, which I believe is the one real flaw to this book. Still, this is a book you will not be able to put down, and will be left shaken after reading.

Burkett's horridly one-sided revisionist book "Stolen Valor" has attempted to discredit this and many other eyewitness accounts of the Vietnam War. In the case of this book, he doesn't offer one shred of evidence other than his own opinion (i.e. "it couldn't have happened that way because that is not how things are done by the book"). As anyone who has ever been in the military can tell you, things are not done by the book, especially in wartime. Burkett's criticisms should not be taken seriously as anything other than his own opinion. Mark Baker's "Nam" rings true; how could any sane person make some of this stuff up? The accounts here are too gritty, too hardcore, and too grisly to be fiction.

At some point in this book, all of the anecdotes become something larger than they were when they were read individually. The real life memories are troubling, humorous, horrific and inspiring, and their combined effect provides a unique and unforgettable insight into the soldiers' experiences in the Vietnam War.

Do I dare to give this book a less-than-glowing review? I am inclined to do so not because of the power and dignity of the people and the stories in the book--those speak for themselves. It was Palmer (the author) that bothered me. As I was reading the book, I could not help but feel that she was trying to manipulate me, tugging at heartstrings that needed no tug to be moved by these heartfelt stories. I felt a bit patronized by her. A good book (or movie, or whatever), if it moves me, should not make me feel the push; this one did, and it left me feeling the way people usually feel when they were pushed in a direction that they would have gone anyway--irritated.

Shrapnel In the Heart is a book to be read by everyone no matter what generation they were born in. Shrapnel In The Heart is a book that has letters and rememberances left behind at the Vietnam War Memorial. Some of the letters tell the story about the people behind the letter. The stories are sad, but the courage of the men and women is a true inspiration. The people written about in this book were extrememly young (18, 19, 20) and it seems like they died in vain. But through their letters that were left behind it is easy to see that these young men knew their duty and refused to shirk from it. These men and women are true heroes.

I read this book for a college history course and until now have thought very little about war, military, or world politics. Young people today rarely understand or realize what goes with becoming a soldier. This book gives real images of the devastation war brings from the people who lived through the tragedy of losing their loved ones. It opens our eyes to things we just shouldn't close our eyes on.

From Gary Linderer book. "The CID's evaluation stated that the unit (F Company, 58 LRP) was composed of malcontents, psychos, and criminals."

June 26, 1968 Page 39 "We left the perimeter at first light, going out through the east gate of Camp Eagle...Our mission was to patrol the eastern half of the AO, avoiding civilian contact, and look for anything out of the ordinary...
Intelligence had reported occasional VC activity in the hamlet.
VC tax collectors and supply parties often traveled the trails in the AO at night."

From Linderer's book. "We spent the evening drinking and getting totally blown away. We raised alot of hell, and I guess I probably overdid it with the war stories. They must have been impressed, because most offered their sisters to me before the night was over. Audie Murphy didn't have a thing on me. Well, how were you suppose to act around air force personnel?"

ON ALL OF GARY A. LINDERER'S BOOKS:
"Gary A. Linderer is the publisher of 'Behind the Lines,' a magazine that specializes in U.S. military special operations. In Vietnam, he earned two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star with V devise (for Valor), the Army Commendation Medal with V devise, and two Purple Hearts. His first two books were selected by the Military Book Club."

**************************
National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100
OFFICIAL LIST OF AWARDS The Official Military Records of GARY A. LINDERER (SSN removed) show that he is authorized the following awards and decorations for his service in the US Army:
SILVER STAR
BRONZE STAR MEDAL W/FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER AND "V" ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
W/FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER AIR MEDAL
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL NATIONAL DEFENSE
SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL W/4 BRONZE SERVICE STARS
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON W/DEVICE (1960)
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS W/PALM UNIT CITATION BADGE SHARPSHOOTER
BADGE W/RIFLE & MACHINE GUN BARS EXPERT BADGE W/AUTO RIFLE BAR
////////NOTHING FOLLOWS/////////////
R. L. HINDMAN,

Director
************************
From the United States National Archives: DA 1594 DAILY STAFF
JOURNAL OR DUTY OFFICER'S LOG. These are the contemporaneous,
unbiased, official radio reports from units in the field using
the US Army "SALUTE" reporting system. SIZE of the enemy, ACTIVITY
of the enemy, LOCATION, UNIT, TIME, and ESTIMATED strength.

