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Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History
The year 1968 was arguably the most significant year of the war. It was the height of the American involvement, and because officer casualties had been so great after the Tet Offensive of January 1968, all prior officer assignments were canceled.
1st Lieutenant Robin Bartlett, originally on orders to the 101st Airborne Division, suddenly found himself at the “repo-depo” in Bien Hoa reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The unit had more helicopter support than any other unit in Vietnam. The soldiers carried lighter packs, more ammo and water because of the availability of rapid helicopter resupply. Immediate support from artillery, helicopter gunships and ARA (aerial rocket artillery) was only minutes away to support a firefight. Wounded troops could be medevaced even in dense jungle using “jungle penetrators.” It also meant that Bartlett’s platoon could deploy through helicopter combat assaults into hot LZs (landing zones) at a moment’s notice if an enemy force had been spotted. And they did.
It was with extreme anxiety that Bartlett made his way to join his battalion and company – it was the worst of times to be a platoon leader in Vietnam, let alone a grunt serving in a combat unit. Bartlett also had to cope with personal issues of commitment to a war that was rapidly losing support not only back home but among the soldiers he was leading through the jungles of I Corps on “search and destroy” missions. Fifty years later, Bartlett’s vivid combat experiences are brought to light in a fast-moving, well-written, first-person narrative expressing the horror, fear, anguish, and sometimes illogical humor of that war.
1st Lieutenant Robin Bartlett, originally on orders to the 101st Airborne Division, suddenly found himself at the “repo-depo” in Bien Hoa reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). The unit had more helicopter support than any other unit in Vietnam. The soldiers carried lighter packs, more ammo and water because of the availability of rapid helicopter resupply. Immediate support from artillery, helicopter gunships and ARA (aerial rocket artillery) was only minutes away to support a firefight. Wounded troops could be medevaced even in dense jungle using “jungle penetrators.” It also meant that Bartlett’s platoon could deploy through helicopter combat assaults into hot LZs (landing zones) at a moment’s notice if an enemy force had been spotted. And they did.
It was with extreme anxiety that Bartlett made his way to join his battalion and company – it was the worst of times to be a platoon leader in Vietnam, let alone a grunt serving in a combat unit. Bartlett also had to cope with personal issues of commitment to a war that was rapidly losing support not only back home but among the soldiers he was leading through the jungles of I Corps on “search and destroy” missions. Fifty years later, Bartlett’s vivid combat experiences are brought to light in a fast-moving, well-written, first-person narrative expressing the horror, fear, anguish, and sometimes illogical humor of that war.
- GenresMilitary Fiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 28, 2023
95 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 16, 2023
“Above all, please – always use the code words “Welcome home” rather than “Thank you for your service” when you speak with a Vietnam vet. These words are so meaningful to us. They will bring tears to our eyes and lumps to our throats.” – Robin Bartlett, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History.
Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History by Robin Bartlett is an honest, heroic, and haunting account of the author’s yearlong tour of duty in Vietnam. The author served as a platoon leader of A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1st Air Cav Division (Airmobile) in 1968 during the height of the conflict.
This superb book includes a section of unique photographs of the 1st Cavalry Division ("First Team") in action as well as a section on combat art created by soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Robin describes in detail his experience and feelings “in-country” chronologically and he even incorporates a section that includes a glossary and abbreviations of military teams at the end of the book for his readers.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in military history and the Vietnam War. This book also presents insightful lessons about leadership and military tactics.
Every combat veteran’s experience is unique and personal. As such, Vietnam Combat Firefights and Writing History is Robin Bartlett’s unforgettable story.
Readers can watch and listen to Robin Bartlett being interviewed about his book, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Qc9... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kzr1... – Leslie G.
Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History by Robin Bartlett is an honest, heroic, and haunting account of the author’s yearlong tour of duty in Vietnam. The author served as a platoon leader of A Co, 1/5 Cav, 1st Air Cav Division (Airmobile) in 1968 during the height of the conflict.
