Care Under Fire

by Bill Strusinski

For many surviving military veterans, the Vietnam War is an indelible part of their lives. That they survived is due in many cases to the heroic, life-saving actions of combat medics like Bill “Doc” Strusinski. Being a frontline medic was, and still is, one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army. Medics were targeted by the enemy and often called upon to aid fallen soldiers in the line of fire. In Strusinski’s riveting book, "Care Under Fire," Strusinski thrusts the reader squarely into moments of terror during firefights, the exhaustion of endless patrols, the anguish of losing buddies despite best efforts to save them, and the intimate bonds created during times of desperate need. This is a book about war, yes, but even more about how one man was transformed by his “sacred duty” to offer care under fire to the young soldiers he fought beside.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2020

Reviews

[Eric Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As some know, I haven't served in Vietnam. So while I have my own thoughts and opinions of a war I never fought, I do have to look at prior wars for either research or for general interest. Overall I don't and wasn't a combat medic, I was Combat LifeSaver certified for Afghanistan, but that's about as close to a "medic" I got. The book is pretty good and I liked the flow of the story that Bill presented. Since I don't know much about what goes in a medic's head I needed to get an idea for future books as I need to do some serious thinking on how medics work, and so on. But as far as for historical purposes the book did shed some light on the conduct of the Vietnam War, and how I need to reflect on how he described some incidents and views that I've held on for years. So I would recommend checking this book out if it interests you.

[Seth Schneible · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

The author is a very wise and humble man. Reading his book made me feel as though I was sitting at his kitchen table, drinking coffee and listening to what he had to say. That was a first time feeling for me, and why this book stands out - to me.

The author is one of the thousands and thousands of American heroes of mine, all of the men and women who served, and who served with dignity and respect. I am grateful to all that did the right thing, even when they didn’t really want to.

[Ashley readwithash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandfather lent me this book as he knows I’m a reader and he wanted me to read this book written by a veteran friend of his. I especially loved reading this book because he is also from MN. I enjoyed learning from the author and I admire his courage. When your grandfather asks you to read a book so you can talk to him about it after, you do and I’m thankful I get to have these conversations with him. What a well written book filled with incredible stories and eye opening lessons.

[Patrick Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books I have read that goes to the heart of combat in Vietnam without glamorizing or glorifying the conflict.
As a fellow Vietnam Veteran, the book brought back many memories but a little less distaste.
Thanks “Doc”.

[Julie Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Doc’s” book gives a clear picture and perspective of the Vietnam War rarely (in my world at least) shared. He served as a grunt medic for his year but has lived a lifetime with it fresh in his memories. I learned so many things through his story!

[Richard A Lambing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. First, from a draftee/veteran. Guy stood tall/did his duty, when nation called. Unlike so many others.

[Martha McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super read on medics

You guys just did your jobs, I really enjoyed the book. I was there in 71 as 11 bravo 1st 22nd infantry 4 th division