Dr.Ngor appeared as an actor in THE KILLING FIELDS playing Dith Pran, a man who sufferred greatly at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Ngor's own true life story, though, was much more horrific. He was starved and tortured repeatedly during the dreadful Cambodian "Year Zero," while confined in a Khmer Rouge concentration camp. If you think that you have troubles, read this book and be humbled.

Haing S.Ngor truly led a charmed life. To have survived such harrowing brutality year after year is a testament to the man's grace. He was roasted over an open fire. He survived many tortures and untold hardships. Dith Pran, the man he portrayed in THE KILLING FIELDS, had a cakewalk by comparison. That film should have had as its center Dr.Ngor's exploits, as his horrific journey was ten times more intense. If you like to read true life stories of those who've really suffered, then this book is an excellent starter. What a tragedy to have survived Cambodia's terror...only to be murdered in Los Angeles!

This is an outstanding portrait of a man who survived the barbaric reign of terror of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Anyone who has seen the movie "The Killing Fields" has a cursory understanding of the Khmer Rouge and their attempt to transform Cambodian society during their control of the country from 1975 to 1979. However, this film omitted most of the astounding atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge as anyone who has visited Tuol Sleng S-21 in Phnom Penh (as I have) can tell you. In this book Dr. Ngor relates his horrifying experiences of life under the Khmer Rouge in detail and in the process educates the reader as to just how horrible an existence it really was.

This book is remarkable because of the detail related by Dr. Ngor and the personal nature of its content. Many Cambodians to this day will not talk about his period in their lives. For many, the mental and physical abuse they suffered during this period was too painful to re-live ever again. As I read this book, I could not help but wonder how Dr. Ngor was able to keep himself together.

Dr. Ngor effectively puts the period of Khmer Rouge rule in historical context by explaining the historical events and forces which led to their capture of the country. These events and forces included the People's Republic of China, North Vietnam, the Vietnam War, the United States, and of course, the C.I.A.

I admire Dr. Ngor for his extraordinary courage, and I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet him during his lifetime. May he rest in peace.

After reading many individual POW memoirs and similar material, it was immediately evident to me that Honor Bound is the premier and defining work on American POW's in Vietnam. For its sheer scope and immensity, this is the best reference material ever composed on this subject.

Beginning with history of French occupation in Vietnam and the follow on role of United States involvement, an intimate portrayal is drawn of every aspect of captivity faced by U.S. personnel. In minute detail, Northern and Southern Vietnamese POW camps are put under the microscope revealing the harrowing physical and psychological experiences that affected U.S. servicemen in appalling conditions which equated to a daily battle for survival. Also examined is the known information on captivity in Laos which continues to be controversial even today due to the unknown fates of many Americans still missing in that country.

Complimenting the brilliant narrative which leaves nothing to the imagination, Honor Bound contains dozens of excellent photographs, prison maps, generous footnotes, and several appendixes containing Vietnam war data and prisoner information. This book is a lasting tribute to patriots, heroes, and even legends who gave and maintained their very best in continual times of the absolute worst. I highly recommend Honor Bound to everyone interested in accounts of POW captivity. A superb, powerful, and very satisfying reading experience.

Thank you to Stuart Rochester and Frederick Kiley, for an unbelievable account of the POW's that served in Viet Nam. This is not an easy book to read, but it is a page-turner. As an American, I am overwhelmed by the sacrafice extended for the freedom I enjoy. My praise for the written words and for the service to our country so clearly evident in this riveting book. G.K. Smith Cape Cod USA

A brilliant, highly accessible account of the history of the POWs in Southeast Asia. The text is very readable and concisely written. The photographs alone speak volumes and the maps provide a nice illustrative point of reference.

Before you read any other POW-related book, take the time to read "Honor Bound" cover to cover. Not only will you feel you are getting to know these men - heroes all - personally, you will gain a brutally clear perception of the conditions these men were forced to endure and the way they managed to maintain their honor and dignity in the face of such terrible adversity. The human element is very strong.

This is not, mind you, a book for the weak-stomached. The book is unflinching in its cataloging of the various tortures the POWs underwent, the often rancid food they were forced to subsist on, and the day to day challenges their captors and the climate inflicted upon them.

