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The Vietnam War #3
Valley of the Purple Hearts
The Vietnam experience, up close and personal. When eighteen-year-old Buck Marino first meets Rolley Zwyrkowski, he little realizes how much the young sergeant and their next year together in Vietnam will change his life forever. The months following the 1968 Tet Offensive and the battles of the 101st Airborne between Hue and Phu Bai, and westward into the A Shau Valley, provide the backdrop for a story about boys becoming men in a paradoxical war. And when he meets Army nurse Janie Jorgensen, Buck believes he has found the love of his life only to crash into the reality that the war has left his heart and soul lost in a futureless void. Historical military fiction, Valley of The Purple Hearts follows the men of Second Squad through the shadowy jungles and mountains of I-Corps as they fight main force Viet Cong and NVA regulars. With constant enemy contact, booby-traps, sniper fire and all-out firefights, Buck and his buddies follow their squad leader, Rolley, who puts the lives of his men first. As Rolley faces the young and inept Lieutenant Mallon, Buck realizes his squad leader is becoming jaded and has lost his sense of humor. When the young sergeant sacrifices his safety for that of his men, Buck must step up to face Mallon in the heat of battle, and try to save his friend.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2017
540 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Rick DeStefanis
20 books58 followersRick DeStefanis is an award-winning novelist.
Newspaper carrier, grocery store clerk, land surveyor, machinist (International Harvester), paratrooper (82nd Airborne Division), foundry worker, carpenter, brakeman and conductor (Illinois Central Railroad), deputy sheriff, business owner, house painter, dock worker, truck driver, airline ramp agent, operations manager (FedEx Express), Airline Flight Dispatcher, Area General Manager (General Electric), motorcyclist, skydiver, hunter, fisherman, wildlife photographer....Mississippi author Rick DeStefanis brings a lifetime of experiences to his writing. An avid outdoorsman and military veteran, DeStefanis brings several of these experiences to his books, both in his Vietnam War Series and his Southern Fiction Series. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Rick has lived most of his adult life in Mississippi, where he resides with his wife Janet. For more information visit Rick at www.rickdestefanis.com and at www.facebook.com/rickdestefanisphoto.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 3, 2017
One of the best books I've read about Vietnam
I've read many books about Vietnam but this is one of the best I've ever read. Very well written. There are no dull spots in the book. Excellent read. It brought back a lot a memories, good and bad.
I've read many books about Vietnam but this is one of the best I've ever read. Very well written. There are no dull spots in the book. Excellent read. It brought back a lot a memories, good and bad.
December 29, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Valley of the Purple Hearts by Rick DeStefanis. I was also in the 101st only two years later than the time depicted in the story and most likely, walked and crawled in much of the same dirt as did the main character, Buck Marino, in the story - especially in the A Shau Valley. The author is a great storyteller which puts the reader right there with the characters in the scene; we feel the same anxiety, paranoia, and fatigue they do. Every section of Vietnam had infamous areas which brought dread and doomsday scenarios to light. When I was with the 25th Division in III Corps, it was the Iron Triangle. Then, when I joined the 101st in I Corps, the A Shau Valley sent shivers up and down spines whenever mentioned.
Buck Marino was wounded twice as a grunt and was now entitled to a rear job in-country. I'm certain he wouldn't have been happy, because he seemed like an adrenaline junkie. During the last battle where he is wounded, four others were killed, including one of his friends. Buck gets permission to escort the body home and then gets into trouble when he threatens some National Guard troops who are to be part of the funeral service. As a result, he loses the rear job and is transferred to the 75th Ranger Group and returned to Vietnam, going out on 5-man patrols in the A Shau to find the enemy. When he is wounded a 3rd time, the war finally ends for him.
The final chapters in this book show a side of returning war veterans that few see or know about - even in today's wars. Buck resorts to drinking Bourbon and getting smashed daily to forget the emotional pain he'd experienced. During his first hospital stay, he became smitten with a nurse, who also took a liking to him. She'd do anything for him. Their time together upon his return to "The World" turned into a disaster because he couldn't stay sober. There is a happy ending, however, as Buck tames his demons.
The story flows well, it's well edited, and difficult for me to believe that this is a fiction novel. The author's written word and attention to detail and expressed emotions, especially during the battle scenes, can't be made up. I'm certain he wrote from personal experience. This is a great story to learn more about what "grunts" experienced in I Corps during the Vietnam War. Not much had changed over the years, and every Vietnam Vet will be able to relate to the incidents within the story. Highly recommended! Great job Mr. DeStafanis!
