The Soldiers' Story (Fall River Press Edition): Vietnam in Their Own Words

by Ron Steinman

Most history-minded Americans have discussed the Vietnam War, becoming familiar, at the very least, with the names of such pivotal events as the Siege of Khe Sanh, the Tet Offensive, and the Fall of Saigon. But to grasp the full impact of this agonizing conflict, the human costs of an infernal war that raged for ten years and took more than 58,000 American lives, one must hear about it from the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who experienced the fighting and endured. In The Soldiers’ Story , veteran journalist Ron Steinman gathers the candid reminiscences of seventy-six men who survived combat in Vietnam. Not a military analysis or political study, this oral history vividly conveys the hardships, friendships, fears, and personal triumphs of Marine, Army, Air Force, and Navy veterans—each of whom shares memories that have lingered to this day. It is a valuable frontline record of battle-torn Vietnam from the perspective of those who lived it first-hand, giving us a window into the horror, intensity, and raw courage that the war engendered. For this tenth anniversary reissue of the book, at a time of the continued commitment of American military forces on other continents, Steinman has added a brief new foreword, addressing the ongoing significance of soldiers’ stories—both to themselves and to their families. Praise for The Soldiers’ Story : “Ranks among the most vivid accounts of the war.”—Stanley Karnow “Their stories are as dangerous as the battles they fought—stunning, plain-spoken recollections that reveal the terror of combat and theperils of a far-off war and the folly of government policy.”— New York Newsday “A powerful book that brings to life the triumphs and tragedies experienced by American soldiers in Vietnam. This excellent compilation belongs on every Vietnam bookshelf.” —Publishers Weekly

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[John Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

True life Personal short stories in their own words of soldiers in Vietnam, from Khe San to the evacuation and everywhere in between. Some stories tragic and painful, others uplifting and inspirational. Moving stories of brotherhood. Honest and moving, well worth read.

[Allison Kirchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend lent this book to me after it was recommended to her by a Veteran. The author never sought to create a chronological history of the entire war. Rather, this book was developed as a companion piece to a documentary (that I would like to track down and view). The diverse voices combined to provide broad insight into the long war along with harrowing details of representative battles. The soldiers came from different backgrounds and had different experiences in Vietnam, but many themes were shared among the interviews (love for their colleagues).

I have thought about this book a lot since finishing it a couple of days ago. I will not attempt to chronicle my thoughts on war, this war in particular, or the lessons learned for the future (which might not have been heeded as well as we might wish). I learned a lot from this book, will continue to consider its themes, and will seek out additional reading and resources.

While reading of the air war, I was reminded of a long-ago neighbor who was one of the pilots shot down but rescued. I believe he had to hide in water until the enemy gave up the search and he could signal for assistance. I was only in elementary school at the time and didn't have much understanding of the war. I have a better understanding now of what he might have felt, and I can belatedly grieve for the others that died or were captured and tortured.

[Sean S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[L. Martzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soldiers Story

A very informative and rewarding book. Highly recommend reading. It gives actual true experiences of our military personal. You will not be disappointed.