Surprisingly, however, while the reader is horrified, he or she will leave the book strangely uplifted. It reaffirms one's faith in the human spirit and humanity in general.

Action packed of what really happened in nam.Go behind enemy lines and feel the adrenalion rush of close encounters, ambushes
and prisioner snaches. I cant tell you how much this book actually teaches you about the horrors of war and the good times the soilders had to.

Gary Linderer and all the men of the LRRPS give you a first hand account of what it was like to sit through hours of boredom one minute then to have hundreds of enemy soldiers suddenly appear and make your blood run cold with terror as your mind races to the thought that you could be discovred and face 20 to 1 odds . This as with all of Garys books are highly recommended reading if you are the kind of reader who can actually picture yourself being there with him.

The title of this book should be Balls of Steel or something similar. Gary makes you feel as if you are on a mission with him. He is a superb writer and an Honest to God Hero. A must read. 5 BIG Stars.

I picked up this book and I could NOT put it down. What a wonderful journey described here....how she interlocks traditional medicine with Navajo, how harmony and positive spirit is such a process in the healing world. You will not be disappointed with this read. I have shared this with all those close to me. Make it part of your list

The story of Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord's courage and determination to bridge the Navajo world with modern medicine is excellently written. For those of us who've had little exposure to the ways of the Navajo world, this book is part history and part culture. As America continues to find new ways to maintain and improve health care, it's refreshing to consider how living a balanced life has the potential to make a huge difference. Alvord's story, artfully told with the assistance of Elizabeth Cohen Van Pelt, a former New York Post reporter, is by turns heartwarming, soulful and inspirational. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should note that Elizabeth is now a co-worker of mine.

This book was outstanding. Once I began reading about Dr. Alvord's journey from Western Medicine to Navajo Medicine and back, I could not put it down. Those of us in the nursing field have often known about this connection to help patients heal faster and better. This excellent book describes a journey combining local medical technigues with western medicine. Highly recommended for all persons in the health care field, especially those of us in the Nurse Practitioner field.

The title of this book was appropriate for me, since it was the first memoir of the Vietnam War that I have read. It was my 'baptism' into seeing the war through the eyes of combatants rather than historians and journalists. The story details the experiences of one of the thousands of heroes who served their country in some of the worst conditions imagineable. I found myself feeling very grateful for their sacrifice, and thankful that I was born a generation too late to serve in this hellish conflict. From humping through a rice paddy to facing death at a 'hot' LZ, I was astounded at the stamina, fortitude and bravery of our troops. Hats off to Lt. Gwin and all who served in Vietnam. And thanks! A must read, ESPECIALLY if, like me, you weren't there yourself.

One of the few narratives to come out of Vietnam that digs deep under the camouflage of a sensitive yet tough infantry officer.AUTHOR Larry GWIN took over thirty years to reveal this wonderful memoir,and readers will surely feel the wait was worth it. BAPTISM is not merely an I-was-there war story,even though it blasts its way through some of the bloodiest encounters of the war. Rather,this book is the haunting story of a man who was proud to answer his country's call to arms,urged on by family history and the single mindedness of Yale ROTC training (ranger,airborne all the way).To such an idealist,the mud-and-blood sacrifice and idiotic blundering inherent in war was almost certain to offer a very painful baptism indeed.Whether he is describing the anguish of seeing comrades blown to bits by friendly fire or an act of cruelty imposed on a boom-boom girl,the author's eye is merciless and all revealing.Gwin deals with the twilight of war,bringing those of us who were grunts back to the alien landscape we struggled against but did not understand.His book is lyrical at times,all about the death of valor and the angry rebirth of an American fighting man,"doomed from here to eternity". VETERANS will recognize the honesty of this book,while civilians,especially women,will better understand the flak jacket that conceals every combat soldier's heart. A MAGNIFICENT book. It should be enjoyed along with Joseph Galloway's and Hal Moore's WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE AND YOUNG,a best seller that provides a big picture of the FIRST CAV in combat, and covers some of the battles and firefights so poignantly described by LARRY GWIN.

