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Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division
Nam-Sense is the brilliantly written story of a combat squad leader in the 101st Airborne Division. Arthur Wiknik was a 19-year-old kid from New England when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968. After completing various NCO training programs, he was promoted to sergeant "without ever setting foot in a combat zone" and sent to Vietnam in early 1969. Shortly after his arrival on the far side of the world, Wiknik was assigned to Camp Evans, a mixed-unit base camp near the northern village of Phong Dien, only thirty miles from Laos and North Vietnam. On his first jungle patrol, his squad killed a female Viet Cong who turned out to have been the local prostitute. It was the first dead person he had ever seen.
Wiknik's account of life and death in Vietnam includes everything from heavy combat to faking insanity to get some R & R. He was the first man in his unit to reach the top of Hamburger Hill during one of the last offensives launched by U.S. forces, and later discovered a weapons cache that prevented an attack on his advance fire support base. Between the sporadic episodes of combat he mingled with the locals, tricked unwitting U.S. suppliers into providing his platoon with a year of hard to get food, defied a superior and was punished with a dangerous mission, and struggled with himself and his fellow soldiers as the anti-war movement began to affect his ability to wage victorious war.
Nam-Sense offers a perfect blend of candor, sarcasm, and humor - and it spares nothing and no one in its attempt to accurately convey what really transpired for the combat soldier during this unpopular war. Nam-Sense is not about heroism or glory, mental breakdowns, haunting flashbacks, or wallowing in self-pity. The GIs Wiknik lived and fought with during his yearlong tour did not rape, murder, or burn villages, were not strung out on drugs, and did not enjoy killing. They were there to do their duty as they were trained, support their comrades - and get home alive. "The soldiers I knew," explains the author, "demonstrated courage, principle, kindness, and friendship, all the elements found in other wars Americans have proudly fought in."
Wiknik's account of life and death in Vietnam includes everything from heavy combat to faking insanity to get some R & R. He was the first man in his unit to reach the top of Hamburger Hill during one of the last offensives launched by U.S. forces, and later discovered a weapons cache that prevented an attack on his advance fire support base. Between the sporadic episodes of combat he mingled with the locals, tricked unwitting U.S. suppliers into providing his platoon with a year of hard to get food, defied a superior and was punished with a dangerous mission, and struggled with himself and his fellow soldiers as the anti-war movement began to affect his ability to wage victorious war.
Nam-Sense offers a perfect blend of candor, sarcasm, and humor - and it spares nothing and no one in its attempt to accurately convey what really transpired for the combat soldier during this unpopular war. Nam-Sense is not about heroism or glory, mental breakdowns, haunting flashbacks, or wallowing in self-pity. The GIs Wiknik lived and fought with during his yearlong tour did not rape, murder, or burn villages, were not strung out on drugs, and did not enjoy killing. They were there to do their duty as they were trained, support their comrades - and get home alive. "The soldiers I knew," explains the author, "demonstrated courage, principle, kindness, and friendship, all the elements found in other wars Americans have proudly fought in."
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2005
412 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Wiknik Jr.
1 book1 followerArthur Wiknik, Jr. served in Vietnam with Company A 2/506th of the 101st Airborne Division as an infantry squad leader from April 1969 to March 1970. He was one of the first in his unit to safely reach the top of Hamburger Hill during the final assault. A few months later, he prevented a possible attack on a remote firebase by discovering a nearby enemy weapons cache.
Proud of his military service, Arthur gives talks at schools, colleges and civic organizations about his Vietnam experiences. A dedicated community volunteer, Arthur is a 17-year member of the Haddam Memorial Day Parade Committee, is a founding member of the Haddam Veteran's Museum and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Arthur lives in Connecticut and works as a Quality Analyst. He is available for book signings and to give presentations on his Vietnam War experiences.