This superb book includes a section of unique photographs of the 1st Cavalry Division ("First Team") in action as well as a section on combat art created by soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Robin describes in detail his experience and feelings “in-country” chronologically and he even incorporates a section that includes a glossary and abbreviations of military teams at the end of the book for his readers.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in military history and the Vietnam War. This book also presents insightful lessons about leadership and military tactics.
Every combat veteran’s experience is unique and personal. As such, Vietnam Combat Firefights and Writing History is Robin Bartlett’s unforgettable story.
Readers can watch and listen to Robin Bartlett being interviewed about his book, Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3Qc9... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Kzr1... – Leslie G.
August 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading VIETNAM COMBAT by Robin Bartlett. This memoir offers glimpses into the Army’s specialized training, combat in Vietnam, life in the basecamps, and finally, life after the war.
The author is a college ROTC graduate and enters active duty in the Army as a second lieutenant. He’s determined to complete Airborne jump school and Ranger training prior to accepting his deployment to Vietnam. He emphasizes how brutal both schools were and how easy it was to get kicked out. It took fortitude, stamina, and strength to succeed. I was worn out just reading about it.
When in Vietnam, Robin is assigned to an infantry rifle company as a platoon leader; first with a mortar platoon and later with an infantry platoon. His writing focuses on the individual soldier and expectations. They are always tired, dirty, hungry, thirsty, and plagued with ailments while living and patrolling through the jungles in search of the enemy. When a firefight ensues, everyone is afraid but responds to their training if they want to survive. After one particular fight, the author was unconscious, covered in blood and placed with the KIAs. Lt. Bartlett was seriously wounded and left for dead after others witnessed two enemy mortars landing near him. It was pure luck that somebody saw him breathing and immediately placed him on a chopper with the other wounded soldiers. The author cites that he participated in 60 Air Assaults during his six months in the field and only touches on those events that were most eventful. One standout event occurred during a night ambush when claymore mines were fired at a line of enemy soldiers on a trail, half were duds as the explosive C-4 was removed to heat meals. Everyone was surprised – especially the enemy soldiers who survived.
During his last few months in-country, Lt. Bartlett is assigned to the HHC unit of the 1st Cav to investigate and record all the enemy actions within the division. The task is easy enough since writing his forte. However, he soon learns that the generals don’t want the truth and want everything slanted to benefit them. The basecamp suffered periodic rocket and mortar attacks which made everyone at the camp paranoid.
After leaving Vietnam, Robin is promoted to captain and assigned to head an armored command in Alaska. It is here that he begins to suffer the effects of PTSD.
The author’s final two chapters include his commentary about the war, the military, government, etc. What he states is dead on with what many of us who served thought. His comments alone were worth the price of admission.
The final 8% of the book hosts a glossary of terms used in the military as well as pictures and explanations of weapons used on both sides. He also adds a timeline of his service and a bibliography.
My only concern with the book is that at the end of chapter 9, Robin shares photos of various flyers that the military dropped from helicopters to enhance enemy soldiers to give up. All are in Vietnamese. I would reference them in the chapter but move them to the back of the book as an addendum and also include a translation. Working through them where they seem to take away from the momentum of the story.
All in all, Vietnam Combat is a great memoir by an officer in the Vietnam War and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the war or goings on within a combat infantry platoon. Well done Mr. Bartlett. Welcome home!
The author is a college ROTC graduate and enters active duty in the Army as a second lieutenant. He’s determined to complete Airborne jump school and Ranger training prior to accepting his deployment to Vietnam. He emphasizes how brutal both schools were and how easy it was to get kicked out. It took fortitude, stamina, and strength to succeed. I was worn out just reading about it.