**************************
G-2 & G-3 Section 101st Abn. Div. Camp Eagle YD808162
20 Nov. 1968

delayed entry: 1000H (C) G2 recd msg fr 1st Bde stating: At 2400H to 0400H vic An Nong Village YD918093 & An Nong 3 YD933106 in Loc Bon village, info came in from village chief to A Co that 30 VC last night came through loc above. Primary purpose was to collect money, but would eccept rice instead. They came from south and returned south.

1200H (C) G2 recd msg 2d Bde stating: At 1130 H vic YC829900 LRP TM #24 ambushed est enemy sqaud (reinf) moving E on trail at YC 829900. Appartently rice carrying detail, for only two were VC were armed. En appeared to have been heading towards hill # 512 at YC 8490. Res: 9 VC KIA, 2x 45 pistols CIA. Note: 8 VC were killed outright, one was captured but was seriously wounded. This VC later died after attempt to evac him was made. No friendly cas. 1220H (C) G2 recd msg fr 2/17 stating: At 1124H vic YC8490 LRP Tm #24 amb 9 VC, 5 women & 4 men. LRP Tm believes VC were porters. Res: 5 female KIA BC, 4 VC male KIA BC, 2 x US 45 Cal pistols. VC were moving towards Hill 513 YC8490.
Item no. 11 - 0945 hours (C) G2 recd msg fr 2d Bde stating: At 0530H vic YC829901 2/501 LRRP Tm #24 fnd fresh footprints made by sandels. Heading 340° NW from loc. More to follow.
Item 17 - 1200H (C) recd msg fr 2d Bde stating: At 1130H vic YC829900 LRP Tm # 24 ambushed est enemy sqaud (reinf) moving E on trail at YC829900. Apparently was a rice carrying detail, for ony two VC were armed. En appeared to have been heading toward hill # 512 at YC8490. Res: 9 VC KIA, 2 x 24 pistols CIA. Note: 8 VC were killed outright, one was captured but was seriously wounded. This VC later died after an attempt to evac him was made. No friendly cas.
Item 18 - 1220H (C) G2 recd mes fr 2/17 Cav stating: At 11245H vic YC8490 LRP Tm # 24 amb (ambushed) 9 VC, 5 women & 4 men. LRP Tm believed VC were porters. Res: 5 VC female KIA, 4 Male KIA BC. 2 x US 45 Cal pistols. VC were moving towards Hill 513 YC
8490. Neg US cas.
Item 33 - 1620H (C) G3 recd mes fr 2/17 Cav stating: 2/17 (C) reports LRRPs in RZ Brenda are in heavy contact, 9 cas. Request 1 Co RRF. 1st Bde will supply the company - A/2/502. Insertion controlled by credit 4.
Item 36 - 1645 H (C) recd msg fr 2d Bde, at 1620H, vic YC839880, LRP Tm 24 made contact w/unk size force. Res: 2 US KHA, 8 WIA. A complete report will be turned in tonight.
Item 48 - 2043H (C) G3 recd msg fr 2/17 Cav, LRP medevac completed 1830H, C/ARP ext fr contact site 1920H, shuttle to Brick has not been closed.
Item 51 - 2130 H (C) G2 recd msg fr 2/17, total 3 KHA, 21 WHA (8 serious, 13 minor), all cas fr LRP Co except 8 WIA fr ARP. One Kit CASON was WHA (minor) not included in 21 WHA.
SUMMARY: A LRP tm of F/58 Inf ambushed ten en [enemy] moving N on trail vic [vicinity] YC839887. The res [results] were eight enemy KIA and two wpns [weapons] capt [captured]. In subsequent encounter w/a [with a] reinforced enemy squad, the team killed on addtional en [enemy] in the same area.

Signed and notarized by LTC Jim I. Hunt G-2.

From Gary Linderer book. "The CID's evaluation stated that the unit (F Company, 58 LRP) was composed of malcontents, psychos, and criminals."