Buck Marino was wounded twice as a grunt and was now entitled to a rear job in-country. I'm certain he wouldn't have been happy, because he seemed like an adrenaline junkie. During the last battle where he is wounded, four others were killed, including one of his friends. Buck gets permission to escort the body home and then gets into trouble when he threatens some National Guard troops who are to be part of the funeral service. As a result, he loses the rear job and is transferred to the 75th Ranger Group and returned to Vietnam, going out on 5-man patrols in the A Shau to find the enemy. When he is wounded a 3rd time, the war finally ends for him.
The final chapters in this book show a side of returning war veterans that few see or know about - even in today's wars. Buck resorts to drinking Bourbon and getting smashed daily to forget the emotional pain he'd experienced. During his first hospital stay, he became smitten with a nurse, who also took a liking to him. She'd do anything for him. Their time together upon his return to "The World" turned into a disaster because he couldn't stay sober. There is a happy ending, however, as Buck tames his demons.
The story flows well, it's well edited, and difficult for me to believe that this is a fiction novel. The author's written word and attention to detail and expressed emotions, especially during the battle scenes, can't be made up. I'm certain he wrote from personal experience. This is a great story to learn more about what "grunts" experienced in I Corps during the Vietnam War. Not much had changed over the years, and every Vietnam Vet will be able to relate to the incidents within the story. Highly recommended! Great job Mr. DeStafanis!
March 15, 2022
Best of the rest
I agree Jane was with Buck all the way and deserved as much as Buck did. Fantastic work bringing the reader to the hell of Vietnam. There were thousands of men and women that were killed and many that weren't. Those that survived Vietnam, many suffered from survivors guilt causing them to struggle with PTSD. All the pain and they never declared Vietnam as a war. Many protesters caused so much more unwanted pain for these soldiers. It is now 2022, people still called our men and women baby killers. The people of the United States of
America should bow their heads in shame.
I agree Jane was with Buck all the way and deserved as much as Buck did. Fantastic work bringing the reader to the hell of Vietnam. There were thousands of men and women that were killed and many that weren't. Those that survived Vietnam, many suffered from survivors guilt causing them to struggle with PTSD. All the pain and they never declared Vietnam as a war. Many protesters caused so much more unwanted pain for these soldiers. It is now 2022, people still called our men and women baby killers. The people of the United States of
America should bow their heads in shame.
May 11, 2018
Rick DeStafanis, an author with Memphis roots, writes about the men of the 101st Airborne during one of the worst times of the Vietnam War. He follows a platoon in multiple actions in mostly the A Shau Valley during his hero's year in country - 1968. The action is almost non-stop, is very realistic, and keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat. The description of the landscape of Vietnam is superb. The characters are very well developed, and it is quite easy to get attached to the men of the platoon. The interplay between Buck Martini and Rolley Zwyrkowski is very well done, as well as their difficulty in coping with an incompetent lieutenant. Also, there is a good exploration of coping with PTSD after the hero returns home at the end of his tour. Certainly a great read from the point of view of a fine group of American heroes.
August 26, 2017
Excellent Writing
I really enjoyed reading this book! Terrific detail and I cried more than once. Read this book. I keep thinking about what the men went through for us!
I really enjoyed reading this book! Terrific detail and I cried more than once. Read this book. I keep thinking about what the men went through for us!
July 22, 2022
The Vietnam experience, up close and personal. When eighteen-year-old Buck Marino first meets Rolley Zwyrkowski, he little realizes how much the young sergeant and their next year together in Vietnam will change his life forever. The months following the 1968 Tet Offensive and the battles of the 101st Airborne between Hue and Phu Bai, and westward into the A Shau Valley, provide the backdrop for a story about boys becoming men in a paradoxical war. And when he meets Army nurse Janie Jorgensen, Buck believes he has found the love of his life only to crash into the reality that the war has left his heart and soul lost in a futureless void.This book follows the men of Second Squad through the shadowy jungles and mountains of I-Corps as they fight main force Viet Cong and NVA regulars. With constant enemy contact, booby-traps, sniper fire and all-out firefights, Buck and his buddies follow their squad leader, Rolley, who puts the lives of his men first. As Rolley faces the young and inept Lieutenant Mallon, Buck realizes his squad leader is becoming jaded and has lost his sense of humor. When the young sergeant sacrifices his safety for that of his men, Buck must step up to face Mallon in the heat of battle, and try to save his friend.
