I served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1972, as an M.P. at Ft. Bragg, N.C. and as luck would have it - I never went to Vietnam. In reading this book, I found myself going down Memory Lane as I recalled my Basic Training experiences at Ft. Lewis, WA to be very similar to his experiences in basic. My life long friend since grammer school, Leroy Crabtree, did go to Vietnam and he served with the Wolfhounds in 1969. He was one of several soldiers wounded at the Shamrock Hardspot on July 19, 1969. Over the years, Leroy has told me some bits and pieces of the terrible conditions for Infantrymen serving in Vietnam, but he never came close to revealing the harsh living and working conditions nor the graphic horrors and brutal loss of life during this horrendous jungle war. In reading Mr. Quintrell's account of what transpired during his year in Vietnam, I found myself riveted to his book as he took me on an emotional roller-coaster between the highs from laughter to the lows of profound sadness and grief. Several times I found myself deeply saddened and mildly depressed after reading "Big John's" accounting of their combat. I also related to his post-service life experience, particularly how his service made him a better man and a very patriotic American. On behalf of all Vietnam War era veterans, thank you "Big John" for taking the time to write such a powerful accounting of your Vietnam War experiences. P.S. Leroy Crabtree says "Hi".