When in Vietnam, Robin is assigned to an infantry rifle company as a platoon leader; first with a mortar platoon and later with an infantry platoon. His writing focuses on the individual soldier and expectations. They are always tired, dirty, hungry, thirsty, and plagued with ailments while living and patrolling through the jungles in search of the enemy. When a firefight ensues, everyone is afraid but responds to their training if they want to survive. After one particular fight, the author was unconscious, covered in blood and placed with the KIAs. Lt. Bartlett was seriously wounded and left for dead after others witnessed two enemy mortars landing near him. It was pure luck that somebody saw him breathing and immediately placed him on a chopper with the other wounded soldiers. The author cites that he participated in 60 Air Assaults during his six months in the field and only touches on those events that were most eventful. One standout event occurred during a night ambush when claymore mines were fired at a line of enemy soldiers on a trail, half were duds as the explosive C-4 was removed to heat meals. Everyone was surprised – especially the enemy soldiers who survived.
During his last few months in-country, Lt. Bartlett is assigned to the HHC unit of the 1st Cav to investigate and record all the enemy actions within the division. The task is easy enough since writing his forte. However, he soon learns that the generals don’t want the truth and want everything slanted to benefit them. The basecamp suffered periodic rocket and mortar attacks which made everyone at the camp paranoid.
After leaving Vietnam, Robin is promoted to captain and assigned to head an armored command in Alaska. It is here that he begins to suffer the effects of PTSD.
The author’s final two chapters include his commentary about the war, the military, government, etc. What he states is dead on with what many of us who served thought. His comments alone were worth the price of admission.
The final 8% of the book hosts a glossary of terms used in the military as well as pictures and explanations of weapons used on both sides. He also adds a timeline of his service and a bibliography.
My only concern with the book is that at the end of chapter 9, Robin shares photos of various flyers that the military dropped from helicopters to enhance enemy soldiers to give up. All are in Vietnamese. I would reference them in the chapter but move them to the back of the book as an addendum and also include a translation. Working through them where they seem to take away from the momentum of the story.
All in all, Vietnam Combat is a great memoir by an officer in the Vietnam War and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the war or goings on within a combat infantry platoon. Well done Mr. Bartlett. Welcome home!
September 12, 2023
All I can say is…Wow! “Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History” is an absolutely incredible memoir that gives readers an in-depth and pressing glimpse into the world of soldiers in Vietnam. I honestly could not put it down once I started. This author gives us a first-person narrative of the Vietnam War that shows us the fear, the suffering, the shock, and at times, the humor of the war. It is definitely a book that should not be missed.
Robin Bartlett was a combat platoon leader in Vietnam, and this is his story. It is the story of a man who led his men into combat and who had to make decisions every day that held those men’s lives in the balance. The book describes in detail the missions that he led and the things he accomplished and, most importantly, it shows us a human being who was in a horrible situation and yet spent each day doing everything he could to succeed and to keep his men safe at every moment. It also illuminates how hard it was for him to deal with the issues of his obligations to a war that was quickly losing any support back in America as well as any support among the soldiers that were on the ground fighting.
As the reader we become engrossed in the descriptions of the wounds that the author received and the fear that he lived with every single moment while he was there. Finally, we watch as he comes home to a country that is not very grateful for all that he and his men suffered and gave up for them. As he quickly realizes, especially for those soldiers in the infantry, they were betrayed by our own leadership and all of the blood that was spilled was a waste. This final chapter in the story is one that is extremely poignant and excellently explained to the reader. It will make one think very long and very hard about everything these soldiers went through.
“Vietnam Combat” is extremely well-written and well-organized. Including his first-hand accounts of his actions on the ground as well as passages from letters that he wrote home while in Vietnam, Robin Bartlett shows the reader exactly what was going on and how it felt each and every day to be there. The writing is so vivid that readers can actually smell the disgusting odors and hear the shots from the guns in their minds as we follow the soldiers along on their missions.