After reading the first chapter of Larry Gwin's book, I was hooked. This memoir, a story of a naive 1st lieutenant who is sent to Vietnam, survives a nearly disastrous battle, then is horrified by the reality of war and death and suffering, is well-written and spellbinding. He writes openly and honestly about himself, warts and all, as well as his fellow officers (the good, the bad, and the cowardly) and the "grunts" in his platoon. Many of the NCOs and enlisted men who go into battle with lieutenant Gwin prove to be brave in the face of death and loyal to their buddies who are either wounded or dying..."No one is left behind." I felt as though I was there with lieutenant Gwin as he and his men are airlifted into a hot LZ, praying to come out alive and in one piece. While this is a story about the horror of war, there are quite a few light moments which are humorous. All in all, this book is a real page-turner. Perfect for a rainy afternoon's read in a comfortable chair.

James W Walker presents you with the story of his time in Vietnam and allows you to be transported there as if you were watching yourself.

He starts the story by describing how he managed to get to the States - via Hull, UK and through various schools in the area before moving with his mother to the USA, volunteering for the Army and shipping out to Vietnam.

Walker's description of his time in Nam is written so clearly that he betrays the fact that so many years have passed between the Tour and the book. His writing is not in the style of a list - like so many other books in this genre - but of a well-structured novel by a clearly talented author.

Fortune Favours the Bold - Walker was certainly bold. A number of tales in this book must have taken sheer courage to undertake. But Walker does not flaunt this - there is no ostentatious hint that he was the best, nor did he even think he was anything other than an average young man.

The book has, as all Nam books do, a fistful of photos taken of the author and his friends. The dipped head of Walker in one of the photos underlines my earlier statement - Walker is a real person. One with whom you can associate and befriend.

Being British myself it could be understood that out of the endless Vietnam books I have read this one would stay in my mind more than others, but Walker has a style that allows you to become him, to understand him and to like him. I would recommend anyone to read this book, regardless whether they are interested in Vietnam, war, fear and courage or not because it is a good read that will transport you from noon to night as you glide through the book, living your own war. I think you should buy this book - you will read it, love it and recommend it to your friends.

Mr Walker, Sir, when will you bless us with another book?

Limey's account as a 101st Airborne LRRP in Vietnam will keep you riveted to your seat and you immediatly feel yourself being transported to the action! Fortune Favors the Bold is extraordinary. Step into the lives of tough, rugged, professionals who performed their jobs well and with pride,under extremely difficult conditions. One you start this book, be prepared - you can't put it down!

Do you think that life in Lurps was all guts and gore and glory?

If so, you're wrong. If you're looking for a book about these things, look elsewhere. If you want to know what Lurping was REALLY like, read this book. It tells it like it was, warts and all. As you read it, you'll meet a gamut of emotions. You'll laugh, and you'll cry; you'll be angry and you'll be frustrated.

Just like Limey Walker and the men who made up the famous recon unit of the 1st Brigade/101st Airborne Division in Vietnam: LRRP--Long Range Reconaissance Patrol, The Foul Dudes, The Eyes of the Eagle.

This is the story of the life of an unusual man, one who was a hero, but not the Audey Murphy type.

The Limey was born in Britain and spent the first two decades of his life looking for something truly meaningful. His search took him 3 continents to come to an end. He found what he was looking for when he wound up in Lurps, in Vietnam, the only subject of Her Majesty, the Queen of England, to serve with the Foul Dudes.

FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD is the story of his search, and the record of what he found at its end. It tells how he grew from a child into a man, and then grew as a man. It tells of his mistakes and the trouble he got into along the way. It tells of the remarkable men he served with, in great honor.

It's a Lurp's-eye view of one phase of the War in Vietnam, in the rear, and on the line as a member of a 6 man recon team creepy-crawling in Mr. Charles' backyard.

It's the story of a common man who joined with others like himself, and together created created an uncommon legend of uncommon courage, valor and gallantry that was acknowledged even by the enemy, who feared them more than a B52 raid.

This made them--and him--a shining part of the history of a war without luster.