Proud of his military service, Arthur gives talks at schools, colleges and civic organizations about his Vietnam experiences. A dedicated community volunteer, Arthur is a 17-year member of the Haddam Memorial Day Parade Committee, is a founding member of the Haddam Veteran's Museum and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Arthur lives in Connecticut and works as a Quality Analyst. He is available for book signings and to give presentations on his Vietnam War experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 5, 2012
Arthur Wiknik's story touched upon many of the memories I have about my own tour as a grunt in Vietnam. I do recall that after Basic Training and AIT, many of us sought out additional training in order to delay our deployment to Vietnam; Arthur coins it best, "...maybe the war will be over after all this training and I won't have to go." Many of us draftees signed up for Leadership Preparation Course, NCO (Shake 'n Bake) training, and jump school to shorten the potential time left in the military. However, the war hadn't ended and our destiny was fulfilled.
Nam Sense takes the reader through many adventures during Arthur's year long tour with the 101st Airborne. Hamburger Hill, A Shau Valley, Firebase Riptide, et al, were very dangerous places, grunts counted on the seasoned veterans to get them through patrols; most were only Spec 4's and PFC's, but they knew their stuff. When Cherry Officers arrived, not all were like Aurthur's leader, who insisted on leading them all to glory to make a name for himself and catapult his career. Nam Sense or "Intuition" saved many lives during the war - so did common sense. When officers chose to ignore this wisdom, troops suffered the consequences, some were killed. In his story, Arthur continues to be punished because of his continued criticism of the new Lieutenant, who does not want to pay attention to "Nam Sense" and instead pushes his men for his individual glory. Fragging is also touched upon and it is easy to see why somebody would want to kill their superior. During my tour,I had similar experiences with Cherry Second Lieutenants; one was seriously wounded after a month and the other "saw the light" after a few days and became more of a team member. However, most officers I served with respected the grunts and listened to their opinions.
As a Cherry NCO arriving in Vietnam, Arthur knew better than to push his rank and worked hard to be accepted by his fellow soldiers. Part of his strategy was to get businesses in the U.S. to send samples of most anything edible sent to Vietnam to share with his men. They also learned to respect him because of his views and persistence in standing up for the men.
Arthur does have a knack for "ghosting", which he explains in the book. The time quickly adds up and reduces the amount of time he had to spend in the bush on patrol. Mr. Wiknik does have a sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. Nam Sense is worth reading and offers the reader an opportunity to witness the insane things that occur in war.
Nam Sense takes the reader through many adventures during Arthur's year long tour with the 101st Airborne. Hamburger Hill, A Shau Valley, Firebase Riptide, et al, were very dangerous places, grunts counted on the seasoned veterans to get them through patrols; most were only Spec 4's and PFC's, but they knew their stuff. When Cherry Officers arrived, not all were like Aurthur's leader, who insisted on leading them all to glory to make a name for himself and catapult his career. Nam Sense or "Intuition" saved many lives during the war - so did common sense. When officers chose to ignore this wisdom, troops suffered the consequences, some were killed. In his story, Arthur continues to be punished because of his continued criticism of the new Lieutenant, who does not want to pay attention to "Nam Sense" and instead pushes his men for his individual glory. Fragging is also touched upon and it is easy to see why somebody would want to kill their superior. During my tour,I had similar experiences with Cherry Second Lieutenants; one was seriously wounded after a month and the other "saw the light" after a few days and became more of a team member. However, most officers I served with respected the grunts and listened to their opinions.
As a Cherry NCO arriving in Vietnam, Arthur knew better than to push his rank and worked hard to be accepted by his fellow soldiers. Part of his strategy was to get businesses in the U.S. to send samples of most anything edible sent to Vietnam to share with his men. They also learned to respect him because of his views and persistence in standing up for the men.
Arthur does have a knack for "ghosting", which he explains in the book. The time quickly adds up and reduces the amount of time he had to spend in the bush on patrol. Mr. Wiknik does have a sense of humor and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions. Nam Sense is worth reading and offers the reader an opportunity to witness the insane things that occur in war.
December 3, 2019
I thought the reader was a bit more dramatic than necessary, but that may just be my mood. I was mildly irritated that he used the initials REMF individually because we just said the word 'remf', he also said R, I, F, instead of 'rif'. However, just because we said one thing in the field didn't mean that it was the only way. I found this a marvelous read, but as a caveat, he was talking about the same place I was. I'm going to read it again because that's what I do when I've read a book that moved me a lot. Sgt Wiknik tells a story well, and I really liked his attitude, as it was close to mine.