In “Vietnam Combat,” Robin Bartlett has given readers an honest and objective “slap in the face” about what soldiers went through in this country so far from our own. I think it should be a must-read on everyone’s list. I was so impressed with the writing and the brutal honesty that came along with it and all I can say is I am so glad that you made it back home, sir and I truly thank you for your service. 5 Stars!
Robin Bartlett was a combat platoon leader in Vietnam, and this is his story. It is the story of a man who led his men into combat and who had to make decisions every day that held those men’s lives in the balance. The book describes in detail the missions that he led and the things he accomplished and, most importantly, it shows us a human being who was in a horrible situation and yet spent each day doing everything he could to succeed and to keep his men safe at every moment. It also illuminates how hard it was for him to deal with the issues of his obligations to a war that was quickly losing any support back in America as well as any support among the soldiers that were on the ground fighting.
As the reader we become engrossed in the descriptions of the wounds that the author received and the fear that he lived with every single moment while he was there. Finally, we watch as he comes home to a country that is not very grateful for all that he and his men suffered and gave up for them. As he quickly realizes, especially for those soldiers in the infantry, they were betrayed by our own leadership and all of the blood that was spilled was a waste. This final chapter in the story is one that is extremely poignant and excellently explained to the reader. It will make one think very long and very hard about everything these soldiers went through.
“Vietnam Combat” is extremely well-written and well-organized. Including his first-hand accounts of his actions on the ground as well as passages from letters that he wrote home while in Vietnam, Robin Bartlett shows the reader exactly what was going on and how it felt each and every day to be there. The writing is so vivid that readers can actually smell the disgusting odors and hear the shots from the guns in their minds as we follow the soldiers along on their missions.
In “Vietnam Combat,” Robin Bartlett has given readers an honest and objective “slap in the face” about what soldiers went through in this country so far from our own. I think it should be a must-read on everyone’s list. I was so impressed with the writing and the brutal honesty that came along with it and all I can say is I am so glad that you made it back home, sir and I truly thank you for your service. 5 Stars!
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March 30, 2024MWSA Review
Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History is an excellent, well-written combat memoir about one young American’s time in Vietnam. Only 22 at the time, Lieutenant Bartlett is put out in the field with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam at the height of the war. Though a graduate of Airborne school and Ranger school, this is his baptism by fire. How Bartlett navigates the path between FNG and experienced combat leader is an intense, harrowing, horrifying, and sometimes humorous journey that any Vietnam veteran or small unit combat leader will appreciate.
Bartlett doesn’t pull any punches. He gives the good, the bad, and the ugly—often in the same chapter. He is honest about his mistakes, and speaks with candor about the situations and actions of Army leadership that he encounters. He is also blunt about his combat experience, and the fear and terror he felt while doing his job. His writing gives insight into himself as well as vivifies the experience of a platoon commander for those that have not experienced it.
Vietnam veterans (grunts in particular) and those who enjoy combat memoirs will enjoy this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (March 2024)
Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History is an excellent, well-written combat memoir about one young American’s time in Vietnam. Only 22 at the time, Lieutenant Bartlett is put out in the field with the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam at the height of the war. Though a graduate of Airborne school and Ranger school, this is his baptism by fire. How Bartlett navigates the path between FNG and experienced combat leader is an intense, harrowing, horrifying, and sometimes humorous journey that any Vietnam veteran or small unit combat leader will appreciate.
Bartlett doesn’t pull any punches. He gives the good, the bad, and the ugly—often in the same chapter. He is honest about his mistakes, and speaks with candor about the situations and actions of Army leadership that he encounters. He is also blunt about his combat experience, and the fear and terror he felt while doing his job. His writing gives insight into himself as well as vivifies the experience of a platoon commander for those that have not experienced it.
Vietnam veterans (grunts in particular) and those who enjoy combat memoirs will enjoy this book.
