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Master Chief
The memoir of a man who spent most of his career facing death.
For UDT/SEAL team member Gary R. Smith, just being part of an elite military organization wasn’t enough—he had to be in the thick of the action. Because in bloody, violent Vietnam he learned there’s no stronger bond than the one forged in the gut-wrenching chaos of combat. During ambushes, PRU combat patrols, and extractions from hot LZs, Smith depended on the courage and sacrifice of his fellow SEALs, who time and again placed their own lives on the line so that he might survive.
In Master Chief , Gary Smith covers his fifth tour in Vietnam and his rise to the highest enlisted rank, master chief petty officer. Characteristically, Smith holds nothing back when describing life during wartime in one of the world’s toughest fighting units.
Based on the author's own experience, as well as his own and others’ diaries, letters, and documents, and on extensive interviews, Master Chief is an outstanding memoir of a warrior who answered the call to arms when
his country needed him.
For UDT/SEAL team member Gary R. Smith, just being part of an elite military organization wasn’t enough—he had to be in the thick of the action. Because in bloody, violent Vietnam he learned there’s no stronger bond than the one forged in the gut-wrenching chaos of combat. During ambushes, PRU combat patrols, and extractions from hot LZs, Smith depended on the courage and sacrifice of his fellow SEALs, who time and again placed their own lives on the line so that he might survive.
In Master Chief , Gary Smith covers his fifth tour in Vietnam and his rise to the highest enlisted rank, master chief petty officer. Characteristically, Smith holds nothing back when describing life during wartime in one of the world’s toughest fighting units.
Based on the author's own experience, as well as his own and others’ diaries, letters, and documents, and on extensive interviews, Master Chief is an outstanding memoir of a warrior who answered the call to arms when
his country needed him.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 21, 2024
This is the third book detailing Gary Smith's tours of duty in Vietnam. The final third of this volume, however, gives us a look into Smith's first couple of years after Vietnam and what he (along with the rest of the military) dealt with once the @#$%! running the government back then decided to fight no more wars no more. This isn't a partisan rant, both parties were so desperate to get out of Vietnam, they (IMHO) didn't care who they had to betray as long as ABC, CBS and NBC stopped talking bad about them.
Fortunately, Master Chief Smith also shows us the life of the SEALs back then and it is a glorious life indeed. Few in the annals of time have ever had so much fun and still avoided Federal lock-up through their finely honed skills and the gross ineptitude of flag officers, REMF officers and NCOs, and politicians of all types.
A great book for a rainy weekend and highly recommended for fans of military biographies and adventure. Be prepared for a few stories though that just might break your heart though.
Find it. Buy it. Read it!
Fortunately, Master Chief Smith also shows us the life of the SEALs back then and it is a glorious life indeed. Few in the annals of time have ever had so much fun and still avoided Federal lock-up through their finely honed skills and the gross ineptitude of flag officers, REMF officers and NCOs, and politicians of all types.
A great book for a rainy weekend and highly recommended for fans of military biographies and adventure. Be prepared for a few stories though that just might break your heart though.
Find it. Buy it. Read it!
June 9, 2025
A Navy SEAL tells his tales of the Vietnam War.
Some people might be triggered by his views, but a great many people share them.
Some people might be triggered by his views, but a great many people share them.
August 23, 2024
Very good book that will lead the reader through the jungles of Viet Nam during Master Chief Smith's last of his 5 tours through Nam and encompasses his life in the navy until retirement. A well written story and well worth the read if you have any inclination to know what the Navy Seals roll was during the Viet Nam war.
June 12, 2022
Boring.
Didn't hold my interest, seemed like a lot of botched missions. It was more partying then actual combat missions. It's hard to explain but it's not worth the money. The story doesn't make me feel like it was really written by a Navy Seal.Sorry.I spent three years stationed out of Little Creek Amphibious base which had a good number of Seals.,also my ship was had a number of Navy divers.You do hear some stories but usually not as much as you would like to hear.But I'm sure I wouldn't want to talk about or couldn't talk about it.
Didn't hold my interest, seemed like a lot of botched missions. It was more partying then actual combat missions. It's hard to explain but it's not worth the money. The story doesn't make me feel like it was really written by a Navy Seal.Sorry.I spent three years stationed out of Little Creek Amphibious base which had a good number of Seals.,also my ship was had a number of Navy divers.You do hear some stories but usually not as much as you would like to hear.But I'm sure I wouldn't want to talk about or couldn't talk about it.
July 2, 2025
Worthwhile read
Very matter of fact account of SEAL actions in the late days and the end of the Vietnam war. The intensity of the training, post-Vietnam, really surprised me; these fellows never rest! I really enjoyed this book, and my admiration for these soldiers who gave their best, has increased commensurately.
Very matter of fact account of SEAL actions in the late days and the end of the Vietnam war. The intensity of the training, post-Vietnam, really surprised me; these fellows never rest! I really enjoyed this book, and my admiration for these soldiers who gave their best, has increased commensurately.
October 14, 2021
Good read! I everyone
I would have liked more written about actual combat, less details of documentation of the rank of those involved in the action.
I would have liked more written about actual combat, less details of documentation of the rank of those involved in the action.
October 19, 2025
If one was with the author at a camp fire and he was telling you some of the things you always wanted to know about concerning his journey as a SEAL in a place where death is but a breath away this is it! He tells a riveting account of his experience and missions in Vietnam. I have read his books, Death in the Delta and Master Chief with no regrets! Keeps you reading and wanting more. Too bad they weren’t more chapters. My only complaint is that there wasn’t more!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews