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The Vietnam War #5
The Birdhouse Man
The Birdhouse Man has been awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for historical fiction. Sam Walker pulls no punches when he tells his Vietnam War story to college journalism student, Claire Cunningham. As Sam shares his unapologetic and unvarnished viewpoint, he begins to suspect Claire’s thesis work isn’t her only reason for interviewing him. When his tale unfolds, the seventy-three-year-old veteran and the young woman discover they are both grappling with questions, loss, and loneliness, but believe that together they may find some answers to help bring the closure that has eluded them.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
360 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2020
About the author
Rick DeStefanis
24 books59 followersRick DeStefanis is an award-winning American novelist whose work spans military historical fiction, Southern fiction, and Western historical fiction. A former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Vietnam era, DeStefanis brings uncommon authenticity, emotional depth, and lived experience to stories shaped by war, memory, loyalty, and the American South.
Born in Memphis and raised in the South, DeStefanis has worked a remarkable range of occupations throughout his life—including machinist, railroad conductor, construction worker, airline dispatcher, and business executive—experiences that lend his fiction a strong sense of realism and hard-earned humanity.
He is the author of multiple acclaimed novels, including the award-winning Vietnam War Series, whose titles include The Gomorrah Principle, Valley of the Purple Hearts, and The Birdhouse Man. His work has earned honors such as the Readers’ Favorite Award, the Kindle Gold Medal Award for Literary Fiction, and the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal Award.
Beyond military fiction, DeStefanis is also known for his Western historical fiction series The Rawlins Saga and his Southern novel Tallahatchie. Across genres, his writing is recognized for its vivid atmosphere, deeply human characters, and exploration of the emotional costs of violence, redemption, and survival. Reviewers have compared the emotional realism of his Vietnam fiction to early war writers such as Tim O'Brien and James Webb.
An avid outdoorsman and wildlife photographer, Rick DeStefanis lives in rural Mississippi with his wife, Janet, where he continues to write stories rooted in history, place, and the complexities of the human spirit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 15, 2020
THE BIRDHOUSE MAN is certainly the best of this five-part Vietnam War series by Rick DeStefanis. This is a story of leadership and redemption. A story of leadership and courage forged in the combat of the Vietnam War, as the author follows three lieutenants – one commissioned from the US Military Academy, one commissioned through ROTC, and one through OCS. All are airborne, ranger, infantry – sent to Vietnam in the fall of 1967 to join the same battalion in the 173rd Airborne. (“the third herd”). A story of redemption through the love of a good woman who saved the narrator when he returned after two tours in Vietnam, seriously wound, and suffering from post-traumatic stress as he started his new life as a history professor at his alma mater. A story of redemption through the love of a daughter for her estranged and widowed father, an Iraq combat vet with PTS who suffered a TBI traumatic brain injury. The story is told by emeritus history professor Sam Walker, now in his 70’s, as he relates many long-suppressed and gut-wrenching memories from his two tours in Vietnam to college student Claire Cunningham, who is writing her senior thesis, after her wounded Vietnam vet grandfather Sergeant Pearle died before he could tell her his story. Walker was injured in his first tour after only a month in-country and awarded the Silver Star. His was injured much more severely in his second tour and was awarded the Distinguished Service cross (the military’s second highest award for valor).
Fortunately, for me, the West Point officer isn’t as much of a leadership fiasco as Courtney Massingale in Anton Myer’s military classic, Once an Eagle. DeStefanis has produced a classic novel of soldiers and soldiering, that ranks with Once an Eagle, Red Badge of Courage, and All Quiet on the Western Front as time tested epics of war and warriors. The author’s descriptions of combat are vivid. I recommend this book for all colleagues who choose to work at our nation’s Veterans’ Administration Hospitals.
