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Silent Valor: One Man's Vietnam War

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A young Marine deployed to Vietnam finds terror, danger, and death, but also courage, loyalty, and brotherhood. This intense, gritty tale of the Vietnam War, in a setting depicted so vividly you can almost feel the jungle heat, it will draw you in and won't let go.
Silent Valor recreates what happened to Lance Corporal Don Talbot and the squad members of Echo Two in their attempt to save fellow Marines surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army.
This touching true story will please readers interested in the Vietnam War and all those who find inspiration in examples of courage under fire.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2022

142 people are currently reading
32 people want to read

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Rick Greenberg

6 books8 followers

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483 (73%)
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145 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
63 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2023
I did not realize, until the very end, that this was Don Talbot's story, as retold by Rick Greenberg.
As I look back over the entire book, yes, some of the story had to have had the worst frequencies at the top and the bottom modulated in order to move the story forward, instead of allowing so much horror to put a screeching halt to our sentience. That being said, I was impressed by Talbot's identifying his fellow soldiers as true 'family' and their mutual connectedness as being the best experience of his life. The description of combat is pretty much the best (and longest) I have read, and the final acts before his rescue deserve one 'awesome' and one 'unbelievable.' As a retired physician, I was caught up by all the medical interventions which were made on Talbot's behalf. I would have liked some more information in the Epilogue about Talbot's life after discharge from the service. I am puzzled by the lack of information about medals that Talbot earned, certainly a Vietnam Service Ribbon and a Combat Badge, but I assume that Talbot wanted readers to remember his friends who lost their lives rather than any medals.

I give thanks that Talbot has shared a story which means that he had to experience again those traumatizing events which have to be held in a tension between the then and the now. The first time was bad enough, right?
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53 reviews
December 11, 2022
Page Turner

Lost a school mate, 08 January 68, CAP USMC. This story was quite relevant to me. He could only write friends to tell of his fears of increasing enemy activity in their AO, not family. They were over run and he was killed along with several fellow Marines. The story I believe mirrored his thoughts leading up to that fateful night. He was such a good kid. Always smiling. The real heroes of my generation. I often think of all he missed in these past decades. So sad. The author does amazing job telling Don's story. I commend and thank him. God bless, Sir.
6 reviews
September 7, 2023
Very good reading.

This book tells the story of one young mans experience in war. It tells of the boredom and drudgery of daily life out of the combat zone, and the horror that can happen at a moments notice in a war. The book gives a good idea of the thoughts and feelings that a young man might have as he comes to terms with what role he wants to play in his service as a young Marine at war. His experience turns out to be more than he ever imagined and one that would last for not just an enlistment in the Marine Corps but for a lifetime.
6 reviews
May 26, 2023
Therapeutic

As a vet myself I can appreciate the anguish and futility of.what Don went through. I certainly hope he can find peace for laying such a sacrifice at the alter of freedom. At least that's what Lincoln said in the Bixby letter. I for one believe in those words. Although , unless I missed it, his decorations were not listed. Would have been nice to recognize his worthy achievements for.his sacrifices.
1 review
September 3, 2023
Great insight into a young marines tour of duty in Vietnam

This book gives the reader a chilling account of a young marines daily life during his tour of duty in Vietnam. The loss of his mates during engagements with the enemy, the description of wounds suffered and the cautious interaction with the local population has the reader held firmly spellbound eagerly hurrying to read the next pages.
45 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2022
The Real Thing

Very well written, and detailed in virtually every respect! One of the best descriptions of boring duty, minimal contact during the build up to the Tet offensive and when the poop hits the fan. From USMC boot camp, to Vietnam and to recovery from physical and emotional healing! A tribute to all Vietnam Vet's! A must read! Semper Fi
39 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2022
Exceptional

I have read a few books written by war vets, all were well written but this one stands alone. It was well written, emotional, poignant, dramatic, and gut wrenching agony. I felt for Lance Corporal Talbot, the fear, shame and anger. One of the finest accounts on the Vietnam War I have read. Recommend it highly.
4 reviews
November 2, 2022
I understand silent valor!

