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Ever Vigilant: Tales of the Vietnam War
War is carried out by young people trained for the task. It occurs at the edge, or just over the edge, of what passes for civilized behavior. During the Vietnam War, the US military employed heavily-armed high-speed gunboats to intercept and disrupt enemy travel on the rivers and bays of South Vietnam.
In this variant from standard Vietnam War works, Michael Hebert takes the reader along for a ride in this engaging memoir of his year in Vietnam. This light yet quick-witted nautical adventure entertains readers with tales of romance, daring exploits, and abject fear. It is full of mayhem peppered with humorous undertones.
The remote Vung Ro Bay, while an idyllic setting, is not without peril. It is a constant target for snipers, mortar barrages, and full-out perimeter assaults. Hebert’s boat becomes a casualty to a rocket propelled grenade. Their base is wiped out by a super typhoon and they are forced to spend two days in the South China Sea with mountainous swells that threaten to sink the small 32-foot craft.
From start to finish, ‘Ever Vigilant’ is an introduction to a young man’s journey and coming of age in a war zone. While primarily based on his first-hand experience, he deftly weaves sufficient representation to incorporate the difficult life circumstances of the Vietnamese people and the Viet Cong. The motivation for why the enemy fights is a product of the life-hardships they bear. ‘Ever Vigilant’ offers a lively, compulsive read.
In this variant from standard Vietnam War works, Michael Hebert takes the reader along for a ride in this engaging memoir of his year in Vietnam. This light yet quick-witted nautical adventure entertains readers with tales of romance, daring exploits, and abject fear. It is full of mayhem peppered with humorous undertones.
The remote Vung Ro Bay, while an idyllic setting, is not without peril. It is a constant target for snipers, mortar barrages, and full-out perimeter assaults. Hebert’s boat becomes a casualty to a rocket propelled grenade. Their base is wiped out by a super typhoon and they are forced to spend two days in the South China Sea with mountainous swells that threaten to sink the small 32-foot craft.
From start to finish, ‘Ever Vigilant’ is an introduction to a young man’s journey and coming of age in a war zone. While primarily based on his first-hand experience, he deftly weaves sufficient representation to incorporate the difficult life circumstances of the Vietnamese people and the Viet Cong. The motivation for why the enemy fights is a product of the life-hardships they bear. ‘Ever Vigilant’ offers a lively, compulsive read.
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Published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 20, 2023
Ever Vigilant is the memoir of Michael J. Hebert and covers his year serving in Vietnam between 1969 and 1970 on the River Boat Patrols with the U.S. Army. The book is a fascinating insight into an under-reported aspect of the Vietnam War.
Ever Vigilant begins stateside before Hebert is drafted and covers his time in Vietnam and his return home after the horrors of war. From the first page, Hebert hooked me on his writing style. While many books focused on this subject matter tend to be exceedingly dry and severe, the beginning of Ever Vigilant is light-hearted. Hebert is a master at placing himself back in his shoes at a much younger age. His narrative sounds like a young 20-year-old is writing it, full of wit, self-deprecating humor, and a certain level of naivety that the reader knows will be shattered when Hebert reaches Vietnam. Hebert focuses on his time with the PBR (Patrol Boat River), which was used to intercept and hassle enemy travel on Vietnam's myriad rivers, a dangerous job, to be sure.
Ever Vigilant is full of interesting stories of young men coming of age in the middle of a war zone. War is dreadful, but Hebert shows how even at the darkest of times, we can find glimmers of light. His stories of brotherly camaraderie between young men thrown together are genuinely heartwarming. The topic of the war itself is handled deftly. This is neither an anti-war book nor a diatribe on patriotic duty and the benefits of an aggressive foreign policy. Ever Vigilant is respectful and simply shows the war's effect on real people, both positive and negative.
Hebert's writing is energetic, and his descriptions are masterful. He has a real knack for sending you to the places he describes. For example, a large part of the book covers his team's battle against nature during a typhoon after their boat is destroyed. Having experienced a typhoon myself, Hebert's writing took me right back. The same goes for his descriptions of Vietnam. He perfectly captures the country's beauty and the nature of the people who live there. While this is a book written from the American perspective during the war, Hebert shows an appreciation for how difficult the war was for the natives as well.
Ever Vigilant is a gripping memoir sharing a young man's experiences in Vietnam. Whether you are interested in the Vietnam War or military history in general, there is much to love here. This personal account is a fun, humorous, touching, and sometimes harrowing tale of a young man's experiences in war.
Ever Vigilant begins stateside before Hebert is drafted and covers his time in Vietnam and his return home after the horrors of war. From the first page, Hebert hooked me on his writing style. While many books focused on this subject matter tend to be exceedingly dry and severe, the beginning of Ever Vigilant is light-hearted. Hebert is a master at placing himself back in his shoes at a much younger age. His narrative sounds like a young 20-year-old is writing it, full of wit, self-deprecating humor, and a certain level of naivety that the reader knows will be shattered when Hebert reaches Vietnam. Hebert focuses on his time with the PBR (Patrol Boat River), which was used to intercept and hassle enemy travel on Vietnam's myriad rivers, a dangerous job, to be sure.