Phu Bai Combat Base aka Camp Hochmuth in honour of the late Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division,Bruno Hochmuth,is a former US Army and US Marine Corps base south of Hue,in central Vietnam.On 30/31 January 1968,the base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the Tet Offensive.On 15 February 1968,General Creighton Abrams established the MACV forward at Phu Bai to assume direct control of US forces in northern I Corps,which were then engaged in the Battle of Hue,the Battle of Khe Sanh,and the Tet Counteroffensive.The base remained in use until early 1969.The A Shau Valley is a valley in Vietnam's Thu'a Thien-Hue Province,west of the coastal city of Hue,along the border of Laos.A Shau Valley was one of the key entry points into South Vietnam for men and material brought along the Ho Chi Minh trail by the NVA and was the scene of heavy fighting during the Vietnam War.
Phu Bai Combat Base aka Camp Hochmuth in honour of the late Commanding General of the 3rd Marine Division,Bruno Hochmuth,is a former US Army and US Marine Corps base south of Hue,in central Vietnam.On 30/31 January 1968,the base was hit by Vietcong mortar and rocket fire as part of the Tet Offensive.On 15 February 1968,General Creighton Abrams established the MACV forward at Phu Bai to assume direct control of US forces in northern I Corps,which were then engaged in the Battle of Hue,the Battle of Khe Sanh,and the Tet Counteroffensive.The base remained in use until early 1969.The A Shau Valley is a valley in Vietnam's Thu'a Thien-Hue Province,west of the coastal city of Hue,along the border of Laos.A Shau Valley was one of the key entry points into South Vietnam for men and material brought along the Ho Chi Minh trail by the NVA and was the scene of heavy fighting during the Vietnam War.
August 4, 2017
In 1968, I was a junior in high school, when I saw my boyfriend off at the airport on his way to Viet Nam. Over the next 12 months his brief letters did little to help me imagine the hell that was that war. I tried hard to picture it. I really wanted to know what it was like for him and so many of my friends who had received their draft notice as a graduation present from Uncle Sam. But I couldn't imagine it, and he couldn't describe it. But Rick DeStefanis can and does in his book, Valley of the Purple Hearts, perhaps more vividly and honestly that even his three previous Viet Nam based novels, all amazingly descriptive and compelling reads themselves.
Through every moment of our young soldier, Buck Marino's, tour of duty, Rick DeStefanis takes us along, through the oppressive heat and never-ending rain, the confusion of shifting command and questionable leadership, the stark fear of gun fights and near hand to hand combat, and bonds that form among men in battle. He takes us through the short reprieves from war, to hospital rooms and sandy beaches, where love grows, too. We feel it all, in a way that my 16-year-old self could never have imagined, because this author's greatest gift - greater even than his ability to tell a good story - is his ability to describe a setting in a way that puts you there, lets you see it, touch it, smell it, and feel it as surely as if you too had received that draft notice along with my friends.
So now I think I know what my friends could not tell me when they returned home so many years ago. I think I see what I, and so many of us, did not understand. And maybe it's not too late for us to learn, and to say thank you to our veterans of that war. I know I won't forget to say thank you to Rick DeStefanis for showing me, within this incredible story, what I didn't know for all those years, and for taking me on a journey through war and through love, through friendships and through loss, through a soldier's inner turmoil and rescue, and finally to a place called home.
Through every moment of our young soldier, Buck Marino's, tour of duty, Rick DeStefanis takes us along, through the oppressive heat and never-ending rain, the confusion of shifting command and questionable leadership, the stark fear of gun fights and near hand to hand combat, and bonds that form among men in battle. He takes us through the short reprieves from war, to hospital rooms and sandy beaches, where love grows, too. We feel it all, in a way that my 16-year-old self could never have imagined, because this author's greatest gift - greater even than his ability to tell a good story - is his ability to describe a setting in a way that puts you there, lets you see it, touch it, smell it, and feel it as surely as if you too had received that draft notice along with my friends.
So now I think I know what my friends could not tell me when they returned home so many years ago. I think I see what I, and so many of us, did not understand. And maybe it's not too late for us to learn, and to say thank you to our veterans of that war. I know I won't forget to say thank you to Rick DeStefanis for showing me, within this incredible story, what I didn't know for all those years, and for taking me on a journey through war and through love, through friendships and through loss, through a soldier's inner turmoil and rescue, and finally to a place called home.