Fortunately, for me, the West Point officer isn’t as much of a leadership fiasco as Courtney Massingale in Anton Myer’s military classic, Once an Eagle. DeStefanis has produced a classic novel of soldiers and soldiering, that ranks with Once an Eagle, Red Badge of Courage, and All Quiet on the Western Front as time tested epics of war and warriors. The author’s descriptions of combat are vivid. I recommend this book for all colleagues who choose to work at our nation’s Veterans’ Administration Hospitals.
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July 19, 2020MWSA Review
The Birdhouse Man by Rick Destefanis is an interesting, well written story that brings together a Vietnam veteran, an Iraq War veteran, and his daughter. In many ways, all three are now alone in life. Sam, a veteran of the Vietnam War is a widower and lives alone. Claire, the Iraq War veteran's daughter, is a college student whose mother and grandfather have passed away. Her father suffers from a traumatic brain injury and abandoned the family when Claire was young. He is homeless, and his whereabouts are unknown. Claire convinces Sam to help her with her college thesis on the Vietnam War, something her grandfather was doing until he passed away. In doing so, Sam opens up and faces the memories of many combat experiences he had not talked about in years. Claire develops a better understanding of what her grandfather and Sam went through during the war. During the interviews, Sam convinces Claire that they should look for her father. This is a good book that brings to light the hardship of combat and its aftermath. I recommend it.
Review by Bob Doerr (July 2020)
The Birdhouse Man by Rick Destefanis is an interesting, well written story that brings together a Vietnam veteran, an Iraq War veteran, and his daughter. In many ways, all three are now alone in life. Sam, a veteran of the Vietnam War is a widower and lives alone. Claire, the Iraq War veteran's daughter, is a college student whose mother and grandfather have passed away. Her father suffers from a traumatic brain injury and abandoned the family when Claire was young. He is homeless, and his whereabouts are unknown. Claire convinces Sam to help her with her college thesis on the Vietnam War, something her grandfather was doing until he passed away. In doing so, Sam opens up and faces the memories of many combat experiences he had not talked about in years. Claire develops a better understanding of what her grandfather and Sam went through during the war. During the interviews, Sam convinces Claire that they should look for her father. This is a good book that brings to light the hardship of combat and its aftermath. I recommend it.
Review by Bob Doerr (July 2020)
September 25, 2020
DeStefanis has written another compelling historical fiction story, this time about a Vietnam veteran sharing war memories with a young woman of our current generation. The battlefield accounts are what you've come to expect from the author if you're familiar with his other work: riveting and with an extraordinary ability to engage all the senses. The parallel track of the current-day plot adds a layer of curiosity, emotion, and periodic conflict, tying it nicely together. You can read this from many angles. Most will see this as a vehicle to better understand the war and its physical and mental toll on soldiers and their families. I believe historical fiction, in this sense, may be more effective than a non-fiction memoir. But it's also another cautionary tale for junior officers. I was sent/issued Platoon Leader in the mail prior to my arrival for my first summer at West Point many years ago, and Platoon Leader's non-fictional account of Vietnam left no doubt how ugly war can be, and the tests that junior officers can face. DeStefanis's work tracks several lieutenants before, during, and after deployment, and their varying personalities and leadership styles come to life in their character arcs. Some of them grow and some of them don't, and that's the reality. His novel would have been another great one for me to read early in my military journey, and I suspect it would be much appreciated by anyone choosing a military career today.
September 12, 2020
Great!
As a the son of a Marine who fought in the end of WW II, Korea and Viet Nam, I found this book real in so many aspects. There is no possibility that any man who was in combat is completely OK. All handle it differently and spoke need outside help. They are all heros. My younger brother retired from the Air Force with yours in the middle east . I am an Army veteran but did not see combat. This novel is one of the most enjoyable and yet hard hitting and truthful books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Extremely well written and the characters were wonderful.Truthful, real history honest and even tearful. Thank You Rick DeStefanis for such a great presentation.
