Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #567800 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 184 pages

Synopsis
A seasoned journalist who rose through the ranks presents an infantry company commander's insight into his soldiers' daily struggle to survive. His vivid prose explains why his brave "grunts" are still haunted by the experience and lack of public respect.

Customer Reviews

Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman
Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman gives a first hand view of the Vietnam War as described by Lee Basnar, an American infantry sergeant and then captain during two tours (1967-1968 and 1970-1971) in Vietnam. However, though the stories are based upon Basnar's experiences many of the stories and situations illustrating in this book are common to any infantry grunt completing a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.

This book contains three parts. The first section, Opening the Duffel Bag, includes background information about Vietnam and about Basnar's first impressions of the country during his first tour of duty in 1967-1968. Commanding Charlie Company, the section of this book, includes stories about Basnar's second tour of duty in 1970-1971. This section holds the bulk of the chapters and experiences of the infantry captain's experiences during this second tour. On the Way. Wait. is the final section of this book and contain accounts of Basnar's final days in Vietnam.

The stories contained in these sections range from comical through heroic to bone chilling. Many of these descriptions aim to educate readers about the cultural and lifestyle differences between regular American life and the life of a grunt during the Vietnam War. These differences are key in understanding the significant conflicts and experiences that these people had while in Vietnam and upon their arrival back to the United States. It is important to note, however, that the author has taken great pains not to preach either the ills or glories of the Vietnam War. His accounts are simply experiences that needed to be shared.

Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman is an extremely valuable work. Beyond the amazing insight into the lives of those serving in the Vietnam War, this book entertains, rivets, and terrifies the reader from start to finish. No matter what your personal opinion of the Vietnam War, this book is a must read.