July 25, 2017
Rick DeStefanis continues to mature as an author of great military fiction, and he has added a more developed love story to the incredible combat action that his readers have come to appreciate. DeStefanis’ characters are people we come to know and care about. This is a story of duty, love, and loyalty. The hero of this latest saga – Buck Marino, is a replacement who lands in Vietnam in early 1968 and within a few short months becomes a battle-hardened combat leader who is seriously injured, ending up in the 22nd Surgical Hospital in Phu Bai. And that is where the “love story” begins, meeting army LPN Sergeant Jane Jorgensen. They link up infrequently when they can, including a shared R&R in Hong Kong. Buck is injured a second time, gets into some trouble and opts for an assignment to a Ranger LRPP company instead of a courts-martial. Sergeant Jorgensen finishes her tour and returns home to Montana to continue her studies to become a RN. Nearing the end of his year-long deployment, in an amazing combat E & E (Evade and Evade) action, Buck is injured a third time and gets his ticket home, and is reunited with Janie in Montana. However, Buck’s PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) drives a wedge between him and Janie, and after a short two months Buck heads home to Mississippi. Buck Marino, like Sergeant Coker in RAEFORD’S MVP, has to “work through” his PTS or lose the woman who loves him. And fortunately for Buck, he has a battle buddy to help him climb out of the emotional hole he has dug for himself. This is a good addition to the professional reading library for the doctors and nurses working at a VA medical facility. Rick DeStefanis is a fabulous story teller and the author’s descriptions of combat are vivid, and his writing is so descriptive that the reader can taste the muck at the bottom of the rice paddies, and smell the nuoc cham fish sauce of the Vietnamese patrols. Strong work RIck
November 27, 2022
Absolutely the best book I have ever read.
Thank you Rick DeStefanis. Your book touched me on so many different levels. I was still in high school during the Vietnam War and like many Americans, I was so ignorant. As I got older, the war reached out and touched me on a personal level. Several of my classmates were killed. One close friend survived Vietnam but he was never able to get over or learn to deal with it. The war never left him and he died by his own hand just a few years ago. I urge everyone to read this book. Thanks again.
Thank you Rick DeStefanis. Your book touched me on so many different levels. I was still in high school during the Vietnam War and like many Americans, I was so ignorant. As I got older, the war reached out and touched me on a personal level. Several of my classmates were killed. One close friend survived Vietnam but he was never able to get over or learn to deal with it. The war never left him and he died by his own hand just a few years ago. I urge everyone to read this book. Thanks again.
March 9, 2019
Heart ❤
At the end of this book I was crying. My husband was in Vietnam as a gunner on a helicopter. He never said much about it. He was one of the lucky ones and came home. This book should be read by all the ignorant people who protested against the war because really they protested against boys and men whom fought and died for No reason other than a political mess up. Read this book it will break your heart ❤.
At the end of this book I was crying. My husband was in Vietnam as a gunner on a helicopter. He never said much about it. He was one of the lucky ones and came home. This book should be read by all the ignorant people who protested against the war because really they protested against boys and men whom fought and died for No reason other than a political mess up. Read this book it will break your heart ❤.
August 3, 2024
LRRPS in Action
I liked this book because it perfectly represents the character and professional attributes of the men who voluntarily served in the LRRPs as I did with the 4th Division in the Central Highlands in 1968. This is a well written book that was nearly impossible to set down and I recommend it to anyone that has an interest in military action during the Vietnam war. Yes, to those of us that served there it was a war, not a conflict.
I liked this book because it perfectly represents the character and professional attributes of the men who voluntarily served in the LRRPs as I did with the 4th Division in the Central Highlands in 1968. This is a well written book that was nearly impossible to set down and I recommend it to anyone that has an interest in military action during the Vietnam war. Yes, to those of us that served there it was a war, not a conflict.
April 11, 2022
Rick DeStefanis books
This is the fourth book in as many weeks I’ve read by Rick DeSefanis. Each one very special and well written. Rick’s stories are all fast moving with very little down time. I highly recommend his books of the military and especially his westerns. Thank you Rick and keep up the good work!
This is the fourth book in as many weeks I’ve read by Rick DeSefanis. Each one very special and well written. Rick’s stories are all fast moving with very little down time. I highly recommend his books of the military and especially his westerns. Thank you Rick and keep up the good work!
June 19, 2021
Enjoyable
Read the book in two settings. Couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Buck and Janie are a timeless love story set against the horrors of combat and all the perils that are Vietnam. Loved it.
Read the book in two settings. Couldn’t wait to see what happened next. Buck and Janie are a timeless love story set against the horrors of combat and all the perils that are Vietnam. Loved it.