As a the son of a Marine who fought in the end of WW II, Korea and Viet Nam, I found this book real in so many aspects. There is no possibility that any man who was in combat is completely OK. All handle it differently and spoke need outside help. They are all heros. My younger brother retired from the Air Force with yours in the middle east . I am an Army veteran but did not see combat. This novel is one of the most enjoyable and yet hard hitting and truthful books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Extremely well written and the characters were wonderful.Truthful, real history honest and even tearful. Thank You Rick DeStefanis for such a great presentation.
February 21, 2021
A Soldier’s Story
When I started this book I didn’t expect to enjoy it. As a Vietnam Vet with PTSD I figured it would just a bunch of bullshit put together to make money. I am happy to say I was wrong. Part’s are difficult at times but it describes how we cope with our War experiences. The characters are real and their pain is believable. I recommend it. Most Vets are all just hanging on, doors on the rooms nailed shut as we try to abide!
When I started this book I didn’t expect to enjoy it. As a Vietnam Vet with PTSD I figured it would just a bunch of bullshit put together to make money. I am happy to say I was wrong. Part’s are difficult at times but it describes how we cope with our War experiences. The characters are real and their pain is believable. I recommend it. Most Vets are all just hanging on, doors on the rooms nailed shut as we try to abide!
February 6, 2022
Excellent!
I never leave reviews but I had to on this one I have read a lot of vietnam books and this one is at the top I was a teenager living in lawton oklahoma during this war lawton is where Ft Sill is located I met a multitude of vets because of my location most of them would not talk about it but those men saw things that I would never want to have to experience I am 65 now and this novel really brought back memories of those men well done
I never leave reviews but I had to on this one I have read a lot of vietnam books and this one is at the top I was a teenager living in lawton oklahoma during this war lawton is where Ft Sill is located I met a multitude of vets because of my location most of them would not talk about it but those men saw things that I would never want to have to experience I am 65 now and this novel really brought back memories of those men well done
June 28, 2020
Great read
For a veteran of the war in Vietnam, I was a warrant officer helicopter pilot, my job was to take care of the men that needed evac when necessary and firepower when needed. Authors depictions of what really took pplace was right on target. Had a good cry several times as I made my way through his book. Thank you Mr DeStenofis.
For a veteran of the war in Vietnam, I was a warrant officer helicopter pilot, my job was to take care of the men that needed evac when necessary and firepower when needed. Authors depictions of what really took pplace was right on target. Had a good cry several times as I made my way through his book. Thank you Mr DeStenofis.
June 14, 2021
What an author. Fabulous.
My husband is a Vietnam veteran. He absolutely loved this book and the author. He actually has read all of the books he has written. It helped the both of us talk about my husband’s own experiences. (Navy Seabee) We have not spoken much about Vietnam in the 33 years we have been married.
My husband is a Vietnam veteran. He absolutely loved this book and the author. He actually has read all of the books he has written. It helped the both of us talk about my husband’s own experiences. (Navy Seabee) We have not spoken much about Vietnam in the 33 years we have been married.
November 30, 2021
A powerful story of war
This is a well told story, or stories, about war and its effects on those who fought and their families. A very interesting combination of story lines which connect the past and present and how strong the bonds are between soldiers, no matter which war they were in.
This is a well told story, or stories, about war and its effects on those who fought and their families. A very interesting combination of story lines which connect the past and present and how strong the bonds are between soldiers, no matter which war they were in.
December 29, 2020
If you’re a veteran, you need to read this book...
I’m a Vietnam vet and my war wasn’t like the protagonist’s but this will put war and it’s impact into perspective for any reader. Very well done. Thank you.
I’m a Vietnam vet and my war wasn’t like the protagonist’s but this will put war and it’s impact into perspective for any reader. Very well done. Thank you.
May 31, 2020
I enjoy Rick story telling. I HAVE READ 3 OF HIS BOOKS AND ENJOYED THEM ALL .I looking forward to the next war book.
October 13, 2020
Not a war story! Very good information about REAL War.
January 2, 2021
When I read the info on this book I didn’t think that I would like it because it was fiction. It turned out to be a great book.
