Great book about my area in Viet Nam- I was ...
936044
Great book about my area in Viet Nam- I was in the battle described in the Easter Sunday Mar 26 1967 as a helicopter pilot. Was there in Vinh Long for a year!
Good book!
1998357
This is an excellent book about the Vietnamese people. Tho' I was alive through the Vietnam War, I did not know much, and therefore learned much. Maybe some day I can meet Vinh since my son lives in Denver !!
4641632
I don't usually read war stories. But my husband was in Viet Nam and this book looked interesting. It was a page turner for me. I didn't want to put it down and it has been a long time since I read a book that entertained me like this one did. This author did an excellent job of telling about his tour of duty in VN.  I am sure there were some very harrowing times that he left out or made light of but it was a very good book.
2954368
I really enjoyed this book, I didn't make it to "Nam" but I know several guys that spent time in the Mekong Delta and their stories sound just like this book.
2007456
I had forgotten or never knew so much of the history of Viet Nam but this novel brought it right back and then taught me more. The story line was a wonderful way to deal with some very complex issues but I have to admit that sometimes the fiction part of the writing was a little too trite. I hate to say that because I did enjoy the book and can't imagine staying with a dry account of Viet Nam for much beyond the first few chapters so I guess that romantic writing kept me engaged.
Anyway, it was a reminder of what a tragedy our role in the war was for all sides and a lesson that the French didn't do it any better.
Several years ago I visited many of the sites mentioned in the book and found that today Viet Nam is a vibrant, beautiful place. What a shame that wiser policies couldn't have made that happen earlier.
3315906
Good book, well written. I think it was the first book I have read about Viet Nam.
4476724
Very much appreciate the effort put forth by Van in this biographical rendition of his time in RVN with 2/27 and 2/5.  He did a yeoman's job of sharing a story that (to this day) is very difficult to share and relate to with anyone not having been in a combat arms MOS.  It really is the day-after-day that gets to you and wears you down.  Clever technique using SPOT reports and letters home to buttress the authenticity but even without them, Van knows what he's talking about.  My interest in the book was the result of learning it was about the 27th & 5th Marines, both of which were the units with whom I enjoyed my lovely time in that wonderful southeastern Asian country from 7/68--8/69.  I, too, was with 2/27 but as a radio operator and then relocated to An Hoa (5th Marines) when the 27th rotated back to the World.  I had forgotten so much about that place until I read something specifically about the same unit, same operations, same map locations.  But it all came flooding back within the first 20 pages.  Very sad but interesting segment about Van's experience when he returned home.  Mine was a cup of orange juice from some little old lady on the tarmac at El Toro but then I never spoke about any of it for over ten years (and nobody asked, either).  Thanks, Van, for having the guts and taking the time to write this book.  I'm certain it has had a very positive impact on many; it certainly has me.
3030220
Just so interesting - an actual account of local Vietnamese medicine, local account of the Vietnam War and how it affected the locals during and after (what the Western world thought) it finished, and the amazing mystical world of the Holy men, the caves, the mountains,  the animals. I re-read many parts again, as Quang  is a year younger than me, so this was a REAL story, but so different to my life and upbringing on the coast of Australia. My Japanese acupuncture practicioner suggested I read it. A wonderful account of a very differect doctor and lifestyle.
4099361
I just finished reading "Mekong Meridian", and thoroughly enjoyed it! It is a great story, and as a lesson on the vicissitudes of life and determination to survive, it is great literature.  Among the things I like are the writing style, descriptions of what it was really like for a Lieutenant platoon leader in a US unit, the philosophy references, and that it brought back memories of my time in Saigon, Cholon, Nha Be District, and Bu Dop. I appreciate the attention to detail, and the Epilogue really makes the story complete.
I have known Steve since we went to Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning in 1968 - he is the epitome of a Ranger, and a lifelong professional soldier.  To get more insight into the author and his experience in Vietnam, read "Jungle In Black" (second edition) iti is a must read!.  Clare Doig
4973346
Great book!
I (0311) was with Hotel, 2nd Battalion 4th Marines at this time. The book is very accrete. The three battles I was in around Con Thien (Phu Oc, "Bastard" Bridge and Hill 48) was very direct and to the point. The detail of each Marine Battalion is excellent. I would give this book 6 stars!
3380406
The daily life of the combat infantry soldier in South Vietnams northern provinces, operations ranging from the coastal plains and rice paddies, to triple-canopy jungles, to the rugged mountainous terrain, home to the well-armed North Vietnamese Army moving supplies along the many tributaries of the infamous Hoi Chi Minh Trail.

The book is well-organized, the font is easy to read, and the photos are clear.  The individual accounts provided by veterans, their photos, and newspaper articles published at the time add a personal touch to the narrative.  A must-have for the veterans who were there.

A special debt of gratitude to Dutch author/historian Paul Crucq.  BATTLEFIELD 44 would not have become reality without the 7 years of detailed research that he tirelessly devoted to this project.  Thank you!
3849239
I am not a Viet Nam Veteran. I am trying to find out what it was "really" like during this war. I found this book captivating. I had to struggle to put it down. If this is a true story, which I believe it is I have much more respect for these brave men. They had to give up and deal with so much more that the enemy. There whole way of life changed. Thank You Veterans. Great book!
1709075
having just had my first trip to Vietnam not long before reading this book,I felt more in touch with what it was all about. The book was good,although what happened to the Vietnamese people at that time was not good.
1727134
this takes me back to my combat experience in Vietnam...Songmy was the village area of the My Lai incident, which was just south of the AO in which I worked.
1503707
This is one of the best books to put you in a Vietnam setting and War.  There has been much written about the subject but the author tell more than a war story here.
I could not put it down. I have read it several times and each time I see something different.
You will smell the jungle, gun fire, and live the crazy adventures of a young LT in war for the first time.
All in all this is a super book and I look forward to reading more of your work.

Tom
766566
Great job Ed! Thought I was back in country again. After many years this excellent read brought back many of the good and not so good memories almost forgotten. It's been difficult to explain what it was like to be a Marine in Viet-Nam to others. From Cold Beer to Hot Patrols buddy's rotating and some in green body bags  - it was one hell of a crazy place. Instead of explaining I'll just point them to Ed's "on target" true story.
4805477
I'm in Vietnam on holiday while reading this book so the places and people are alive for me. wonderful story that wrenches at your gut the loss and the mistakes made by usa and others that led to usa involvement in Vietnam. well written and engrossing.