Read it, and learn what Lurps was really like. And learn what the Limey was really like at the same time--a very brave man with a big heart, who epitomized a "Band of Brothers" who never let their friends down, nor failed to do their duty.

If LRRP history interests you--read FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD. If courage interests you--read it. If men who put honor first interest you--read it. If you just want a good read--read it.

The Limey's book has them all, and is worth the effort. It's plain and unvarnished truth, told by a heck of a soldier, and told very well indeed.

It's a keeper.

A short book that tells a long story. A recommended reading for people of all ages; young people to learn about the way men
and women fought to help protect the freedoms we enjoy and adults to remind them of the sacrifices men and women made to serve their country because as the more time that passes, the more we forget. All ages can learn about happenings of the war in the easy to read, colorful, and descriptive style used by author Reich. His story reminds us of the unpleasantness of a soldier's life and should be read by those who benefited and by those who need to be reminded of the sacrifices made by the combat soldier.
Discover the real story of the Vietnam War from a man who fought in it and made the best of the situation. I am appreciative and thankful for people like the author who served their country and to the author for sharing his not-so-pleasant experiences by writing about them in a day by day account that helps the reader learn the real story.

A friend gave me Rockets Like Rain as a gift. Not liking "war stories", I opened the book with hesitation. From the first paragraph, where Reich is kicked out of the university, I was hooked. Reich conveys the atrocities of war with passion and kindness. His strong writing style decribes life in the field, without the usual unsavory details and four letter words. As a woman, I found this particularly enjoyable.

Rockets Like Rain is a classic memoir which should be required reading for middle and high school students. It would truly help them understand history.

Picture a soldier, a draftee and combat correspondent, under the protective arm of the Army's Public Information Office, facing near certain death just days prior to the completion of his one year tour of duty in Vietnam, and a mere 72 hours before his final departure from Duc Pho. The soldier, in fact, is closest to death during those few hours, while buffered by the firebases surrounding his brigade headquarters, than at any time during the year of his enlistment. Enemy rockets rain down like fireworks as a sendoff.

That soldier is Dale Reich and his story, ROCKETS LIKE RAIN, reads like a letter home written by a young and lonely and frightened recruit. The year is 1969 and the place is Vietnam where death has no "moratorium". It is always in the air -- a malevolent presence, one whose spectral face a soldier might not even glimpse before the falling of its axe. Vietnam, we are reminded, was a place where death could come as easily in the form of friendly fire as from bullets fired purposely, or randomly, by the enemy.

From reading Reich's vivid account, told movingly in simple and unadorned language, one gains an understanding that people, caught in the maelstrom of a war, devoid of direction or mature leadership, can be warped beyond recognition. Vietnam, Reich tells us, was a place where every soldier's individual craziness had room to grow, in moist, fertile soil, into full blown madness. (Note: Dale Reich was a co-editor of the official newspaper of the 11th Infantry Brigade of the Americal division, the one which produced the My Lai Massacre.)

One also learns that the individual soldier could also exercise reason and caution, and even strive to be removed from action in the killing fields. It was Reich's struggle to resist the insanity that makes one realize that not every new and inexperienced soldier is automatically a killing machine.

Though painful to read, ROCKETS LIKE RAIN delivers a powerful message and a necessary reminder to those of us who are currently counting statistics about Afghanistan, and who think we may, with the passage of time, be able to put our nightmares about the carnage of war safely aside. It reminds us forcefully that war -- any war -- however conducted or concluded, lives on in the memories and lives of our veterans, and that those memories deserve a respectful forum.

I am grateful to Dale Reich to be so reminded.

During two combat tours in Vietnam, I was wounded a total of six times. Fortunately, none of those wounds was life threatening. Getting over the initial fear and shock in the aftermath of a wound, I was always somewhat relieved that I would be able to "relax" in an air-conditioned hospital, with hot food and American nurses. Since my return from the war and the commencement of my work in Vietnam veterans advocacy, I have had occasion to bring several nurses to my city to speak at my annual luncheon, most notably Lynda Van Devanter, Rose Sandecki, Mary Stout, and Diane Carlson Evans. Listening to those women, who fought a war without glory and rendered service beyond reward, it finally occurred to me the incredible weight placed on doctors and nurses in Vietnam. When I was "healed" and sent back to the boonies, someone was always there to take my place, to continue the "war" of the medical corps. They fought relentlessly to save lives only to send them back to the fight. What kind of pressure and strain must that have created for "healers?" Glasser's important book, 365 Days, tries to answer that question. Merely by posing it, he does all who served a great favor. By addressing the dichotomy of healing in a war, he creates an immenently readable book.

