About this ebook
Experience the pain, the pride, and the triumph of the Marine Corps
All the members of 1st Lt. James J. Kirschke’s mortar platoon and then rifle platoon knew the stakes: the Marines are America’s military elite, expected to train harder, fight longer, sacrifice more. Kirschke led by example in the hotly contested zone just south of the DMZ and in the dangerous AnHoa region southwest of DaNang. There Kirschke’s units, with resources stretched to the limit, saw combat almost daily in some of the fiercest fighting of 1966.
Sustained through the toughest firefights and bloodiest ambushes, the men’s morale proved a testament to Kirschke’s leadership and his dedication to what the U.S. Marines stand for. Those beliefs, and the faith of his men, in turn helped Kirschke through his long recovery after he was wounded by the triple explosion of a box mine rigged to an anti-tank rocket round and a frag grenade.
The Marines’ legend and reputation are based on the blood, courage, and discipline of warriors like Jim Kirschke. Sparing no one, he has written a powerful chronicle of the deadly war his Marines fought with valor.
All the members of 1st Lt. James J. Kirschke’s mortar platoon and then rifle platoon knew the stakes: the Marines are America’s military elite, expected to train harder, fight longer, sacrifice more. Kirschke led by example in the hotly contested zone just south of the DMZ and in the dangerous AnHoa region southwest of DaNang. There Kirschke’s units, with resources stretched to the limit, saw combat almost daily in some of the fiercest fighting of 1966.
Sustained through the toughest firefights and bloodiest ambushes, the men’s morale proved a testament to Kirschke’s leadership and his dedication to what the U.S. Marines stand for. Those beliefs, and the faith of his men, in turn helped Kirschke through his long recovery after he was wounded by the triple explosion of a box mine rigged to an anti-tank rocket round and a frag grenade.
The Marines’ legend and reputation are based on the blood, courage, and discipline of warriors like Jim Kirschke. Sparing no one, he has written a powerful chronicle of the deadly war his Marines fought with valor.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
12 reviews
Robert A Wright
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June 7, 2023
Very well written with great details. Dreadful ending for such a good soldier, he deserves so much better. I'm doubly grateful that I didn't suffer those things and that I came back ok.
Ryan John
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August 4, 2016
A bit boring.
3 people found this review helpful
Reginald Mongeur
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January 2, 2016
Very good reading
2 people found this review helpful
About the author
James Kirschke was born in Norfolk, VA but grew up in South Philadelphia. He earned his bachelors degree from LaSalle College, and his masters and Ph.D. degrees in English at Temple University. He is currently an English professor at Villanova University.
In Vietnam during 1966 and 1967, James Kirschke was commander of the mortar platoon of 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, and of a rifle platoon in Hotel Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. He was medically retired in 1968.
Kirschke is also the author of Henry James and Impressionism, Willa Cather and Six Writers from the Great War, and the forthcoming biography, Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816): Author, Statesman, and Man of the World.
In Vietnam during 1966 and 1967, James Kirschke was commander of the mortar platoon of 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, and of a rifle platoon in Hotel Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines. He was medically retired in 1968.
Kirschke is also the author of Henry James and Impressionism, Willa Cather and Six Writers from the Great War, and the forthcoming biography, Gouverneur Morris (1752-1816): Author, Statesman, and Man of the World.
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