Whispers in the Tall Grass

By: Nick Brokhausen

Narrated by: George Spelvin

On his second combat tour, Nick Brokhausen served in Recon Team Habu, CCN. This unit was part of MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group), or Studies and Observations Group as it was innocuously called. The small recon companies that were the center of its activities conducted some of the most dangerous missions of the war, infiltrating areas controlled by the North Vietnamese in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The companies never exceeded more than thirty Americans, yet they were the best source for the enemy's disposition and were key to the US military being able to take the war to the enemy. This was accomplished by utilizing both new and innovative technology, and tactics dating back to the French and Indian Wars.

This small unit racked up one of the most impressive records of awards for valor of any unit in the history of the United States Army. It came at a terrible price, however; the number of wounded and killed in action was incredibly high. Those missions today seem suicidal. In 1970 they seemed equally so, yet these men went out day after day with their indigenous allies - Montagnard tribesmen, Vietnamese, and Chinese Nungs - and faced the challenges with courage and resolve.

Whispers in the Tall Grass is the second volume of Nick's riveting memoir of his time with MACV-SOG.

©2019 Nick Brokhausen (P)2019 Tantor

A MUST READ

This book and it’s prequel, “We Few” are two of the best war books I’ve ever read. Devastatingly funny, edge of your seat combat stories, and in this one specifically, incredibly heartfelt moments. If you are a combat history junky like I am, you have to check this one out, you will not regret it.

excellent book

this book and "We Few" the first one of the series are extremely interesting and easy to listen to.

Great book fun listen

Very well done. I listen to lots of military books and this one has it all, tactics, humor, and emotion. Good narration as well

Excellent

Well written, heartfelt, and perfectly conveyed. Narrator did a great job. Those men were outstanding.

a top rate account of Vietnam

An incredible story. Not told absolutely perfectly, as the author even admits, but that tends to be the nature of these personal accounts of war. You are expected to know some basic military jargon, though some is explained to you. At the same time, this is not some comprehensive retelling of the entire Vietnam war.

His story is, at times poignant, intense and downright hilarious. Him and his unit work closely with local tribesman called Montagnards, and remembers them accurately and with all the respect due a fellow comrade in arms.

If you're on the fence about this, and you love war accounts, this is up there with Ernst Junger and whoever wrote blood red snow. Only this and "We Few" are at times some of the funniest material I have ever read. You will not be disappointed.

Most Appreciative

Entering the Army in the early 80’s, I was fortunate to serve with some of these elite mentors that set the stage for a 23 year career as a professional Soldier. Many of these missions remind me of stories told around a fire at the end of a FTX and bring back some of my memories of youth, inexperience, and fully productive explosive actions that made this book extremely entertaining. It also reminds me of a saying about youth being wasted on the young and the luck of living past your years. I sure miss those days and those guys. Thanks for the reminders.

Great book the narrator does a great job

Great in depth insight into daily life of special forces in Vietnam. Candid and revealing this soldiers story is amazing and gives a perspective of life for ma y in the Vietnam war

Worth it.

this is one of the best books i have listened to in a while. its perfect its funny its sad. It encompasses why people stay in the military.

American Baddass

A great story about great men that put their lives on the line daily while in Vietnam and across the border in Laos and Cambodia. Funny at times, but they fought with passion for their buddies and the Vietnamese who fought with them. They deserve the recognition they never received when they came home.

Wow!

This was an amazing book! I am glad I listened to it way after my time in the Army, I would have tried some of the things they did! Especially where the MPs were involved!