June 26, 1968 Page 39
"We left the perimeter at first light, going out through the east gate of Camp Eagle...Our mission was to patrol the eastern half of the AO, avoiding civilian contact, and look for anything out of the ordinary... Intelligence had reported occasional VC activity in the hamlet. VC tax collectors and supply parties often traveled the trails in the AO at night."

From Linderer's book. "We spent the evening drinking and getting totally blown away. We raised alot of hell, and I guess I probably overdid it with the war stories. They must have been impressed, because most offered their sisters to me before the night was over. Audie Murphy didn't have a thing on me. Well, how were you suppose to act around air force personnel?"

And on the night of 19/20 Nov. 1968 they allowed the 30 local VC to pass through their ambush site. NOT MY IDEA OF WHAT RANGERS WERE AND ARE ABOUT. THIS BOOK IS A FRAUD ON THE PUBLIC!

From Gary Linderer's book: Page 10 - "The fact that we had killed over two hundred NVA, including the executive officer of the NVA 5th Regiment did not lesson his grief."

No way. This book is a faberication of the vivid memories of what they could have been, should have been, but are now rewritting history to make themselves into heroes. My heroes are not these con-artists.

PREFACE
"This book is a nonfiction work based on my experiences in Vietnam. Based on 238 letters..."subsequent information and verification of people, places and events described in my letters were collected... Historically accurate."
June 26, 1968
Page 39
"We left the perimeter at first light, going out through the east gate of Camp Eagle...Our mission was to patrol the eastern half of the AO, avoiding civilian contact, and look for anything out of the ordinary... Intelligence had reported occasional VC activity in the hamlet. VC tax collectors and supply parties often traveled the trails in the AO at night."

This is a great set up. Because Lurps in Vietnam were trained to ambush the VC at night in MACV Recondo School. Gary Linderer was there in Vietnam as a PFC. He never attended MACV Recondo School taught by the Special Forces. Reading the contemporaneous, non-biased, no agenda, U.S. National Archive records give a clearer more accurate depiction of what was real versus what Gary Linderer and others have conspired to twist into a war tales making heroes out of themselves. The bigger the tale the bigger the sale. It is the truth and the history that is lost in these cheap pocketbook, so-called, nonfiction books that have "NOT" been fact-checked by the publisher. This book, and others, clearly had tragic effects on the author. Mr. Linderer who invents well spun tales or fcition and lies in his writings. On the face of it, it might appear that maintaining a running fabrication would be harder. Psychologically speaking, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we fabricate, lie, trick and deceive." A made up war story, such as this, allows one to construct a reality that takes the mind where the truth does not exist. Because lying in books about one's military awards and medals and then telling whopping war stories about made up combat scenes the author becomes a "truth-concealing liar." This tormented lie the author must live on a daily bases does exact a toll and leads to a strain of emotional consequences that effect the mind and the body. Poor physical and mental health, in essence.

From Gary Linderer's book: Page 10 - "The fact that we had killed over two hundred NVA, including the executive officer of the NVA 5th Regiment did not lesson his grief." THIS NEVER HAPPENED! (SEE BELOW NATIONAL ARCHIVE RECORDS). The team allowed the VC to walk through them the night of 19/20 Nov. 1968 and the author says the VC were too well-armed and at the ready. DROOL!!! This was the target!! From the National Archives: Delayed entry 19 Nov. 1968: 1000H (C) G2 recd msg fr 1st Bde stating: At 2400H to 0400H vic An Nong Village YD918093 & An Nong 3 YD933106 in Loc Bon village, info came in from village chief to A Co that 30 VC last night came through loc above. Primary purpose was to collect money, but would eccept rice instead. They came from south and returned south.

From Linderer's book on page 11- "My first full day back with F Company was occupied with replacing the weapon and all the gear and equipment I had lost November 20. I had to start from scratch replacing my LBE (load-bearing equipment) and my rucksack and pack frame." FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES: G-2 & G-3 101st Abn. Div CAMP EAGLE DATE 23 Nov. 1968. 1429 hours (C) G-2 recd msg fr 2d Bde stating: At 1325H vic YC83888 D/2/501 1st plt at 1240H fnd 8 bodies: 7 x VC, 1 NVA, 4 pairs of PJ, 20 lbs of rice, 1 kettle, equipment left by LRPS: 1 x WP gernade, 1 x bottle of whole blood, LRP rations, poncho liner, 6 x US rucksacks, 1 x sewing kit and 5x claymore. Note: The 8 x VC were previously reported.