July 22, 2022
Sam Walker pulls no punches when he tells his Vietnam War story to college journalism student, Claire Cunningham. As Sam shares his unapologetic and unvarnished viewpoint, he begins to suspect Claire’s thesis work isn’t her only reason for interviewing him. When his tale unfolds, the 73 year old veteran and the young woman discover they are both grappling with questions, loss, and loneliness, but believe that together they may find some answers to help bring the closure that has eluded them.
Bien Hoa Air Base is a Vietnam People's Air Force military airfield located in South-Central southern Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City,across the Dong Nai river in the northern wars of Tan Phong,and within the city of Bien Hoa within Dong Nai Province.During the Vietnam War the base was used by the RVNAF.The US used it as a major base from 1961-1973, stationing Army,Air Force,Navy and Marine unis there.Ben Het camp,aka Special Forces and Ranger camp and FSB, is a former US Army and ARVN base northwest of Kon Tum in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.The camp was notable for being the site of a tank battle between the US Army and PAVN,one of the few such encounters during the Vietnam War.The Civilian Irregular Defence Group program was developed by the US government in the Vietnam War to develop South Vietnamese irregular military units from minority populations,especially Montagnard.The Montagnards disliked both the North and South Vietnamese and therefore quickly took to the American advisers.The program was widely successful,as once one village was pacified,it served as a training camp for other local villages.CIDG was formed for two reasons:US mission Saigon believed that the South Vietnamese effort to create similar paramilitary units needed to be bolstered,and the US featured that the Viet Cong would be able to recruit large numbers of minority troops.The Military Auxiliary Radio System is a civilian auxiliary program consisting mainly of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a regional and national level when access to traditional forms of communication may no longer be available.
Bien Hoa Air Base is a Vietnam People's Air Force military airfield located in South-Central southern Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh City,across the Dong Nai river in the northern wars of Tan Phong,and within the city of Bien Hoa within Dong Nai Province.During the Vietnam War the base was used by the RVNAF.The US used it as a major base from 1961-1973, stationing Army,Air Force,Navy and Marine unis there.Ben Het camp,aka Special Forces and Ranger camp and FSB, is a former US Army and ARVN base northwest of Kon Tum in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.The camp was notable for being the site of a tank battle between the US Army and PAVN,one of the few such encounters during the Vietnam War.The Civilian Irregular Defence Group program was developed by the US government in the Vietnam War to develop South Vietnamese irregular military units from minority populations,especially Montagnard.The Montagnards disliked both the North and South Vietnamese and therefore quickly took to the American advisers.The program was widely successful,as once one village was pacified,it served as a training camp for other local villages.CIDG was formed for two reasons:US mission Saigon believed that the South Vietnamese effort to create similar paramilitary units needed to be bolstered,and the US featured that the Viet Cong would be able to recruit large numbers of minority troops.The Military Auxiliary Radio System is a civilian auxiliary program consisting mainly of licensed amateur radio operators who are interested in assisting the military with communications on a regional and national level when access to traditional forms of communication may no longer be available.
March 25, 2026
I picked up The Birdhouse Man on a rainy Thursday afternoon and didn't put it down until well past midnight. That should tell you something.
Rick DeStefanis has done something rare here he's written a war novel that isn't really about war. Or rather, it's about what war leaves behind. Sam Walker is seventy-three years old, weathered and blunt in the way only men who've seen too much can be, and from the first page he had me completely. He doesn't dress anything up. He doesn't ask for your sympathy. He just tells it, and that unvarnished honesty is exactly what makes this book cut so deep.
The framing device Claire, the journalism student conducting interviews for her thesis could have felt contrived in lesser hands. It doesn't. DeStefanis uses the dynamic between these two people beautifully. On the surface it's a young woman gathering material. Underneath, it's two lonely souls circling each other, each carrying a wound they haven't quite named yet. Watching that relationship slowly reveal itself is quietly one of the most affecting things I've read in years.