July 14, 2018
Deployed with the 101 Airborne Division in Vietnam and promoted before he could gain on the ground experience, Wiknik paints us a picture of what the jungle war looked like, what encounters with the Vietnamese looked like and what it feels like to fight a war when you are not supported at home. More importantly - and what I liked most - he is heavily critical of a certain branch of soldiers he calls Lifers, those men who have no other purpose but to further their career in the military, for which they are willing to risk their men's lives in batshit crazy operations that should've never happened. Wiknik recounts how his own life was put in danger, and the methods by which he tried to stop these commanders from hurting other people as well. Well written, paced properly and interesting from a military history point of view, I'd recommend this to anyone with a special affinity for war stories.
December 11, 2018
I liked the book and thought the author did a good job of relating the every day trials and tribulations of the war. He didn't make himself out to be a hero, just a GI doing his job. Brutally honest read.
January 18, 2018
Sheer B.S.?
I....look....I didn’t get past the first three sentences before I KNEW I was in for a load of crap. Drafted in 1968....went through basic/AIT and went to ‘Nam as a NON-COMMISSIONED PLATOON LEADER! Really? Really? Non-commissioned = not an officer. Best he coulda done is he was “da bomb” outta Basic/AIT woulda been as a PFC E-3. No soldier in the HISTORY of the US military was platoon leader as a PFC E-3. Remember he was DRAFTED...two year hitch. He might, might have left as a SPEC4 E-4 when his hitch was up. TO&E or a platoon calls for a MINIMUM of a SGT E-6. If his platoon was at full strength he wouldn’t even had been a SQUAD Leader unless he as an SGT E-5!! And straight outta boot camp? Come on...REAL soldiers are going to read this book and he’s already made it unbelievable! To be frank I didn’t get past the first page as I knew I was in for a load of made up bullshit. Sorry...it didn’t pass the smell test
I....look....I didn’t get past the first three sentences before I KNEW I was in for a load of crap. Drafted in 1968....went through basic/AIT and went to ‘Nam as a NON-COMMISSIONED PLATOON LEADER! Really? Really? Non-commissioned = not an officer. Best he coulda done is he was “da bomb” outta Basic/AIT woulda been as a PFC E-3. No soldier in the HISTORY of the US military was platoon leader as a PFC E-3. Remember he was DRAFTED...two year hitch. He might, might have left as a SPEC4 E-4 when his hitch was up. TO&E or a platoon calls for a MINIMUM of a SGT E-6. If his platoon was at full strength he wouldn’t even had been a SQUAD Leader unless he as an SGT E-5!! And straight outta boot camp? Come on...REAL soldiers are going to read this book and he’s already made it unbelievable! To be frank I didn’t get past the first page as I knew I was in for a load of made up bullshit. Sorry...it didn’t pass the smell test
February 19, 2019
You did not want to be in the 101st
Better than average VN book. Rather well written. I was with the 25th & one night came to their aid and our units came together at night in rice patties some where North of Gay Ninh. Our unit never walked on party berms. It was set season and we were in knew deep water when I ran into something. Upon closer inspection of was a body of 101st grunt. I asked members of the 101st of they were going to do something and they said no! I asked a fellow. Spellbound to grab his legs and together we put the body on a rice party berm, and we moved on!
Better than average VN book. Rather well written. I was with the 25th & one night came to their aid and our units came together at night in rice patties some where North of Gay Ninh. Our unit never walked on party berms. It was set season and we were in knew deep water when I ran into something. Upon closer inspection of was a body of 101st grunt. I asked members of the 101st of they were going to do something and they said no! I asked a fellow. Spellbound to grab his legs and together we put the body on a rice party berm, and we moved on!
February 27, 2019
I gave it three stars because it was entertaining. If my rating were solely on accuracy and truth it would be a 1 Star. He doesn’t seem to let the truth get in the way of a good story. I cannot believe that someone in a place of authority in the army could get away with so much insubordination without getting busted down a rank. Regardless whether someone’s complaint is justified, the type of back talking portrayed in the book would not be tolerated. I’m not questioning that the author served but I am questioning the veracity.
January 16, 2018
Good Read
Wiknik provides a good 1st person account of a grunt's experience in Nam. His recollection include both tragic, heart rending episodes and humorous episodes.