This is a quick and easy read about the Vietnam War. Focus is on stories related to the the soldier's care in Vietnam and the
critical cases sent to Japan. For those interested in the glamour of war, read this book for the cost of such glamour, crippled men. Since this book was written in 1971, it does not
contain much of the later aspects of the war. Generally it is unsypathetic to the American pursuit of the war.

It's the old men who make wars happen, and cause us younger ones to go to far-off shores to give our lives in the name of ....whatever buzzword they've dreamed up to get the American Public beating the war drums. It wouldn't do the politicos any good to read it,....but, BY GOD, the American Public should...especially those interested in raising a right hand and enlisting. During the war in VietNam, I was a medical service specialist attached to a CONUS 350-bed medical center's Intensive Care Unit and Neuro/Neuro-Surgical Unit taking care of the soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who'd fallen. From that perspective, Doc Glassen tells it like it is. All that's missing are the smells and sounds...Maybe someday technology will be able to put THAT into a book form. Until then...an intense read. It gives a good perspective on why YOU DON'T want to go to war... Charley Mike

The late Bernard Fall presents a hard-hitting, cynical history of the French period in Vietnam in the 10 years just after WW2 and an even more critical look at the early U.S. efforts in the early 1960s. This is not light reading and its not pretty.It will give an accurate description of what the "West" faced over there. As any Vietnam Vet would attest, there is nothing "light" or "pretty" about that place and cynical is the only appropriate attitude. It's so obvious now how Ho Chi Minh and General Giap were successful."If only we knew then..." Mr. Fall also does a first rate job in compressing the conflict into less than 400 pages (including notes and appendices). He didn't have to recount every battle to paint his picture. This reader appreciates his account of Viet Cong convoy attacks -from only one first hand experience- they put cook, clerk and grunt alike in equal, sudden and random danger. Its ironic that the author met his sudden death in just that way. Serious students of the French years in Vietnam should read "Street Without Joy" first and then proceed to "Hell In a Very Small Place", which concentrates on the tragic but heroic struggle of the French Army at the garrison at Dien Bien Phu. Were he still with us,I'm sure M. Fall was one of those guys it would be great to hava a few beers with. What stories he could tell! I'd love to know more about the two prostitutes who were commended for bravery and proposed for medals! What would Westy say about that!

In this first hand account of the French war in Vietnam, Dr. Bernard Fall provides a critical analysis of French combat operations in a war that lasted from 1946 to 1954. Over 94,500 gallant, French soldiers died in this vain, yet valiant attempt to contain communism in Southeast Asia. What could and should we have learned from this tragedy?

Lessons learned included the folly of employing heavy, road-bound, mechanized/armored forces that were highly vulnerable to Viet-Cong (VC) ambushes, effective use of the jungle as a sanctuary by the VC, underestimating the stamina of the VC, and the ultimate war-weariness that caused the French public to rebel at fighting a seemingly endless conflict for no tangible gain. Add to this, the close coordination of political and military objectives that caused the Viet-Cong to sacrifice people, places and things to achieve a single objective: A Vietnam united under Communism. Does this sound familiar? This book, published in 1961, was readily available in the U.S. If it was read, it was ignored.

Fall gives detailed accounts of communist tactics and the results that accrued to French commanders who refused to recognize the fact that, "the (tactics) book," they had been schooled under simply did not apply in Vietnam. Amazingly, the U.S. then deployed our troops to Vietnam, with our own officers schooled by the same, "book!" Gallantry, esprit-de-corp, machismo, and/or faith in a righteous cause were no more effective against well-laid ambushes in the '60s and '70s than they were in the '40s and '50s. The lessons of history were there for the reading. Why we refused to heed them is a mystery that still calls for an answer.

