Raymond Hunter Pyle

Mr. Pyle has a special gift as a writer, a down to earth writing style brings readers right into his scenes as if they were on of the characters - it is that real! The story is filled with "hold on to the edge of your seat" type of suspense that will keep readers turning pages to see how everything comes out. I've read the author's other three Vietnam books and found them all the same.

In this particular story, an understaffed platoon of Marines is charged with building and protecting a temporary firebase in one of the most dangerous areas during the Vietnam War. The monsoons in the northern part of the country is making life miserable for these soldiers - not only are the living condition horrendous, but supplies and replacements aren't able to arrive due to the low cloud ceiling and constant fog. This small group is led by a gunnery sergeant, tasked with completing the mission with what he has available.

Sergeant Charlie Brown is on his second tour and assigned as a squad leader, arriving on this small hilltop during their second day there.. His efforts during the first tour earned him a place of honor among the soldiers - many hearing about his exploits through the rumor mill as a myth or storied event; many of the troops are awestruck when discovering that he is THE CHARLIE BROWN and begin to trust in his leadership (read the book to find out what he did).. That trust is later cemented when Sgt. Brown leads his squad on a patrol through the jungle. They stumble upon an enemy supply train on an unmarked, well-used trail, porters transporting weapons, food, and artillery pieces in the deep mud, followed by hundreds of NVA soldiers to the top of a nearby ridge. The small group of soldiers are unable to complete their mission - Sgt. Brown aborts and cautiously returns his squad to Fire base X-Ray.

Soon, sapper probes and snipers begin harassing the small outpost. The Beast is coming, defenders are ordered to 100% alert, spread extremely thin around the hilltop and going days without sleep, running low on food, water and ammunition, but to lose focus now could get them killed.

Two larger, nearby firebases are soon attacked by large scale forces intent on over-running them. While listening to the radio traffic and witnessing the light shows in the distance, the small group of defenders anxiously await their destiny during this dark and foggy night. The wait isn't long, soon hordes of NVA soldiers begin their attack on the small base. Which side will be victorious? How many will die?

I highly recommend "The Beast: Vietnam 1969", but warn readers not to start reading it late at night - you'll be sorry the following day. Great job Raymond! Welcome Home Brother!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel… (altro)

"Bullets and Bandages" by Raymond Hunter Pyle is identified as a fiction novel about the Vietnam War, however, any Nam vet reading this story will attest that it is more truth than fiction. The story is told through the eyes of both main characters: a Marine Staff Sgt. and a Navy Senior Corpsman - brothers-in-law - who find themselves fighting for survival on the DMZ.

SSG Mike Marowski is a prominent leader, skilled in the art of warfare. He doesn't take unnecessary risks and is known to take care of his men. Because of a shortage of officers, Mike is assigned as a Platoon Leader during the siege of Con Thien. The enemy unleashes rockets, mortars and artillery daily - 1200 rounds are noted during one particular day - ground assaults by Sappers are also common. The story takes place in the fall of 1967 - just prior to the TET Offensive. Enemy soldiers and other resources must be moved into South Vietnam to support the offensive, Con Thien is in the way and must be destroyed!

Sleep is hard to come by as Marines hunker down in their foxholes during these aerial assaults. Marines feel helpless, many dying without having an opportunity to shoot back at the invisible enemy. Company and battalion sized units patrol the surrounding area outside the wire, only to be ambushed by a fortified enemy who is also supported by artillery and mortars. Once the monsoon rains begin, life on the hill is downright miserable.

Units are slotted to remain at Con Thien for up to six weeks and then rotate to Dong Ha for refitting. Mike Marowski is promoted to Gunnery Sgt., and unfortunately for him, doesn't get to return to the rear with his unit. Instead, the replacing unit is short officers and Gunny must stay behind to lead the replacements. One thing is clear for the reader: Marines follow orders and comply without argument.

Navy Senior Corpsman Terry King will do everything possible to save his fellow soldiers...more adept to saving a life instead of taking one. This belief will cause a dilemma for him later in the story. He and his fellow corpsmen have their hands full keeping up with the wounded; if they are still able to fight, they're patched up and returned to the perimeter. It isn't uncommon to find Marines on the perimeter who've been patched up more than once; dirty and blood seeping bandages visible on damaged bodies.

Together, both men find themselves as sole survivors after an accident and must find their way back to friendly lines. Will they survive this living hell and return to the waiting arms of their wives? This book will keep you up late because it's hard to put down...there is always something happening to one or the other that keeps the reader flipping pages seeking the outcome. Highly recommended! Great job Mr. Pyle!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel… (altro)