I spent 14 months in Northern I Corp with combat engineers at about the same time as Wiknik. So, I recognized some of the places he names.
I have read several books on the Vietnam war since being discharged from the army on 1971 & Witnik's book is among the best.
Wiknik provides a good 1st person account of a grunt's experience in Nam. His recollection include both tragic, heart rending episodes and humorous episodes.
I spent 14 months in Northern I Corp with combat engineers at about the same time as Wiknik. So, I recognized some of the places he names.
I have read several books on the Vietnam war since being discharged from the army on 1971 & Witnik's book is among the best.
December 21, 2017
"Hell of a thing. "
Well written account of a "Shake and Bake" sergeant's year in Vietnam. He was in the famous 101st Airborne at Hamburger Hill, Awshau Valley, and DMZ and did his job and kept his guys alive. Those who have been there will understand his not so gung ho point of view.
Well written account of a "Shake and Bake" sergeant's year in Vietnam. He was in the famous 101st Airborne at Hamburger Hill, Awshau Valley, and DMZ and did his job and kept his guys alive. Those who have been there will understand his not so gung ho point of view.
August 5, 2018
Really Recaptured Old Feelings
If you have ever served in a combat unit, even if not necessarily in a hot zone, this book evokes those emotions you experienced when you finally emotionally escaped orbit of your last duty station. Reading NAM SENSE brought back that feeling I had after four in the Corps and seeing Camp Pendleton in my rear-view mirror.
If you have ever served in a combat unit, even if not necessarily in a hot zone, this book evokes those emotions you experienced when you finally emotionally escaped orbit of your last duty station. Reading NAM SENSE brought back that feeling I had after four in the Corps and seeing Camp Pendleton in my rear-view mirror.
September 7, 2018
I loved this book.
Having entered the Army late in 1972, I never made it to Vietnam but saw the animosity towards the veterans that was rampant. Wearing a uniform on a college campus was a magnet for hate and derision. I hope some of those people read this book and can see the disastrous impact they had on our soldiers.
Having entered the Army late in 1972, I never made it to Vietnam but saw the animosity towards the veterans that was rampant. Wearing a uniform on a college campus was a magnet for hate and derision. I hope some of those people read this book and can see the disastrous impact they had on our soldiers.
October 9, 2018
Well written descriptive book.
This guy was a big hearted kid that willingly shared his methods of survival. It was a shame he and his platoon buddies had to fight this war on so many fronts including. From within in the form of stupid, inexperienced,, hung ho officers. He deserved to get home to his great family in one piece .
This guy was a big hearted kid that willingly shared his methods of survival. It was a shame he and his platoon buddies had to fight this war on so many fronts including. From within in the form of stupid, inexperienced,, hung ho officers. He deserved to get home to his great family in one piece .
December 16, 2019
Great Narrative of a Draftee in the 'Nam!
This is the story of one soldier's tour of duty as a US Army infantryman fighting in Vietnam. Told from the first person perspective, it highlights the terror, sadness and triumphs of a conscript surviving his "13 months and 15 days ['....the last ones were the worst.']"in the RVN. One of the best of its genre.
This is the story of one soldier's tour of duty as a US Army infantryman fighting in Vietnam. Told from the first person perspective, it highlights the terror, sadness and triumphs of a conscript surviving his "13 months and 15 days ['....the last ones were the worst.']"in the RVN. One of the best of its genre.
April 5, 2018
It stinks
Never met an NCO with such a bad attitude towards his superiors. He spent all his time trying to figure out how to beat the system. This doesn’t come close to resembling the 101st that I served in RVN. From a 26 yr Army vet.
Never met an NCO with such a bad attitude towards his superiors. He spent all his time trying to figure out how to beat the system. This doesn’t come close to resembling the 101st that I served in RVN. From a 26 yr Army vet.
February 4, 2018
Saying I 'read' this book is giving it too much credit as a piece of work. Do you know the last time I bought a book and hated it so much I couldn't finish it? I'll tell ya - never. Until this one.
This utter crap that I spent my money on was so terrible I actually quit it last night at the beginning of the third chapter and refuse to give it another moment of my time. The best thing that can happen is that I can save some poor reader from wasting both their time and money on this train wreck of an offering.
Now, I also feel compelled to state that I have read a lot, and I mean a metric shit ton of books on the Vietnam War. Like, more than I can honestly remember. I have always been intrigued by this war and period of American history since I was 13. Suffice to say, I am pretty confident in my ability to filter out the good and bad within this realm.
Where to begin... First off, the trip flares went off for me when he stated he went through NCO training to become a Platoon Leader. What? Noooo... You need to be a commissioned OFFICER to become a platoon leader. NCO's are enlisted ranks and don't lead platoons unless the Lt. is away on leave or killed... I am already smelling the BS.
Next, in the remarkable short amount of time I spent reading this garbage, was the crappy dialogue as he recounts various encounters with the standard Vietnam archetypes from clerks, to the 'seasoned angry vet', to the mouthpiece, California surfer grunt, and eventually his own members within his platoon. It is borderline insufferable. Between the farcical conversations he recounts and cramming his descriptions with every stereotypical language you could expect to read about Vietnam (FNG, piss tubes, gook, 'Injun Country', etc), I was left with the feeling that this was done by someone who never went to Vietnam yet watched every movie out there and tried to write a book. It's goddamn terrible.
Lastly, as someone who spent a good deal of my life in uniform and going places and doing things, this guy is a straight up shitbag NCO. He self professes two weeks into his tour to shirk his duties as an NCO on patrol, lie to his superiors, and has the audacity to think he has it all figured out. How someone thought this dirtbag had the potential for leadership back in the day is a mystery to me. Apparently from the description of the title on Amazon, it gets worse. Utterly shameful.
So there you go people, I jumped on this grenade so you don't have to. Sometimes your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others. Let me be that warning for you.
This utter crap that I spent my money on was so terrible I actually quit it last night at the beginning of the third chapter and refuse to give it another moment of my time. The best thing that can happen is that I can save some poor reader from wasting both their time and money on this train wreck of an offering.
Now, I also feel compelled to state that I have read a lot, and I mean a metric shit ton of books on the Vietnam War. Like, more than I can honestly remember. I have always been intrigued by this war and period of American history since I was 13. Suffice to say, I am pretty confident in my ability to filter out the good and bad within this realm.
Where to begin... First off, the trip flares went off for me when he stated he went through NCO training to become a Platoon Leader. What? Noooo... You need to be a commissioned OFFICER to become a platoon leader. NCO's are enlisted ranks and don't lead platoons unless the Lt. is away on leave or killed... I am already smelling the BS.
Next, in the remarkable short amount of time I spent reading this garbage, was the crappy dialogue as he recounts various encounters with the standard Vietnam archetypes from clerks, to the 'seasoned angry vet', to the mouthpiece, California surfer grunt, and eventually his own members within his platoon. It is borderline insufferable. Between the farcical conversations he recounts and cramming his descriptions with every stereotypical language you could expect to read about Vietnam (FNG, piss tubes, gook, 'Injun Country', etc), I was left with the feeling that this was done by someone who never went to Vietnam yet watched every movie out there and tried to write a book. It's goddamn terrible.
Lastly, as someone who spent a good deal of my life in uniform and going places and doing things, this guy is a straight up shitbag NCO. He self professes two weeks into his tour to shirk his duties as an NCO on patrol, lie to his superiors, and has the audacity to think he has it all figured out. How someone thought this dirtbag had the potential for leadership back in the day is a mystery to me. Apparently from the description of the title on Amazon, it gets worse. Utterly shameful.
So there you go people, I jumped on this grenade so you don't have to. Sometimes your only purpose in life is to serve as a warning to others. Let me be that warning for you.
January 13, 2020
Since I never served I am reluctant to dismiss anyone who did. I have read several other Vietnam books written by enlisted soldiers as well as officer and most of them gave me a stronger idea of the horrors of war and the difficulties encountered in fighting one. It seemed Sgt. Winick was fortunate that his actual combat experience was light during the course of his tour. While he was the first to crest Hamburger Hill it was on the last day of the battle and the enemy had been pretty much subdued. It seems most of his time in the jungle was looking for VC/NVA who never appeared.