I too was a combat Marine in the area of Danang. The enjoyment of reading about how another Marine spent his time in the "Nam" made me remember my guilt of coming back whole. My guilt still remains!

Anyone, especially a Vietnam veteran, will find this book enjoyable reading. I'm sure Don knows what I mean when I say "Semper Fi Marine" and Thanks.
347 reviews
May 24, 2023
Vietnam war marine tells his story

The story about a dedicated good all American young man is told in detail. This story, this book is not only his, but, how the war took so much away from us. In having his story published, he has immortalized his unit, his fallen comrades, and his experiences forever. I highly recommend this book.
1 review
Read
August 21, 2023
Excellent book! The author told the amazing true story
Of a Marine in combat in Vietnam! His courage his sacrifice and his compassion for his fellow marines are
amazing! I’m a veteran and I hope all veterans would read and really enjoy this true story of a courageous man and what he went thru! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
10 reviews
March 29, 2024
Excellent is the only word to describe it

Best book on combat memoirs that I have ever read...and I have read very many. It is heartfelt, genuine, humble, descriptive and incredibly honest and straightforward.
Congratulations on an excellent book and thank you for your heroic service for the people of the United States.
My best wishes.



1 review
October 19, 2022
Read This Book

An extremely well written book about a tough time. Very honest, open, while telling his brutal story clearly and concisely. Some of the detail is wonderful in its total honesty. A very good book.
7 reviews
November 25, 2022
Truly Great Read

Thank you for sharing this account. A gripping read from beginning to end. If you’re interested in real accounts from the. Vietnam War, this is for you. Mr.Talbot, thank you for your service.
6 reviews
January 26, 2023
Great read Must read

I have read hundreds of books on Vietnam War. This man tells stories amazingly.
Want to read everything this man writes. Captivating story and a page turner.
I highly recommend this book and pray this writer puts more books out
5 star
2 reviews
June 11, 2023
Outstanding

Very well written. I had two tours in Vietnam and seen nothing like what Don seen and did. I respect all Marines, first in last out. This came from a 24 year Army veteran.
20 reviews
July 24, 2023
Top Notch

Top notch story about one marine's day to day tour of duty in Vietnam. It feels as if you are there with him experiencing the ups and downs and thrills as he does. A definite mist read.
4 reviews
October 11, 2022
some gave all

A great story and a realistic one about one young American at war. All gave some, some gave all.
Oorah.

110 reviews
October 21, 2022
Decent, honest tale.

Story is an honest tale that covers the emotional as well as the factual accounts of one persons experiance s during a troubled time in our nation's history.
9 reviews
December 5, 2022
we’ll written

A gripping tale told by a brother marine about loss and friendship in Vietnam
A good and fast read thx
1 review1 follower
February 21, 2023
one man’s story of his Vietnam war experience

One man’s journey depicting his experience in Vietnam. No embellishment. No glory. “Just the facts ma’am “. Well written. Good pace
17 reviews
February 24, 2023
Good

I really liked this book but I despise Kindle requiring comments before iam allowed to read another Ideally DISLIKE this
2 reviews
Read
March 1, 2023
A good read

As a Vietnam vet, I enjoyed the recreated scenes and dialog, which I found familiar and realistic. Good job, Rick, and best to Don!
4 reviews
April 7, 2023
Amazing!,

A great book, well written and insightful. I would highly recommend this book! Don Talbot is a true American and has given this country his best, as we all should!
19 reviews
May 28, 2023
Great war story

This is a one man's heart wrenching story of his time in Vietnam, for those of us who weren't there this explains why we are lucky.
3 reviews
June 8, 2023
Good read

Life in the Mari e Corps total bored then total horror. Real story of time in country. Good memories but still many bad.
20 reviews
September 9, 2023
Excellent and painful to read

My USMC husband was there at the same time. He came home with a Silver Star. PTSD is real. God bless them all.
41 reviews
September 26, 2023
Great read

Great read for those of us interested in the boots on the ground full combat tour experiences of a marine grunt.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews