American Warrior: A Combat Memoir of Vietnam

By John C. Bahnsen Jr.

Book Overview

Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr. One of America's most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War. The ultimate warrior who engaged the enemy from nearly every type of aircraft and armored vehicle in the Army's inventory. An expert strategist who developed military tactics later adopted as doctrine. A revered leader ready to plunge into the thick of battle with his bare hands... From Fort Knox to the front lines, accounts of Doc's brilliance in time of war became the stuff of legend--stories that are told with reverence to this day, inspiring raw recruits as well as America's future leaders. Now, drawing on his own recollections, as well as those of the men who fought beside him, Doc Bahnsen gives a full, uncensored account of his astonishing war record--and an unforgettable ground-level view of the day-to-day realities of serving one's country. "Spellbinding.? .? .a must-read."--Thomas E. White, Jr.,18th Secretary of the Army "Uncensored, raw, and striking.? .? .I recommend it highly."--General Barry R. McCaffrey "Packed with heaps of heroism, courage, sacrifice, controvery--and a dash of humor."--Major General James L. Dozier "This book explodes like a hand grenade. Be ready for a hell of a read!"--Lieutenant General Hank Emerson **Main Selection of the Military Book Club**

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806528060
• ISBN13: 9780806528069
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Citadel
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 1.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.5" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK THAT BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. DOC TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS AND WAS ONE OF THE BEST COMMANDERS I HAD THE PRIVLIGE SERVING UNDER.

The Ultimate Warrior

Most war stories aren't as graphic but Doc Bahnsen holds nothing back. War is not a business for the untrained and it is well documented that Doc trained by example. Sissies need not apply. We could certainly use more no-nonsense men of this caliber in the 21st century. I have learned a lot from reading this excellent documentary and am proud to be able to say "I knew him when".....he was a cadet at West Point. J. C. Foote, Boynton Beach, FL

Meeting a Warrior

Doc Bahnsen is undoubtedly a hero in the history of the United States and of the Free World. He has all the credentials to document it. Yet there is another plane of magnificance in the manner and deportment of this retired officer and gentleman. I met him by chance and immediately sensed that I was honored to be in the presence of a great man. I read his book and it confirmed my impression. Well written and organized in a clear and concise format,this work puts the reader in the fight with "Doc" and with those soldiers at his side whose comments and narration give the reader a 360 degree view of the action.In the the thick of the battle, in mid 60's Viet Nam,you're taking "point" with a man who placed himself in harm's way in front of his troops--he never asked anything he wouldn't do himself.His decorations are countless and his units had the highest proficiency ratings "in Country". This is the story of how he did it.A great read,a great account of one of the Army's awesome men,and a great lesson about things that matter in life. To his credit ,General Bahnsen also shares his flaws and shortcomings. His willingness to expose himself to honest criticism is refreshing in today's cloying atmosphere of political correctness.Even these failings are shared and interpreted by those who were his partners in battle and R & R. How about stealing Col.George Patton Jr's two "holer" outhouse? Buy the book,read the book,give it to your grown up and not so grown up children for a lesson in life!You won't be sorry.

An Army Legend's Own Vietnam Story

There have been hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of books written on the Vietnam War; however, all of them fail to make the deep historic impact that "American Warrior" does. I think the biggest reason for this book rising so far above the rest is Brig. Gen. John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr. who along with his writing partner Wess Roberts give us a astounding personal account of Doc's two tours of duty in Vietnam (1965-66 & 1968-69). Now the non-military public will also learn about this most remarkable man who is truly one of this nation's greatest warriors. The book moves like a man on a mission "walking point"! The reader will have no trouble becoming absorbed in Doc's combat experiences. If this were a novel no one would believe it! The man is one of those rare leaders much like General Patton was for WWII. He is bigger than life but ever so human. The book tells it like was and the General holds little back. This is a bold accounting of a time long gone by when men who were great heroes were forgotten and ignored by our nation. Now they can read about one of those who honors the rest of us Vietnam Veterans! This book is given The Military Writer's Society of America it highest rating of FIVE STARS! The story is a must read! I personal recommend this book! It is a nominee for the MWSA Founder's Award for 2007! Truly one of the best books ever written about Vietnam War! They just do not come much better!

Outstanding personal history

This is a well written and detailed personal memoir of the author's two tours in Viet Nam. The format - personal recollections by identified persons - interspersed with the author's first person narrative draws the reader into the action. Doc is a true warrior and, based on his actions, one of the luckiest SOBs on the planet. I consider myself fortunate to be one of Doc's classmates.