Street Without Joy is not a left-wing condemnation of western "imperialism," or, the evils of "intervention." Fall neither condemns nor condones the goal of containing communism. He merely analyzes reasons for the French defeat. There was no precedent for fighting a "revolutionary war," prior to the French experience. The same could not be said for the U.S. If the French defeat was borne of ignorance; America's came seemingly from arrogance.

George Santayana said, "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to relive it." There are two lessons to be learned here: First, tactical schemes should be derived from the terrain and situation, not from blind adherence to, "the book." Books can be altered. Terrain, climate, and enemy forces cannot. Second, never again should U.S. troops be compelled to walk any, "street without joy," that is combat, without conducting a thorough review of the mistakes made by our predecessors. Reinventing the wheel is not only inefficient; in war, it is deadly! Ninety-four thousand, five hundred eighty-one crosses scattered throughout Indo-china, each bearing the name of a French soldier testifies to the truth of lesson one. Over 50,000 American names on, "The Wall," silently attest to the second.

The late Bernard Fall provided us with the two best books on the First IndoChina War, or the French IndoChina War. The two book are "Street Without Joy" and "Hell in a very Small Place". These two books should be read to together, preferably "Street Without Joy" being the first book read. This book is required reading for any serious student of the French IndoChina War. It is a pity that many of the political leaders in the United States did not read these book and take away the lessons they imparted.

This book is worthwhile reading. It's fairly brief and recounts the interesting experience of the author as a platoon leader operating near an important contested village in Vietnam, Truong Lam. He details his own struggles and triumphs as he takes control of his platoon and his responsibilities. Since his service was fairly late, starting in August, 1970, he had his share of problems due to the general war weariness of everyone involved. He spared the true identities of the other characters, which I'm sure was appreciated by his company commander and several others.

I didn't rate this a 5 star book because I didn't find the quality of writing to be in the same league as I'd expect from a professional writer. McDonough did a respectable job of writing and used a simple, straightforward style. Still, I thought his experiences would have been more gripping and interesting if he'd had some help from a professional writer. As such, I didn't find it hard to put the book down and was glad it wasn't longer. Basically, I found the writing to diminish the story rather than equal or enhance it. No disrespect to the author, who seems like a fine Army officer and a decent writer. It's just that I think the book could have been better if there had been some writing help.

I'd recommend this book to be read along with On Point by Roger Hayes (spelling?). Platoon Leader is a low level officer's experience and On Point an enlisted man's experience. The two books are similar in strengths and weaknesses and the two authors seem to share a lot of the same attributes.

I can't forget the characters in this book: Killigan, Nail, Donne, McDonough himself, and all the others. The prose is sparse but muscular. The author's passion for integrity in leadership and for his troops drips from the pages like tears shed at the Wall in Washington, D.C. The center piece of this unforgettable tale is the tragic truth that America would never know what good and honest and selfless men served their country in the Nam. I will use this book in my high-school English classes to teach new generations about the war, about the men who served, and about the strength of character that once existed in America and that made this country great. My favorite line occurs toward the end when Lt. McDonough, attempting to save the life of one of his troops, writes "I would not let him die. I would rip the world off its axis first." It's a powerful read and one you will not easily forget.

It is not easy to be a leader if you are young and inexperienced. The book describes how a young officer established his leadership among a group of veterans. He faced a lot of difficulties at the beginning as the veterans perceived him just a "college boy" but they had to put the whole platoon fate to this "boy's" hand. Eventually, Lt. McDonough became a successful leader after he had devoted himself entirely to his platoon and his job.

The inside world of Lt. McDonough had a lot of similarities to mine when I was a probationary police inspector - similar capacity of a Lt. who normally leads a platoon or similar team size of policemen in the Hong Kong Police Force. We both experienced similar things for gaining the trust from our subordinates, we both needed to participate and devote ourselves in order to set good examples to others. We both needed to show firm and strong leadership in order to convince our men of our competence. I will recommend this book to my friends in the Force and I think they will like this book too.