His book seems more like a rant against Lifers, inept officers and NCO’s, REMF’s, along with a tour of brothels and finding ways to avoid the boonies by ghosting.
I am sure all soldiers in the bush face hazards, incredibly difficult living conditions and constant fear but this book just didn’t capture it for me like others I have read.
His book seems more like a rant against Lifers, inept officers and NCO’s, REMF’s, along with a tour of brothels and finding ways to avoid the boonies by ghosting.
I am sure all soldiers in the bush face hazards, incredibly difficult living conditions and constant fear but this book just didn’t capture it for me like others I have read.
November 14, 2018
Pussy In Vietnam
This soldier was a disgrace to men everywhere. Why he got a book published is beyond me! There are tons of books written by former Grunts in Nam, but they all convey a sense of duty along with their disgust for the war and how it was run. Wiknik could have gotten his brothers in arms killed many times with his cowardice and sense of entitlement. And, his simple and minor accomplishments are greatly and obviously enhanced beyond the point of poetic license. I was there at the same time, if I'd have met this punk, I'dve thumped the back of his ears to start out with, and he would've slunk away like the sniveling coward he obviously was and I'm sure still is! Wiknik is a disgrace to all who gave everything we could for our Brothers, even in that oh so immoral undertaking we call the Vietnam War.
This soldier was a disgrace to men everywhere. Why he got a book published is beyond me! There are tons of books written by former Grunts in Nam, but they all convey a sense of duty along with their disgust for the war and how it was run. Wiknik could have gotten his brothers in arms killed many times with his cowardice and sense of entitlement. And, his simple and minor accomplishments are greatly and obviously enhanced beyond the point of poetic license. I was there at the same time, if I'd have met this punk, I'dve thumped the back of his ears to start out with, and he would've slunk away like the sniveling coward he obviously was and I'm sure still is! Wiknik is a disgrace to all who gave everything we could for our Brothers, even in that oh so immoral undertaking we call the Vietnam War.
November 30, 2024
Pretty good read. (I always round up...this is a three and a half star book...)
This memoir covers the author's day one arriving in Vietnam until his tour is over and he lands on the west coast. Be sure and read the epilogue..
There are many interesting stories and the author was in many harrowing areas (Hamburger Hill, A Shah Valley, near the DMZ, etc). He describes the daily life of the combat infantryman pretty well from an NCOs point of view. Some of his memories are intriguing as he clearly never met an officer that he thought was worthy of his command; or maybe that is/was the prevailing thoughts of all NCO's in Vietnam...he wasn't too to fond of "lifer" NCO's either.
Still the story is worth the time it takes to read about this important time of our American history.
This memoir covers the author's day one arriving in Vietnam until his tour is over and he lands on the west coast. Be sure and read the epilogue..
There are many interesting stories and the author was in many harrowing areas (Hamburger Hill, A Shah Valley, near the DMZ, etc). He describes the daily life of the combat infantryman pretty well from an NCOs point of view. Some of his memories are intriguing as he clearly never met an officer that he thought was worthy of his command; or maybe that is/was the prevailing thoughts of all NCO's in Vietnam...he wasn't too to fond of "lifer" NCO's either.
Still the story is worth the time it takes to read about this important time of our American history.
April 29, 2024
Nam Sense: Surviving Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division is a short memoir by Arthur Wiltnik, an army draftee who went through a 90-day program to begin his service as a sergeant. The focus of the book is on Sgt. Wiltnik's who, while not enthusiastic to serve, earnestly attempts to serve the men of his platoon by keeping them as safe as possible during their time in Vietnam. To accomplish this, he frequently bucks his senior NCO and multiple lieutenants to make sure his platoons missions are attempted in the safest way possible. Often drawing the ire of his superiors, he as often as possible escapes front line service. It's an interesting good but not great personal account.
February 6, 2018
I don't know what to think
When we were young we were soldiers and we went off to fight in a war that was poorly understood then as now. And as old men we write boos and articles about what we experienced and what it all meant. A lot of things in this book seemed true, but I could not relate to other parts at all.
Mostly, in the end, I was left wondering what Sgt Wiknik did with the life that was granted him after he got back to the world. I'll never know: the book just ends.
When we were young we were soldiers and we went off to fight in a war that was poorly understood then as now. And as old men we write boos and articles about what we experienced and what it all meant. A lot of things in this book seemed true, but I could not relate to other parts at all.
Mostly, in the end, I was left wondering what Sgt Wiknik did with the life that was granted him after he got back to the world. I'll never know: the book just ends.
August 23, 2024
Book is fairly well written documenting the authors point of view and experiences in the Vietnam era. The main reoccurring theme is all his officers were idiots and he knew better. I was not there so it could’ve been true. Author mixed in some comical stories that gives the reader a break from the horrible things the author experienced. Worth a read but realize it’s not a historical account of the war it’s the authors memories of his time in it.
November 20, 2023
compelling Story Telling—A Very Good Read.
The author gives a great narrative in this book. He points out the ineptitude and arrogance of some new young officers entrusted with authority over many young lives. Points out that experience out weighs rank. A very good book, interesting perspective and well worth the time to read.
The author gives a great narrative in this book. He points out the ineptitude and arrogance of some new young officers entrusted with authority over many young lives. Points out that experience out weighs rank. A very good book, interesting perspective and well worth the time to read.
March 28, 2024
Racist, selfish, squad leader in the US Army recounts his time in Vietnam. The beginning of the book deludes the reader into thinking the author has noble causes for his decisions, however, in the end, when he abandons his comrades, we see that his motives are not only purely selfish but have murderous consequences.
May 26, 2024
Wiknik tells of his year in Vietnam. Wiknik would be a hard guy to dislike. The writing was decent and Wiknik was a bit of a character. This is a pretty typical memoir of a soldier in the Vietnam War. It is not overly graphic on death and injuries yet a part of the story to a necessary degree. 3.75 stars.
October 10, 2025
Honest guy
Wiknik tells a very transparent account of his time in Vietnam without bravado or falsity. He appears humble and honest about his own desire to simply survive and help his platoon mates do the same.
It sounds to me like he actually performed some very selfless and heroic acts without looking for the recognition that many would.
Wiknik tells a very transparent account of his time in Vietnam without bravado or falsity. He appears humble and honest about his own desire to simply survive and help his platoon mates do the same.
It sounds to me like he actually performed some very selfless and heroic acts without looking for the recognition that many would.
January 8, 2018
A terrifying reminder
This book is well written and describes the feeling many Vietnam veterans experienced and continue to feel in their hearts, minds, and souls. "We did not fight the enemy, we fought ourselves, and the enemy was in us, fighting for possession of our souls".
This book is well written and describes the feeling many Vietnam veterans experienced and continue to feel in their hearts, minds, and souls. "We did not fight the enemy, we fought ourselves, and the enemy was in us, fighting for possession of our souls".
February 5, 2018
He didn't want to be there but served anyway.
This is a well written story of a draftee serving and surviving his year in Viet Nam. The delimas seem endless. A good read to the very end.
This is a well written story of a draftee serving and surviving his year in Viet Nam. The delimas seem endless. A good read to the very end.
July 28, 2018
The Vietnam war story from a soldier ....
He did not volunteer like others he only did his best to survive a situation he was forced into.. Having read similar books from wars, we have learned nothing.
The book deserve four stars, easy to read with amusing stories.
He did not volunteer like others he only did his best to survive a situation he was forced into.. Having read similar books from wars, we have learned nothing.
The book deserve four stars, easy to read with amusing stories.
November 26, 2018
Outstanding!
To this day I am appalled at this countries treatment of our soldiers returning from Nam. The book helped capture the horrors of the battlefields and jungles. Quick and captivating reading!
To this day I am appalled at this countries treatment of our soldiers returning from Nam. The book helped capture the horrors of the battlefields and jungles. Quick and captivating reading!
December 28, 2018
Not for most.
Although truthful and of a first person's experience, I think many "shake n bakes" experience were far different. The ones I knew were...abit more respectful of their responsibility and of the REAL NCO's. Not a bad read but.....
Although truthful and of a first person's experience, I think many "shake n bakes" experience were far different. The ones I knew were...abit more respectful of their responsibility and of the REAL NCO's. Not a bad read but.....
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