Nam: The Vietnam War in the Words of the Men and Women Who Fought There

I did not fight in the Viet Nam War (I'm not American and my country didn't sent troops) and whilst to some that might render any comments invalid, I would argue that to be an anti-intellectual rebuff and one that illuminates the central problem with constructing 'The Viet Nam record'; the definitive historical narrative or document on that war/conflict.The problem with any event, is our understanding of the phenomenon we call 'truth'. Until The Enlightenment (and unfortunately still in use by most people) were a set of defining and finite parameters, measured against which one could apparently record a definitive and binding truth. However the formula upon which this notion is based is ultimately flawed. Most people incorrectly assume there to be a definitive truth, but that is not 'truth', rather a 'truism'. The truth does, in point of fact, not exist, not in a finite or definitive sense. What exist instead are 'truths', plural. Rather than there being one singular defining entity which (like gravity) can be tested and proven to be THE truth, there exists numerous versions of the truth. Outside of the realm of science, everything is subjective, objectivity is merely a value that has been inappropriately transferred or applied to an entirely different concept. Objectivity does not exist outside of science, because it cannot be proven.So, now we have defined our terms we should come to realize that you simply cannot disregard this (or any) book, because it is NOT the truth, it is not trying to be the truth, it is merely ONE subjective historical record that adds to the collective sum or reasoning and consciousness and which may shape or influence our overall understanding of the War/conflict.The problems I have personally encountered when reading and deconstructing Literature on the War/conflict, is that everyone thinks that if, that which is recorded does not assimilate to their narrative, their history; is not what they subjectively witnessed or experienced, then it is not valid. Again, this reasoning is based upon the flawed concept of their being a single ultimate Truth which everyone present witnessed and recorded with equal clarity and depth, rather like a film. This is a non-sense.There was not one Viet Nam War/conflict, there were multiple, there is not one single ultimate and authoritative Truth, there are numerous truths and sub-truths. For as many men and women (on both sides of the divide) that fought and or died in Viet Nam, there exists in each one of them a version of the truth. A version which is in itself neither consistent nor unchanging; a truth is not like a CD that remains constant every time you play it, it is much more malleable and susceptible to influence than that.Why am I bothering to write this? Well, put simply, you cannot disregard this text, because it does not match YOUR truth. Assuming these records are real, then all the author did was to gather them together organize them and present them, they are not HIS words, they are the words of people who are sharing their subjective and malleable truths. And even if Baker made the whole thing up, even if he manufactured each and every piece of prose, then that still doesn't matter, because there is ultimately little distinction between a totally fictionalised 'truth' and a subjective 'truth' recounted years after the fact. Which is more truthful? Ultimately neither. Because ultimately even if these are manufactured maybe they DID occur in some corner of Viet Nam, who can say they didn't?I enjoyed this book because I believe the accounts to be from legitimate sources and I believe that the numerous truths recounted are all in THEIR way honest and accurate. I do not demand an ultimate referenced Truth, because I know it does not exist. I hope in light of what I have put forth here that readers will reevaluate this book and others recorded after the fact of Viet Nam.

This is my third copy of this book. I bought the first back in 1990There are stories that will make you laugh and that'll make you cry and provide every emotion in-between.

Not that interesting. Husband reads many similar books but this one not as good as others.

Fantastic book that gives the reader a true insight from the soldiers themselves what the war was like from day one at boot camp all the way through.I've had this book before and thought it as it has always stuck in my mind as a fantastic read

Great book. Tells how it was from the grunts point of view and doesn't hold back. Not for those of a sensitive disposition.

If you’re interested in Vietnam this is a must read book👍

Regarded as one of just a few books that encapsulates exactly how the Vietnam War affected those that actuallyfought there, that's the reason I bought it having read the others. Enjoyable is not the right word but it is a must readfor those interested in this period. It reminds the reader we learn nothing from past experiences. Raw stuff.

I'd borrowed this from a friend a couple of years ago, and it really grabbed my interest from the start. The tempo is perfect, starting off with the wide-eyed adventure many young boys set off with going to war, and then gradually the ugly side of war and it's devastating effects unfolds. This is a classic - a rare book to obtain. I'm very pleased to have it in my personal collection.