Description: Brutally honest, confronting memoir of a National Serviceman's deployment to Vietnam as an infantry soldier. Captivating, extensive military detail and personal revelations.
Brief description: Peter McCann is a retired public servant and professed sports tragic. He's also a former Australian Army National Serviceman who served in Vietnam for 12 months (late 1969-late 1970) as an infantry soldier with 8 Battalion (8 RAR). As a member of the battalion's Assault Pioneer Platoon, its main roles were to establish and defend Fire Support Bases, demolish enemy bunker systems, destroy or disarm enemy laid anti-personnel mines and booby traps when engineers weren't available for those tasks, cordon off and search selected civilian centres, carry out search and destroy patrols, reconnaissance in force, and day and night ambushes.The author has a wide interest in military history and military weapons, not just that pertaining to the Vietnam war.
Review Quotes:
"This gripping narrative immerses readers into the harsh reality of the Vietnam War, offering a first-hand account that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. A rare gem that presents a glimpse into the human side of war and stands as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who served."
- David Matheson
"I knew that McCann would be thorough in the telling of his time in the army. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine that he'd go to the lengths he has to research all the detail."
- Terry Lucas
"Depth of research is amazing. Technical detail and memory of events are beyond the ability of most to research, recall and describe. The statement that 'the life of an Infantry soldier at war is 90% routine and boredom, 9% fun, and 1% sheer bloody terror' is well depicted."
- Peter Cousins
"Exceptionally detailed and a terrific read. McCann is openly honest about his reactions to some very tough situations."
- Robert A. Hall