Review by Rob Ballister (March 2024)
January 18, 2026
Boots on the ground
Captain Bartlett has taken his military training and combat experience, along with emotional and physical consequences of that experience and he succeeds not just in a relatable manner, but also in such a way as to help him and his fellow Vietnam veterans deal with those consequences. Having served in the Army from 1971 to 74 myself, but not in Vietnam, a have too often made the mistake he mentions in his final paragraphs: I have told men who wore anything that identified them as Vietnam veterans "Thank You for your service" instead of " Welcome home, " the words they longed to hear but did not upon their return to the US. Instead, most were greeted with contempt and insults. I will not make that mistake in the future! Thank you, Captain Bartlett, and "Welcome home!"
Captain Bartlett has taken his military training and combat experience, along with emotional and physical consequences of that experience and he succeeds not just in a relatable manner, but also in such a way as to help him and his fellow Vietnam veterans deal with those consequences. Having served in the Army from 1971 to 74 myself, but not in Vietnam, a have too often made the mistake he mentions in his final paragraphs: I have told men who wore anything that identified them as Vietnam veterans "Thank You for your service" instead of " Welcome home, " the words they longed to hear but did not upon their return to the US. Instead, most were greeted with contempt and insults. I will not make that mistake in the future! Thank you, Captain Bartlett, and "Welcome home!"
June 21, 2025
I needed to read this book to put into perspective my family's personal memories from this war, some from the aspect of the chopper drivers, some from the view of the higher-ups, some from the memories of cooks and mechanics and gunners and bottle washers. Thank you, Robin Bartlett, for rounding out my understanding of the overall sacrifices our people went through during this 'conflict'. I needed that. Purchassed, Read April 25, 2025.
REVIEWED on June 21, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
REVIEWED on June 21, 2025, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo.
December 5, 2024
This is the best book about Vietnam that I have ever read. I read a lot of history and a great deal about Vietnam. From stories I have heard, my own memory of the news and events of the time, and reading, this book has given me the best understanding of what it was like for Americans fighting the war, as well as a clearer understanding of many of the major news events. This book flows, and it reads very well. It is engaging, riveting, and brilliantly written.
April 5, 2025
great book
Although I did not go over I know many that did. Some who did not return. My draft number was 282 and I was married with a pregnant wife.
I was called to take my physical and passed all until they discovered a serious condition that got me a 4-A rating.
This book describes exactly what a dear friend described to me his service and what he went through over there. This is a great book that should be read for both those who went and those who did not.
Welcome Home
Although I did not go over I know many that did. Some who did not return. My draft number was 282 and I was married with a pregnant wife.
I was called to take my physical and passed all until they discovered a serious condition that got me a 4-A rating.
This book describes exactly what a dear friend described to me his service and what he went through over there. This is a great book that should be read for both those who went and those who did not.
Welcome Home
January 19, 2026
The way it was and the way it is.
The book is well written and describes in no uncertain terms the way the Vietnam vets experienced their daylie lives over time and how it was connected to generals and politicians in Washington. It also demonstrates the changes in the way civilians in America felt about the war and the men who fought it. Tragically, there was no "welcome home" to the men who fought in it or even served in the military during that period.
The book is well written and describes in no uncertain terms the way the Vietnam vets experienced their daylie lives over time and how it was connected to generals and politicians in Washington. It also demonstrates the changes in the way civilians in America felt about the war and the men who fought it. Tragically, there was no "welcome home" to the men who fought in it or even served in the military during that period.
April 24, 2025
Let me start by saying “Welcome Home” Mr. Bartlett. This was an excellent story of life in “The Nam”! We have a name on the wall so it brought a tear or two. He was 1st Cav 2/8. In happened in Dien Ben Phu and it will always hurt!
I thouroughly loved the video “The Trail”
Thank you,
Francis G.
I thouroughly loved the video “The Trail”
Thank you,
Francis G.
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March 17, 2024Read and scored as part of the Military Writers' Society of America 2024 Award Season.
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