American Warrior: A Combat Memoir of Vietnam

by John C. Bahnsen Jr., Wess Roberts

Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr. One of America's most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War. The ultimate warrior who engaged the enemy from nearly every type of aircraft and armored vehicle in the Army's inventory. An expert strategist who developed military tactics later adopted as doctrine. A revered leader ready to plunge into the thick of battle with his bare hands... From Fort Knox to the front lines, accounts of Doc's brilliance in time of war became the stuff of legend--stories that are told with reverence to this day, inspiring raw recruits as well as America's future leaders. Now, drawing on his own recollections, as well as those of the men who fought beside him, Doc Bahnsen gives a full, uncensored account of his astonishing war record--and an unforgettable ground-level view of the day-to-day realities of serving one's country. "Spellbinding.  .  .a must-read."--Thomas E. White, Jr.,18th Secretary of the Army "Uncensored, raw, and striking.  .  .I recommend it highly."--General Barry R. McCaffrey "Packed with heaps of heroism, courage, sacrifice, controvery--and a dash of humor."--Major General James L. Dozier "This book explodes like a hand grenade. Be ready for a hell of a read!"--Lieutenant General Hank Emerson **Main Selection of the Military Book Club**

Genres: Military History, War, Memoir, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Aviation

492 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Vertrees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book in a lot of ways. My dad gave me this book, signed by Doc Bahnsen. He said it was the best, most accurate book about what Vietnam was like. The way the book is written is interesting, with multiple perspectives. I would not have thought it would have read so well, but I can't imagine it any other way now that I finished it. I can't say that I would want him for a husband (he confesses to living with a Vietnamese women and fathering a son and volunteering for long missions without discussing with his family, etc.), or a subordinate (he not a big stickler for rules). But if you wanted something brazen, heroic, outside the box and spectacular with more guys than anyone else, he would be your man. Interesting that his boss was COL Patten (son of George), someone who could keep him somewhat in line. The stories convey just how much of a hellhole Vietnam was- truly eye-opening and depressing. It's impossible to imagine the experience, and I can see how such an insane set of events could mess folks up for life.

[Relstuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a faux autobiography in that it contains a great deal of the first person narrative from John "Doc" Bahnson Jr,. But, his friend who helped him write the book supplements the book with first hand narrative from other soldiers who experienced the same situations. This actually works pretty well and gives a multifaceted explanation of several events so get get a broader understanding of some of the stories.

Overall pretty interesting reading about how helicopters worked with ground forces to attack and annihilate the enemy in the Vietnam conflict. The personal story of Doc was interesting to follow. He clearly played fast and loose with the rules but he got results.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Phillip Jennings. I've read dozens of war memoirs and this one is quite unlike any I've read. For example, he opens the book with the tale of how he flew his girlfriend, a civilian, into combat in the jumpseat of a Huey. Well, I mean to say! The bally ballyness of it! As Bertram Wilberforce Wooster might say. And although he very nearly got her killed, she didn't hold it against him, apparently, since she married him later. Not finished with it yet, but so far I'd have to say that Bahnsen is a d'weed of the first water. Recommended

[Kevin Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want To

Years ago, while a cadet at West Point, I first met Doc Bahnsen. Many, many years later, his stories still amaze me. A true American Hero!