Chasing Understanding in the Jungles of Vietnam

My Year as a Black Scarf

De: Douglas Beed

Narrado por: Malcolm Hillgartner

Author Doug Beed relates his memories of the men and missions during his year (1968-69) as a combat soldier with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam. After two years of college he couldn't afford to continue, so he was forced to relinquish his student deferment and enter the draft. He tried various strategies to get a non-combat job; nevertheless, he ended up in the infantry and was assigned to Vietnam.

The stories in this book depict the year Doug spent in Alpha Company, where he spent days on patrols finding and killing North Vietnamese soldiers along the hundreds of miles of trails heading for the Saigon. These stories range from funny to tragic, from uplifting to extremely frustrating, and from touching to horrifying. This book gives the listener a sense of life in the infantry in 1968 and 1969.

©2017 Douglas Beed (P)2017 Tantor

Excellent

Best and most accurate story of a draftee’s time in the Green Machine I have encountered. Brought back many memories, both good and bad. I related closely to the author’s exploration of his own emotions as his experience progressed. He was coerced into service but performed honorably despite the inequities of the system and the abuse of power by the lifers. Well said, Brother!

Reflective and real

Told from the view of a grunt trudging through the knife grass and blood sucking leeches of Vietnam. Read this book and the next time you see an old guy wearing a hat with the words Vietnam over rows of ribbons you’ll want to pay his back or shake his hand. The author takes you to those jungles, the firefights, loss, friendship, the fine line of fear and rage, and finally an understanding which leads to healing invisible wounds.

Excellent audio book

The author paints a brilliant picture and the narrator brings it to life. What a mixture of emotions.

Enjoyed it

I enjoyed listening to Mr. Beed’s point of view on the Vietnam War. I have A LOT of respect for ALL Vietnam Veterans and what they went through over there and after they got home. Welcome Home! to all of you that made it home.

Short but pretty good.

I thought this was a good story and perspective from the enlisted point of view.

Author has chip on his shoulder

Constantly putting down his superiors and calling them names. I did not enjoy this book.

Interesting

There are some things that I didn’t care for in the book, mainly the writers opinions on the military. However, I did find the book and the authors insights interesting. I feel that there is several lessons in this book for the military especially the lack of leadership and the stark contrast between the infantry and the rear soldiers which I experienced in Iraq. Worth the read for these reasons and the authors authentic opinions.