Mr. Linderer, in effect, he is saying that he left his rucksack in the field of battle. If there were hundreds and hundreds of hard-core NVA they most certainly would have taken this valuable equipment that was left in the field for three days. These men simply ambushed a "rice porter detail" and later had a VC shoot at them. They failed their mission by not ambushing the VC that passed by them the night before. Mr. Linderer was, at that time, like the rest of the team members under the disillusions of "Short Timer's Anxiety." In mid-1968 the Vietnam War was not at all the way these men re wrote it. Fraggings, yes. Not wanting to go out to the field and face combat, yes. Heroes, I don't think so. Vietnam in mid-1968 was a medal frenzy for ticket punchers and those wanting to impress loved ones at home that they were saints and heroes. Not so, according to the national archives.

Page 14 - "The Cav (2/17 Cav) really didn't have a lot of use for LRPs, and we reciprocated their feelings, especially after their reaction team's heroic actions November 20 (when they cowered on the LZ while our fellow LRPs charged to our rescue)."

From the National Archives: 1200H (C) recd msg fr 2d Bde stating: At 1130H vic YC829900 LRP Tm # 24 ambushed est enemy sqaud (reinf) moving E on trail at YC829900. Apparently was a rice carrying detail, for ony two VC were armed. En appeared to have been heading toward hill # 512 at YC8490. Res: 9 VC KIA, 2 x 24 pistols CIA. Note: 8 VC were killed outright, one was captured but was seriously wounded. This VC later died after an attempt to evac him was made. No friendly cas. (C) G2 recd mes fr 2/17 Cav stating: At 11245H vic YC8490 LRP Tm # 24 amb (ambushed) 9 VC, 5 women & 4 men. LRP Tm believed VC were porters. Res: 5 VC female KIA, 4 Male KIA BC. 2 x US 45 Cal pistols. VC were moving towards Hill 513 YC8490. Neg US cas. (C) G3 recd mes fr 2/17 Cav stating: 2/17 (C) reports LRRPs in RZ Brenda are in heavy contact, 9 cas. Request 1 Co RRF. 1st Bde will supply the company - A/2/502. Insertion controlled by credit 4. 1645 H (C) recd msg fr 2d Bde, at 1620H, vic YC839880, LRP Tm 24 made contact w/unk size force. Res: 2 US KHA, 8 WIA. A complete report will be turned in tonight. 2043H (C) G 3 recd msg fr 2/17 Cav, LRP medevac completed 1830H, C/ARP ext fr contact site 1920H, shuttle to Brick has not been closed. 2130 H (C) G2 recd msg fr 2/17, total 3 KHA, 21 WHA (8 serious, 13 minor), all cas fr LRP Co except 8 WIA fr ARP. One Kit CASON was WHA (minor) not included in 21 WHA. SUMMARY: A LRP tm of F/58 Inf ambushed ten en [enemy] moving N on trail vic [vicinity] YC839887. The res were eight enemy KIA and two wpns [weapons] capt [captured]. In subsequent encounter w/a reinforced enemy squad, the team killed on addtional en [enemy] in the same area.

On all of Gary Linderer's book covers: "Gary A. Linderer is the publisher of 'Behind the Lines,' a magazine that specializes in U.S. military special operations. In Vietnam, he earned two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star with V devise (for Valor), the Army Commendation Medal with V de vise, and two Purple Hearts. His first two books were selected by the Military Book Club."

From the National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100 OFFICIAL LIST OF AWARDS The Official Military Records of GARY A. LINDERER (SSN removed) show that he is authorized the following awards and decorations for his service in the US Army:
SILVER STAR
BRONZE STAR MEDAL W/FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER AND "V" ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
W/FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER AIR MEDAL
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL NATIONAL DEFENSE
SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL W/4 BRONZE SERVICE STARS
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN RIBBON W/DEVICE (1960)
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM GALLANTRY CROSS W/PALM UNIT CITATION BADGE SHARPSHOOTER
BADGE W/RIFLE & MACHINE GUN BARS EXPERT BADGE W/AUTO RIFLE BAR
////////NOTHING FOLLOWS/////////////
R. L. HINDMAN,

Director