What I wasn't prepared for was how funny this book occasionally is. Sam's voice has a dry wit that sneaks up on you between the heavier moments, and it keeps the whole thing from sinking under the weight of its subject matter. DeStefanis clearly knows this man knows how veterans like Sam actually talk, the particular way they deflect and then suddenly don't.
The Vietnam sequences are visceral without being gratuitous. There's a discipline to the writing there that I admire. DeStefanis never lingers for shock value. He earns every hard scene.
The Military Writers Society of America gave this the Gold Medal for historical fiction. Having now read it, I understand why without question. But I'd push back on "historical fiction" as the full picture this is a profoundly human story about grief, connection, and the stubborn persistence of unfinished business. The war is the backdrop. The people are the point.
Rick DeStefanis has done something rare here he's written a war novel that isn't really about war. Or rather, it's about what war leaves behind. Sam Walker is seventy-three years old, weathered and blunt in the way only men who've seen too much can be, and from the first page he had me completely. He doesn't dress anything up. He doesn't ask for your sympathy. He just tells it, and that unvarnished honesty is exactly what makes this book cut so deep.
The framing device Claire, the journalism student conducting interviews for her thesis could have felt contrived in lesser hands. It doesn't. DeStefanis uses the dynamic between these two people beautifully. On the surface it's a young woman gathering material. Underneath, it's two lonely souls circling each other, each carrying a wound they haven't quite named yet. Watching that relationship slowly reveal itself is quietly one of the most affecting things I've read in years.
What I wasn't prepared for was how funny this book occasionally is. Sam's voice has a dry wit that sneaks up on you between the heavier moments, and it keeps the whole thing from sinking under the weight of its subject matter. DeStefanis clearly knows this man knows how veterans like Sam actually talk, the particular way they deflect and then suddenly don't.
The Vietnam sequences are visceral without being gratuitous. There's a discipline to the writing there that I admire. DeStefanis never lingers for shock value. He earns every hard scene.
The Military Writers Society of America gave this the Gold Medal for historical fiction. Having now read it, I understand why without question. But I'd push back on "historical fiction" as the full picture this is a profoundly human story about grief, connection, and the stubborn persistence of unfinished business. The war is the backdrop. The people are the point.
June 19, 2024
This book is an outstanding effort by the Author to explain the many different facets of War and its effects on those who fight them. The bonds that occur between combat veterans run deep and are lasting. As are the memories both good and bad of those who have been there. Bravo to the Author and his efforts to portray them. Also as a Veteran and one who grew up watching this Country tear itself apart and disrespect the Men and Women who fought in it. I have seen War first hand and know how ugly and vicious it can be. I also know that even though you survived the experience it will remain with you as long as you live. Good and bad. I would recommend this book to anyone as a solid look at all of the above mentioned topics.
March 28, 2024
I Remember
I was a young girl in high school during the years of 1967 - 1969. I remember watching the news on tv and for the first time you could see the war. It was really frightening and I felt so bad for those young men over there. I still feel sorry for the veterans of that war and I hold them in such high esteem. Thank you sir for writing these books to help those of us who want to understand be able to understand better. There are so many names and places that I remember hearing. Again, thank you so much…
I was a young girl in high school during the years of 1967 - 1969. I remember watching the news on tv and for the first time you could see the war. It was really frightening and I felt so bad for those young men over there. I still feel sorry for the veterans of that war and I hold them in such high esteem. Thank you sir for writing these books to help those of us who want to understand be able to understand better. There are so many names and places that I remember hearing. Again, thank you so much…
December 24, 2023
An Excellent book, more than worth the time!
After reading Melody Hill I had reservations about reading another of Mr. deStefanis’s books but I got past those reservations and started this book. I am so glad I did, the stories told here were great reading, intertwined i with the second story line of Claire and her looking so hard for her farther. DeStefanis brough5 these two stories together and ended the book in the most satisfying way. Read and enjoy.
