Force Recon Command: 3rd Force Recon Company in Vietnam, 1969-70

by Alex Lee

Book Overview

THE A SHAU VALLEYWHERE THE NVA WAS KING . . . In order to prevent surprise attacks on U.S. forces as they were pulling out of Vietnam, someone had to be able to pinpoint the NVA's movements. That... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804110239
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.0" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Long Range Patrolling by the Marines

This is a great book by Alex Lee that describes his experiences commanding a Marine recon company near the DMZ in 1969-70.He does and excellent job describing the perils of even getting to his assigned position at the time, as different personnel shops wanted to Shanghi him for other duties. Only appeals to the commanding general in his area got him to his post.His group was an outcast outfit that had to scrounge for equipment. He had fights with rear echelon people to get adequate gear and air support. He had one Lt. that turned out to be a coward and almost caused many other casualties. He was gotten rid of, and later, back in the states found that the Lt was about to be made Cpt. He described what had happened, and the person resigned from the Marines.He had 6 person teams inserted to do recon work. Some headquarters people thought that 8 person teams were better, ignoring the fact that only 6 can be put on one chopper.He was given direct orders to put in 8 man teams, and just ignored them.A Col Patton even said his men were liars when they reported trucks at Ashau. Later, truck parts were taken from Ashau and presented to the Col's assistant, as Col Patton was not there.Maj Lee had to scrounge supplies from the Army, Air Force, Navy, the CIA, and even rations from the Australians.The bravery of the helicopter pilots is described in some detail. He rode with one pilot on a mission that got the pilot the Navy Cross. Maj Lee got no award, even though he was right behind the pilot the whole time.Maj Lee went on several missions himself, so has detail memory of those events. A tiger was around on one of their patrols, keeping everyone awake.The lack of security of B-52 missions was discussed. Many were wasted as the North Vietnamese were told days in advance that a target was to be bombed, so they got out of the way.Effects of B-52 raids is described, as his unit went to see the after affects of the bombings in his sector. When they did hit something, the carnage was great.The book describes a group of very brave men, doing a very difficult mission. They knew that the U.S. was pulling out of Vietnam, and could have coasted, but did not.

Factual, I was there

Sir, Your accounting of the abilities of our teams brought back so many memories. The price we had to pay is still so unknown to so many. I carry the memory of my friend and teammate Sgt.A.Garcia with me every day. I am proud that I had the honor to serve under you and with men like him. For those who fought for it freedom has a taste the protected will never know.Doc Parrish 3rd. Force Recon 1969-1970

Remarkable men, passing too soon from our lives...

I believe this is a very balanced work, and sets forth a compelling remembrance of the good and great men who served under unspeakable conditions, and gained little by it for themselves but silent honor. I bought and read this book, after returning from the funeral of my friend's father, Lt. Col. Buck Coffman, this past weekend (1 Sept., '01). Col. Coffman was a fascinating, remarkable man who served his nation well. Sometimes, perhaps, better than it's people deserved. I knew him apart from his role as warrior (though ALWAYS a Marine), and he set a standard to aspire to, as a man and as Man. He was loved truly by his family and friends. At his memorial service, I had the privelege of meeting the author, Col. Lee, as well as Maj. Norton, Col. Morris, Gen. Gray and several of the other courageous men who served with them in the Marines; men written of in this book. Each and every one of them impressed me with their intelligence, decency and honor, and for the love they so obviously share for one another. I am now starting on Doc Norton's Force Recon Diaries. I am very grateful to the men who write these books. We should always remember that giants DO walk the earth. I'm honored to have spent a time, even but a moment, in the shadow of one.

A story of Love and War!

I know Alex Lee, as well as "Doc" Norton and Paul "Old Man" Keaveney. A. Lee says this book, in my inscription, is a book about love , the love one man has for another, so he is willing to lay his life down for the other! I heartily suggest you read this book, if you want an honest, frank account of war, as seen through the eyes of the men who fought it! I have worked with these men, and written about them. I think the highest compliment I could get was when Alex Lee said to me, Kevin, we read what you wrote and know what was published. You are "One of My Marines"! As a Young Marine Support Staff person, I have had Paul Keaveney come and speak to our Young Marines. I have had "Doc" Norton Speak at our USMC Birthday Balls. They are fine Americans, and honest, dedicated loyal U. S. Marines.!!!!! Semper FI!!

awesome book

This is one of the best books on military leadership I have ever read. LtCol Lee's willingness to highlight not only what he and his unit achieved but also what could have done diffently seperates this book from being just another "I was there" book full of sea stories. Excellent read. I encourage any Marine or Army NCO or officer to pick this book up. Lots of lessons learned future generations can read here.