John G. Roberts' memoir sometimes reads like a journal composed from after action reports; citing coordinates from topographical maps, unit injuries and amount of enemy kills. Just as a point of interest, the many maps and pictures found within the book are quite difficult to see or read on a Kindle. The story is told through the eyes of the author, a shake 'n bake buck sergeant, who chronicles his tour in Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division (0-Deuce). I was anxious to read this story as I also served in a sister unit within the 101st: 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry (Geronimo), and wanted to compare his experiences to mine. Although, Sgt. Roberts left Vietnam three months before my arrival (I transferred up north for the final five months of my tour after the 25th Division went home), much of what he wrote hit home and brought back memories - both good and bad.

John writes about the day-to-day routines of the infantry grunts - the misery of humping, digging foxholes and keeping watch for the enemy during the black of night. Then waking up and repeating the process all over again. Most of the time, these treks are uneventful and soon become redundant and boring - causing soldiers to become complacent and sloppy. Their ranks continue to diminish as soldiers are Medivaced daily - not due to enemy action, but as a result of falls, sprains, heat exhaustion, dysentery and malaria. Relocating to the Ashau Valley changed everything.

The Ashau Valley is a dangerous and notorious place, the surrounding mountains, thick with vegetation, steep and mysteriously shrouded in clouds during the monsoon season, made it difficult to climb, sleep and fight. Here, everyone is on full alert, because the enemy is always nearby. When contact is made, there are moments of sheer terror before their training takes over. His descriptions of the gut wrenching action are spot on. Many of the battles here last days instead of hours - the author's experiences are on Hill 714 and others without a name.

Low hanging clouds on these half-mile and higher mountains often created a hardship to those grunts fighting in the hills; making it impossible to receive food, water, medivacs or air-support during those times - sometimes going without for several days. This is the time they are most vulnerable.

John also tells about his homecoming at the end of his war and of his difficulties with PTSD in the years to follow. His wife also contributes to the book and writes the final segment, offering advice about living with and supporting loved ones who suffer from PTSD.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Mighty Men of Valor" and recommend it to all. Veterans will relate...civilians will learn. Welcome Home Brother! God Bless!

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