This is not just another ‘Nam story; this is the tale of a warrior – the author Richard Taylor.  This highly motivated individual made the US Army his career and he earned his credentials the hard way as an officer during the Vietnam War.

It is worth saying from the outset that this is not just another story of patriotism and high ideals turning to the ashes of disillusionment and despair in the face of the experience of a controversial conflict; this is a factual account written, as we find out, as a cathartic experience only recently.  Taylor’s regrets are mainly for the men who never came back and his memories are clearly still haunted by them.

The book is in 3 neat sections.  The first describes Taylor’s experiences as an advisor to ARVN (South Vietnamese Army) forces in the Mekong delta area from 1967 to 1968.  Those with a knowledge of the Vietnam War will immediately realise that Taylor was there during the infamous Tet Offensive and his account of the actions of the 7^th ARVN Division during that Offensive are fascinating; if only to see what happens when a unit fights itself to a state of tactical impudence – basically you dig in, sit tight and hope your side gets to you before the enemy realises you are reduced to throwing rocks (not quite that in Taylor’s case).  One thing that surprised me about Taylor’s time as an advisor is how, apparently, ill prepared he had been to take on this role.  He learned on the job and took various correspondence courses on important subjects like calling in fire support!  Just as well, as that seemed to be what his main purpose was for as far as the ARVN officers were concerned!

The second section covers the period between Taylor’s two tours of Vietnam – Ranger training and meeting the love of his life!  This section throws up a theme that will be achingly familiar to all family men in the armed forces – balancing the demands of a military career with those of a family.

All too soon though we are back in the action in the books third section as Taylor begins his second tour (between 1970 and 1971) as, eventually, a company commander in the 7^th Cavalry – the Gary Owen!  For me this was the most interesting part of this book as Taylor, clearly a consummate, dedicated officer and warrior becomes increasingly disenchanted with how the withdrawal of US forces impacts on the performance of the troops in the field.  This is not helped by him losing his precious Bravo Company to become Battalion Intel.officer and by his separation from his wife and family.

This is a well written book that comfortably combines an account of day to day military activity during two key parts of the Vietnam War with a somewhat philosophical angle relating to the loss of comrades and the long term impact of war on even the most dedicated of warriors.  It is neither Chickenhawk nor The Shorttimers but it is something that anyone with an interest in military matters would do well to read as the themes are as relevant now as they were when first experienced by Taylor 40+ years ago!

Available now from Casemate in paperback, priced £14.00 (ISBN 9781935149866)

Written by: Paul Robinson, Staff Writer