363 DAYS IN VIETNAM: A MEMOIR OF HOWITZERS, HOOK-UPS & SCREW-UPS FROM MY TOUR OF DUTY 1968 TO 1969

Your memoir tells it all. As you comment a screw up here and there is a normal part of life. Sorry you had so many perfect officers to work for, they live in their own mirror of perfection. Welcome home soldier.

I purchased this book as most of the reviews were 5 stars. I served in Vietnam in 1966 and clearly life improved during the author's tour in 1968 and 1969. There were some details that did not ring 100% accurate, however they were not self aggrandizement, so they likely are attributed to the 50 year time span from his tour of duty. Based on his disclosure of his math skills, the author is an intelligent person, yet seemed to sleepwalk thru his tour. He pulled KP enough times to choke a horse, yet did not do a lot to avoid it. He did well on his arty assignment, yet did not seem to relish the work. He had a chance to go to the Bob Hope show and passed. I just can't fathom that decision, especially considering he liked Bob Hope. He did not cultivate a large group of friends, but rather seemed to enjoy being a loaner. At times he seemed to be the ultimate remf and at other times just a nerd. Some of his bases were certainly on the edge of indian country, others not so much. It isn't that the rear did not offer some excitement, it is evident the author was not a participant. I could write a chapter on leaving Vietnam, he wrote two short bland paragraphs. Maybe he is just the type of person drawn to quartermaster duties and that is all there is. I found the book boring and the author uninteresting. I do not recommend the book. That is not to say the author was an inept writer or lacked intelligence to write a book. The subject matter (the author) just not book worthy.

No nonsense book. It magnifies the statement, that, if you were not there, you really can't feel it. I was not. But reading it gave me a much different understanding of what took place there. And about the anus orifices that got us there. The very best to you , SIR.

I liked this book as it brought back memories of my year in Chu Lai, Viet Nam. I was safely stationed on the base, so I was not exposed to the dangers and threats the author faced in areas outside the base, but nearby. The book nicely captures the boredom and randomness of the army life in Viet Nam. The author faced a few more challenges and moves than most vets who were lucky enough to escape duty in the infantry and the jungles of Viet Nam. Thanks for the memories.

Easy read, informative, totally new perspective of The Vietnam War. Wish it was longer, 363 days in Vietnam from the eyes of someone there day after day. gotta say, this is a great book. highly recommend it.

I had a similar experience except in Thailand during Viet Nam. Not dangerous duty but always wondered why we were there. However, I was Air Force. Not great accommodations but better than Army. Stayed for 20 and never regretted it. Smartest thing I ever did.

The author could have made his several encounters with enemy action into something more than they were like so any are tempted todo, but didn’t. Interesting yarn regards a semi-REMF. Lots of photos telling the story and his choice of Singapore for R&R was a revelation. Good soldier and his boyhood pal being KIA reminded me, a former First Cavalry infantrymen of my boyhood friend who rode horse with me. He too was KIA at the November 1965 Ia Drang battles in The Cav. Sad memories...

Very easy reading. Very well written. Takes me back to that time. Michael's writing style in plain and down to earth. That's what I like about it. Too many authors write in a way that wants you to have the impression that they are great authors, so sometimes it's more about them then the material. Michael writes in a very humble and truthful style and I recommend this book to everyone. It's a good lesson in history and goes along with expression that, people who don't learn from past mistakes, are doomed to repeat them. Well done Michael!

Regret this purchase.

A very candid and personal view of a part of the Vietnam war - thoroughly engrossing...