Walking Point

An Infantryman's Untold Story

By: Michael H. Cunningham

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Que Son Valley is actually a large area of hills and valleys just to the west of Da Nang, Viet Nam. During the 1960s, units from the US Marines and US Army engaged the 2nd North Vietnamese Division in heavy and close combat. Our mission was to keep the enemy from capturing the cities of Da Nang, Tam Ky, and Chu Lai and to pacify the area. We did prevent the enemy from capturing these vital cities, but the area was far from pacified.

Many young, brave Americans were killed or seriously wounded in these hills and valleys in the belief they were helping the Vietnamese obtain freedom and peace. Although our altruistic beliefs might have gone astray, it was my honor serving with these fine men and women. I wrote this book in honor of them and to keep their memories alive.

©1997 M. H. Cunningham (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The author does an admirable job of telling his story...for readers interested in learning what life was like for a grunt during the Vietnam War." (John Podlaski, author of Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel)

Boring Book

Compared to several other Vietnam experiences I’ve listened to, this one is quite boring. This book has little to do with what happened and more about the writers thoughts and emotions, most of which I can’t side with. But then I wasn’t there.

Egregiously, irresponsible, criminal behavior

Narration; clear but the lack of appropriately disturbing, disapproving intonation vitiates seriousness of recollected criminal behavior.

Content: incredible!!! Throwing ammo away to lighten rucks??? Unbelievably stupid, criminal behavior, Why wasn’t command informed??? In what sense were the sargents and platoon leaders aware of this and command informed??? What is wrong with the gutless author for not having done all he could to report this outrageous behavior???

I,m not sure I can believe this memoir. The information revealed defies credibility.

Highly rec ommended as highly disturbing recollections that if even only remotely true present truly disgusting, dishonorable behavior we should acknowledge. Unless the author can substantiate these accusations he should be sued for libel.

Honesty

I’ve read many books on personal stories of the war. This is one of the best because the author looks at different points of view and admits his change of perspective on the validity of the war. It is important to recognize our failures as well as our triumphs, and this introspective experience captures the evolution of the 1960’s experience.

Respect

The author does not attempt to glorify or boast his experiences. He lays out his feelings and emotions at the time and makes no excuses for his shortfalls or misgivings. Can’t imagine the resiliency and focus it must have taken to walk point day in and day out in that war. Respect!

amazing recount and story. thanks for sharing

this book is pretty amazing. I was literally saddened when it ended as I looked forward to learning more about the Company and Squad. thank you for sharing and thanks for your service.

Real infantry

This book doesn’t glorify combat. It reminds me of my time in Iraq where the enemy is elusive and will engage us on their terms. Good writing and good story telling.

excellent book

The author did a good job of explaining the life of Infantry Soldiers in Vietnam. The story kept my attention in every chapter.

Refreshing Telling of Nam Experience

Really enjoyed this memoir especially after the all too many tales of braggadocio and bravado as if US prevailed. This rings more true and tells of an average Joe scared witless and for good reason. Also thought the narrator was perfect and added humor, intended or not, to some of the inane absurdities of humans acting out in the worst of imaginable circumstances. I definitely recommend checking this out.

one of the very best of VNW.

one of the best of hardship stories imaginable in the VNW. what pure hell he and his best buddies went through. I picked out and was stationed in Germany but totally totally knew how lucky I was. I cannot imagine being a infantry guy in Nam. pure hell. Please listen to this book.....you will appreciate the very least of what you appreciate, let alone how great your life is. I cannot get enough of listening to the hard life our troops went through in that useless war. Love and respect every one of them. so glad I did not have to experience such a nightmare.

great story!!

loved it all! really gets you hooked and almost feels like you are in nam