Ever Vigilant is full of interesting stories of young men coming of age in the middle of a war zone. War is dreadful, but Hebert shows how even at the darkest of times, we can find glimmers of light. His stories of brotherly camaraderie between young men thrown together are genuinely heartwarming. The topic of the war itself is handled deftly. This is neither an anti-war book nor a diatribe on patriotic duty and the benefits of an aggressive foreign policy. Ever Vigilant is respectful and simply shows the war's effect on real people, both positive and negative.
Hebert's writing is energetic, and his descriptions are masterful. He has a real knack for sending you to the places he describes. For example, a large part of the book covers his team's battle against nature during a typhoon after their boat is destroyed. Having experienced a typhoon myself, Hebert's writing took me right back. The same goes for his descriptions of Vietnam. He perfectly captures the country's beauty and the nature of the people who live there. While this is a book written from the American perspective during the war, Hebert shows an appreciation for how difficult the war was for the natives as well.
Ever Vigilant is a gripping memoir sharing a young man's experiences in Vietnam. Whether you are interested in the Vietnam War or military history in general, there is much to love here. This personal account is a fun, humorous, touching, and sometimes harrowing tale of a young man's experiences in war.
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April 13, 2022MWSA Review
Ever Vigilant, the memoir of Specialist Michael J. Hebert, covers a part of the Vietnam War that is little known, the 458th PBRs, or River Patrol Boats operated by the U.S. Army. For that reason, it's an important addition to the written history of the Vietnam War, but more than that it tells the personal story of a very young man thrust into the unknown with others of his age who were largely on their own at an isolated base on the South China Sea. It will be of interest to those who served in Vietnam and those who care about them, as well as to people who may be thrust into similar situations today.
The book is very well written and easy to read. Some of the adventures experienced by Mr. Hebert are extraordinary. When several hundred young men are placed in control of lethal weapons and fast boats in an isolated environment with minimal supervision, you might expect the worst, but the author and his comrades did their duty while having as much fun as they could under the circumstances. They found ways to make it through their tours, and they were also very lucky.
The descriptions of Vietnam and its people, though based on minimal personal contact, are useful in providing readers with a feel and taste of the place and time. It's a story of danger and adventure, friendship and fear, and making the best of a bad situation. It's a great read and highly recommended.
Review by Jamie Thompson (April 2022)
Ever Vigilant, the memoir of Specialist Michael J. Hebert, covers a part of the Vietnam War that is little known, the 458th PBRs, or River Patrol Boats operated by the U.S. Army. For that reason, it's an important addition to the written history of the Vietnam War, but more than that it tells the personal story of a very young man thrust into the unknown with others of his age who were largely on their own at an isolated base on the South China Sea. It will be of interest to those who served in Vietnam and those who care about them, as well as to people who may be thrust into similar situations today.
The book is very well written and easy to read. Some of the adventures experienced by Mr. Hebert are extraordinary. When several hundred young men are placed in control of lethal weapons and fast boats in an isolated environment with minimal supervision, you might expect the worst, but the author and his comrades did their duty while having as much fun as they could under the circumstances. They found ways to make it through their tours, and they were also very lucky.
The descriptions of Vietnam and its people, though based on minimal personal contact, are useful in providing readers with a feel and taste of the place and time. It's a story of danger and adventure, friendship and fear, and making the best of a bad situation. It's a great read and highly recommended.
Review by Jamie Thompson (April 2022)
July 7, 2022
A well written and interesting book on one soldiers experience in Vietnam.
This book was not only excellent, the addition of pictures in each chapter added immensely to making it an interesting book. I found it hard to put this book down as the author was very effective in keeping your interest in the book. I found this book especially interesting as during my tour in Vietnam, had a chance to go out on one of the river boats like they had.
This book was not only excellent, the addition of pictures in each chapter added immensely to making it an interesting book. I found it hard to put this book down as the author was very effective in keeping your interest in the book. I found this book especially interesting as during my tour in Vietnam, had a chance to go out on one of the river boats like they had.
March 16, 2023
A Very Different Perspective On Serving in Vietnam
The author has an easygoing style that made a lot of the narrative almost matter of fact but still insightful and entertaining to read. Once again another survivor of the conflict which took some of his compatriots does not seem to hold any Ill will towards the enemy.
The sheer waste involved in the war of both lives and material really stood out, all set against the background of a beautiful country.
The author has an easygoing style that made a lot of the narrative almost matter of fact but still insightful and entertaining to read. Once again another survivor of the conflict which took some of his compatriots does not seem to hold any Ill will towards the enemy.
The sheer waste involved in the war of both lives and material really stood out, all set against the background of a beautiful country.