May 9, 2023
Brings back memories
Mr. DeStefanis's book brought back memories of those friends that I made and lost. Not sure why I began the book - typically I never read about that war - but I am glad I did.
Mr. DeStefanis's book brought back memories of those friends that I made and lost. Not sure why I began the book - typically I never read about that war - but I am glad I did.
April 3, 2024
really great read
this book keeps you involved as if you were there in the jungle these young men are true heroes it’s too bad our country hasn’t woken yet to how great the armed services really are
this book keeps you involved as if you were there in the jungle these young men are true heroes it’s too bad our country hasn’t woken yet to how great the armed services really are
July 14, 2024
Extremely well written, memories!!
I also spent 1969 on Vietnam with the 11th ACR. Brings back many memories, some bad and some good. Reminds me of brothers some lost and some who returned. One of the top Vietnam stories written.
I also spent 1969 on Vietnam with the 11th ACR. Brings back many memories, some bad and some good. Reminds me of brothers some lost and some who returned. One of the top Vietnam stories written.
September 4, 2024
Real
I served in Guam and Thailand and had friends in Vietnam during the 60s and early 70s. I remember the college protests and nightly news broadcasts. This book took me back to that time period.
I served in Guam and Thailand and had friends in Vietnam during the 60s and early 70s. I remember the college protests and nightly news broadcasts. This book took me back to that time period.
May 22, 2025
Valley of the purple hearts
Mr. DeStefanis writes a well researched story from the experience he remembers from his army tours. Enjoyed the way the author developed his characters and brought it all together at the end. Anyone who likes military stories will enjoy these books.
Mr. DeStefanis writes a well researched story from the experience he remembers from his army tours. Enjoyed the way the author developed his characters and brought it all together at the end. Anyone who likes military stories will enjoy these books.
January 26, 2019
I have read all of his Nam books and enjoyed the action and story lines of them all, I Look forward to see what comes next????
August 22, 2019
Great!
Very real and factual with interest situational plot that happens outside of country. Highly recommended. Good detail of country and of viet name.
Very real and factual with interest situational plot that happens outside of country. Highly recommended. Good detail of country and of viet name.
July 22, 2021
4.5 / 5
September 18, 2023
Good addition to the ongoing Vietnam Stories. Rick is a very good story teller
February 10, 2024
Author never been in combat? Does not claim to that
I could find in this book. Kinda wonder if any other people who are in this book are real or is it all fiction. Be nice to know.
I could find in this book. Kinda wonder if any other people who are in this book are real or is it all fiction. Be nice to know.
May 2, 2024
awesome book
Very much enjoyed reading this book. Very well written and an interesting read. The author has in depth knowledge of the ground war in Vietnam.
Very much enjoyed reading this book. Very well written and an interesting read. The author has in depth knowledge of the ground war in Vietnam.
June 5, 2024
'Valley of the Purple Hearts' is a very good account of the year spent by the airborne infantryman in Vietnam. I recommend this book.
August 6, 2024
On target
Written with obvious firsthand knowledge and experience. A story about the Nam telling it like it was and how it should be remembered.
Written with obvious firsthand knowledge and experience. A story about the Nam telling it like it was and how it should be remembered.
January 6, 2025
WHAT A SUPER READ!!!THE
I have read numerous books about Vietnam and that era. None compare to the reality projected by this writer. I look forward to the next one.
I have read numerous books about Vietnam and that era. None compare to the reality projected by this writer. I look forward to the next one.
February 4, 2025
One of the best novels I've read about the Vietnam war. Very realistic and interesting.
October 24, 2017
DeStefanis's VOTPH takes us on a Vietnam adventure in chaos--one that drops us right into the action from the first Huey airmobile insertion. A solid work all around, DeStefanis is world-class in his description of the harsh jungle surroundings, overlaying military tactics, and what it feels like to be on patrol in both a line unit and long range surveillance detachment. He also efficiently weaves together the imperfect camaraderie of teams and squads that are constantly in flux, through casualties, reassignments, and even the strange timing of R&R. We watch how his protagonist, Buck Marino, changes into a more effective warrior and survivor through many harrowing combat scenes, and we see both the short-term and long-term impact of his experience when the battle is over. With more time in the combat theater comes less patience, more temper, and more haunting memories. What is he trying to prove? A love story is woven in through a realistic arc, and we aren't sure if the constructs Buck has developed will result in tragedy for himself and those he cares about. A truly excellent read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews