Explores how young people from communities targeted in the War on Terror engage with the “political;†even while they are under constant scrutiny and surveillance
#1205947 in Books John G Roberts 2013-01-12Format: Large PrintOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .61 x 6.00l; .80 #File Name: 1477563938270 pagesMighty Men of Valor
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent description of combat action and life under the canopy with 2/502 infantry during 1970.By CustomerJohn Roberts describes very accurately the life of an o'deuce infantryman under the canopy in the I corps in 1970. He was a squad leader in C company; and so his first-hand POV is mostly with that company; but he also does a great job touching on the ancillary engagements of other O'deuce companies. It is clear that much thorough research went into this book. I myself served as a medic with Alpha Company 2/502 in 1970 thru most of 1971 and at the time I heard many platoon stories about the Texas Star operation he describes in such detail. Now I know the details. He is a very good writer and I enjoyed his accurate description of the battalion area; REMF attitudes etc; as well as the intense life under the canopy of an O'Deuce trooper. It brought back many memories of my own. He even mentions such details as the really good thanksgiving meal made available to soldiers out in the bush that year. My company was brought onto Bastogne to partake of that meal after a solid month under the canopy that November and it was good to be reminded of such a small detail. After a month in monsoon rains I can tell you that meal and a roof overhead for a night meant a lot. I have read all the books I can find by O'deuce troopers and I like this one the best. I'm glad this account now exists for posterity. My only nit is that Medic Ben Odell Johnson is not listed with the soldiers killed in op Texas Star. Ben died in action with Alpha company on August 21; 1970 should be listed right before Sheldon Silverman. Two other Alpha troopers were medevaced that same day. I was Ben's replacement in Alpha and though I never knew him; I heard much about how he died. Thanks for such a great book.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An Enjoyable ReadBy CustomerThis book written by John Roberts was a non-fiction memoir. As many books written by Vietnam veterans; this was his personal experience. His war was back in 1970; after the Tet Offensive. Nevertheless; this takes nothing away from being a dangerous time. What is quickly noticeable is the authors good sense of being level headed; and pleasant. Sometimes those that write about their experiences impose an angry and vulgar writing style. Not so with Roberts. As his war unfolds; its easy to follow; enjoyable while still sharing the fear; anxiety and horror he endures. He doesn't describe the fire fights to any depth; rather notes the date; where it occurred; and a brief summary. He's consistent with this throughout the book. Maybe that explains that this book isn't heavy with blood and guts.It maybe fair to predict that the author; John Roberts is a thoughtful and decent man ; compassionate and soft spoken. You hardly read him talk about his men and how he supervised them as a sergeant. He hardly writes about the personal relationships of those around him or men he worked . This is best described as a personal book with shallow brush strokes. Finally; I thought his comments towards the end about his wife and how they lived on after the war was excellent. I would have wanted to read more. I liked that he included a segment written by his wife. Heart warming and fulfilling and helps understand what John Roberts experienced.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must read Vietnam war storyBy SteveI had never heard of this battle and a hell of a battle it was. These few infantry soldiers (101 Airborne) beat unbeatable odds. If it were fiction; you wouldn't believe it but it's not; it's a true story of determination and leadership and they pulled off all this with much less support than you would expect. If it could go wrong; it did. These guys made it and it was just these very brave desperate men. The cavalry just didn't come charging in blowing bugles and flashing swords them. This is like Custer's last stand but Custer won (had he been as good a leader as this sergeant).I'm not saying anything else; you just have to read it. In a few months; I'll certainly read it again.