May 23, 2022
Army PBR Duty
Well written and unusual Vietnam experience. I suppose a lot of military members would consider this assignment as good duty, but all that can change in an instant! As an MOS it covers an area which is not very well known, but danger lurks in every corner. Well done! Thank you!
Well written and unusual Vietnam experience. I suppose a lot of military members would consider this assignment as good duty, but all that can change in an instant! As an MOS it covers an area which is not very well known, but danger lurks in every corner. Well done! Thank you!
August 10, 2022
An interesting adventure, worth the time
The author relates his time in Viet Nam as a Coxwain on a PBR. Just another example of the very big differences that the members of the military experienced in country. Everyone has their own story, all served their country when called upon. Thank you Mr. Hebert, for your service and for your memories.
The author relates his time in Viet Nam as a Coxwain on a PBR. Just another example of the very big differences that the members of the military experienced in country. Everyone has their own story, all served their country when called upon. Thank you Mr. Hebert, for your service and for your memories.
September 3, 2022
This book was so interesting. A very quick read! I found myself reading with wonder hoping that everything would turn out alright (and realizing that the author obviously survived). The stories give a great view into life at Vung Ro Bay and some will make you laugh out loud. It is a different type of war story that I highly recommend.
October 29, 2022
A great story from a different perspective of the vietnam war
After reading several different books pertaining to the different aspects of the complicated Vietnam conflict, this has been my favorite so far. The author is a great story teller on what it.was like to operate in a PBR camp in the war
After reading several different books pertaining to the different aspects of the complicated Vietnam conflict, this has been my favorite so far. The author is a great story teller on what it.was like to operate in a PBR camp in the war
September 30, 2023
What it’s really like.
A guide to the adventure and chaos of average guys on a PBR (Patrol Boat River) in Vietnam. Vung Ro Bays beauty surrounded by the hell of war. Hebert describes the joys of a visit by donut Dollie’s, spaghetti C-rats and fishing with concussion grenade. A collection of the victories and folly’s of youth in armed conflict.
A guide to the adventure and chaos of average guys on a PBR (Patrol Boat River) in Vietnam. Vung Ro Bays beauty surrounded by the hell of war. Hebert describes the joys of a visit by donut Dollie’s, spaghetti C-rats and fishing with concussion grenade. A collection of the victories and folly’s of youth in armed conflict.
February 16, 2022
enjoyable reading
The photos of the subject matter made this book a much more enjoyable reading experience. I liked the authors descriptions and could relate to some of his battle buddies .
The photos of the subject matter made this book a much more enjoyable reading experience. I liked the authors descriptions and could relate to some of his battle buddies .
May 20, 2022
An incredible story
How to spend a year in 'Nam under the radar of anyone who knew, or cared, where you were posted. An amazing well written account.
How to spend a year in 'Nam under the radar of anyone who knew, or cared, where you were posted. An amazing well written account.
June 8, 2022
Review
Thank you. I enjoyed your book. I was infantry at Tuy Hoa. 1st 22nd infantry 4th division. Recon. Not a bad assignment. Once again appreciate the book
Thank you. I enjoyed your book. I was infantry at Tuy Hoa. 1st 22nd infantry 4th division. Recon. Not a bad assignment. Once again appreciate the book
July 29, 2022
A youthful tale of war
Outstanding resd on a history of the Army PBR folks. Hebert’s memories and photos brought me right back in time! Bravo Zulu, Soldier!
Outstanding resd on a history of the Army PBR folks. Hebert’s memories and photos brought me right back in time! Bravo Zulu, Soldier!
August 2, 2022
Nice look at life on a gunboat.
Very enjoyable read. Mike shares details of the good and bad times during his tour on gunboats. You will follow along unable to stop reading.
Very enjoyable read. Mike shares details of the good and bad times during his tour on gunboats. You will follow along unable to stop reading.
August 5, 2022
Not My Favorite
I've read much about Vietnam. This book read more like Vietnam Jackass than the heroic descriptions of helicopter and infantry soldiers.
I've read much about Vietnam. This book read more like Vietnam Jackass than the heroic descriptions of helicopter and infantry soldiers.
October 13, 2022
Good book
I very much enjoyed the book being retired from the military it brought a lot of memories of all I served with
I very much enjoyed the book being retired from the military it brought a lot of memories of all I served with
January 2, 2023
Good read
Different view of the Vietnam conflict and we'll worth a read. Good to hear about the PBR crews, well worth it!
Different view of the Vietnam conflict and we'll worth a read. Good to hear about the PBR crews, well worth it!
December 3, 2023
good read
Interesting story about the patrol boats and what there mission and lives where like in Vietnam would recommend it to everyone
Interesting story about the patrol boats and what there mission and lives where like in Vietnam would recommend it to everyone
August 29, 2024
great story
Well written honest memoir of his time in country. Welcome home brother. Lest we forget those still there on patrol
Well written honest memoir of his time in country. Welcome home brother. Lest we forget those still there on patrol
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews