Tour of Duty : John Kerry and the Vietnam War

Rating:
Summary: Lies and utter nonsense
Review: Ah yes, John Kerry's life written by none other than.... John Kerry. The Kerry simpletons might find this intriguing, but one should be careful to note that throughout this entire book, there is not a single interview with any of Kerry's peers or commanding officers. Nor is there any interview with the medical personnel that "dressed" Kerry's famous battle wounds. I challenge you to read what other Vietnam Veterans have to say about Kerry's life and times in Vietnam, and I will assure you that he behaved anything but honorably.

Rating:
Summary: Still the authoritative source
Review: Although the introduction has been updated to reflect recent events, and a few minor corrections (such as spelling of names) have been made, this is the same biography published in hardcover earlier in 2004.

Brinkley bases his narrative on the official Navy records, the personal letters and journals of John Kerry, and interviews with Kerry and his family members and friends, his crewmates, fellow Swift boat officers (including some who are members of SBVT), and commanders such as Elliott and Hoffmann - a complete list is included in the back of the book. Kerry exercised no control over the manuscript.

While the tone of the book is somewhat worshipful, Brinkley does not omit others' unflattering observations of Kerry.

Altogether a balanced, well-researched book.





Rating:
Summary: To see the real Vietnam try Naked In Da Nang
Review: I don't care what you think of John Kerry -- war hero or traitor -- all you are going to get prior to November 2 is a pile of political mumbo jumbo targeted to the undecided voter. NOW, if you are interested in the REAL human perspective on the men who served in Vietnam, then Naked In Da Nang is the book you need to read. I have heard the authors speak and I have read the book -- twice. It is very simple in its presentation -- and very complex in all the images and emotions it stirs (especially for veterans.) You can read it and decide if it represents John Kerry's Vietnam or you can read Tour of Duty and contrast it with "Naked." Between these two men, I'd rather see Mike Jackson running for President -- but methinks he's a tad too smart for that! If you're interested in the TRUTH about the guys who fought and died in Vietnam, John Kerry is not the guy to consult.



Rating:
Summary: John kerry is a real hero
Review: I salute Senator John Kerry for serving time in Vietnam. He put his life in danger for the sake of his countrymen. He is a real hero and very patriotic in this country... Senator John Kerry is FIT to be the COMMANDER IN CHIEF of America...

Rating:
Summary: Needs to be Read, But I'm Still Puzzled
Review: There was Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry, now there's this book. This book is the 'authorized version.' It is based on letters Kerry wrote home and 'extensive interviews with virtually everyone who knew Kerry in Vietnam.'

I turned first to the story of Kerry's first Purple Heart. The versions in the two books can't possibly cover the same person. In one Kerry is in a fire fight at night and trying to clear his jammed M-16 when he feel a hot, burning thing hit his arm. In the other it is daylight and Kerry shoots a grenade launcher at a rock some distance from his boat and a piece of shrapnel comes back and hits him in his arm. Well, at least they both agree that he was hit in the arm. This is the incident, I understand, where the official Navy records are missing.

The essence of democracy is an informed electorate. I'm intend to vote in about five days. Somehow I don't feel very informed.

If you're a Kerry fan, this is clearly the book you need to read, it'll make you feel much better. If you're a Bush fan, you may want to read it just to see what the Kerry fans are saying. If you're trying to inform yourself about the character of this man, you probably should read both.

One final comment, I was out of the Army before Vietnam got started going good. I've only known two people that were in Swift boats, they both hate Kerry. My guess is that Brinkley didn't talk to them.

Rating:
Summary: Better ways to understand the men who fought in SEA
Review: To understand Vietnam, it is important to see the human factors. John Kerry dehumanized all Vietnam veterans by accusing them -- across the board -- of war crimes and atrocities. His actions defamed a generation of brave young men whose only crime was caring enough for their country to serve in an unpopular war. Reading about John Kerry will NOT help you find the humanity of Vietnam. Reading about Mike Jackson WILL. Naked In Da Nang (Zenith Press 2004) gives a truly unique perspective on the conflict and the men who fought and died for it. It offers an optimistic view of our Vietnam veterans and tells a vivid coming of age story that even non-military types can relate to. Jackson's wry humor and hard-won wisdom make him seem both blunt and disarming. He shies away from political statements and focuses instead on the personal dynamics of military training, espirit de corps and life in a combat zone. I agree with the above reviewer who understands that the legacy of Vietnam is not found in political rangling or second-guessing. The legacy of Vietnam is found in the human experience of the men who fought there -- and lived to talk, laugh and reflect on it. Naked In Da Nang does all that and more. THERE'S the real story on Southeast Asia.