After reading Melody Hill I had reservations about reading another of Mr. deStefanis’s books but I got past those reservations and started this book. I am so glad I did, the stories told here were great reading, intertwined i with the second story line of Claire and her looking so hard for her farther. DeStefanis brough5 these two stories together and ended the book in the most satisfying way. Read and enjoy.
May 26, 2022
Vietnam Impact - Before During and After
Well written on numerous aspects of combat and effects of PTSD. Very believable, including leadership aspects (from pathetic to outstanding). I'm normally not a fan of fiction, but Mr. DeStefanis lays out a very believable story line! I intend to read some of his additional publications. Thank you and well done!
Well written on numerous aspects of combat and effects of PTSD. Very believable, including leadership aspects (from pathetic to outstanding). I'm normally not a fan of fiction, but Mr. DeStefanis lays out a very believable story line! I intend to read some of his additional publications. Thank you and well done!
October 21, 2022
excellent book!!!
I truly enjoyed reading this book, the part that Sam talk about how unrealistic Hollywood portrays war,is exactly what my father (an Army Lifer/Korean/Vietnam Vet) would say. He said the closet thing to truth was the tv show Tour of Duty. My father also worked with the Montangards, highly respected them and thought very highly of them.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, the part that Sam talk about how unrealistic Hollywood portrays war,is exactly what my father (an Army Lifer/Korean/Vietnam Vet) would say. He said the closet thing to truth was the tv show Tour of Duty. My father also worked with the Montangards, highly respected them and thought very highly of them.
May 20, 2024
Good
I didn’t understand much of the detailed military information, but the book underscored the devastation and traumatic Vietnam war like I’d never understood before. Good story line. Certainly worth reading.
I didn’t understand much of the detailed military information, but the book underscored the devastation and traumatic Vietnam war like I’d never understood before. Good story line. Certainly worth reading.
February 9, 2025
Damned good read!
The Birdhouse Man is many things: a great adventure tale, a story of relationships between people who serve together, a story about how things were in Vietnam, and more. In short, a damned good read.
The Birdhouse Man is many things: a great adventure tale, a story of relationships between people who serve together, a story about how things were in Vietnam, and more. In short, a damned good read.
Read
March 22, 2021Was born 02/39. seems like I missed a lot. Good story, lots of detail. A little tedious at times. Good history information.
August 31, 2021
Well told tale of the Viet Nam war
Old vet helps a college student understand the price soldiers pay as she tries to deal with her fathers PTSD.
Old vet helps a college student understand the price soldiers pay as she tries to deal with her fathers PTSD.
October 19, 2021
I really enjoyed the format in which framed his story, and also the elegant way he described vietnam and the horror or combat. ...
April 11, 2022
Nam
I like all your books and look forward to reading the next one.Really well written,feels like you can see yourself in the story.
I like all your books and look forward to reading the next one.Really well written,feels like you can see yourself in the story.
May 20, 2023
Wonderful Read
Story was very well written. A very interesting time. I was in college during this time and missed the experience. Maybe to the betterment of my health.
Story was very well written. A very interesting time. I was in college during this time and missed the experience. Maybe to the betterment of my health.
January 24, 2024
Great alternate vietnam story
Really great story of healimg and the selflessness that so many young men displayed for their brothers in arms. It was a pleasure to read.
Really great story of healimg and the selflessness that so many young men displayed for their brothers in arms. It was a pleasure to read.
July 26, 2024
Memories
Great well written book. One of the best Vietnam recollections I've read. Brings back both good and some not so good memories. Was there 69 and70. 11th ACR.
Great well written book. One of the best Vietnam recollections I've read. Brings back both good and some not so good memories. Was there 69 and70. 11th ACR.
November 9, 2024
Finally home
I am a Viet Man vet and this is one of the best books I have read
I enjoyed it and able to relate to a lot of it
I am a Viet Man vet and this is one of the best books I have read
I enjoyed it and able to relate to a lot of it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews