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Rating: 
Summary: Been there, done that
Review: Although a combat veteran of Vietnam, I had (or thought I had) put the war behind me for the first dozen years back. Then I ran across Fred's book, saw that it dealt with D 1/14th and bought it. And read it. And read it again.I humped with Delta on a few occasions in 1969-70 as a fill-in enlisted FO (Recon Sgt) and remember the stories from some of the short-timers about the mythical period of a year previous when the company left the roads and entered the jungle. Fred was part of that transition period. When my wife first started asking me about Vietnam in the late-80's, I gave her "The Killing Zone" as a primer. I told her after she finished she would have a sufficient background to understand my story. The same situation occurred with my son in the early-90's when he was in college. I now pick up copies whenever I find them in the used bookstores to give to civilians who want to hear "war stories", with the proviso that they read the book first. As I write this I realize that I am not a proper person to provide a review of this book, since it is like trying to judge a prequel to my own experience. So I will only say that it is a totally honest book. If you are a combat veteran, you will recognize it. If you are a civilian or a non-combat troop, you will come away with a greater appreciation of what the war was like at grunt-eye level. Mike Medley
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Summary: starkly true
Review: As I read each word and turned each page I remembered all the horrors of war. Of all the novels I have read there has not been one that more closely stated the everyday happenings, the fear, the funny, the sad, and most of all the feelings of what am I doing here. There are fifty some thousand names on a honored wall that were the heroes, but every man that served did so in good faith for his country.Most would do it again. Semper Fi to all.
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Summary: "My favorite book about the Vietnam War!"
Review: Having read tons of war books including many memoirs from veterans about the Vietnam War, I can tell you that this is by far the best personal narrative about soldier life in Vietnam. It's so easily readable & gripping that once I started it I couldn't put it down! I can't believe the author, Frederick Downs, not only survived his numorous wounds but also wrote two books about his experience! I also recommend Aftermath by Downs, a "sequal" to The Killing Zone that continues the story of his life after returning to the U.S. If you are even remotely interested in the Vietnam War, then this is a book you must read! Highly recommended.
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Summary: Eye opening account of the Vietnam War
Review: I read this book quite some time ago, not long after I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a school function on the Vietnam War. I have been fascinated by the Vietnam War ever since meeting the author (who happened to grow up in my hometown). I found the book eye-opening and easy to read, especially for those of us who do not have a military background. I felt his platoon's pain, as well as their excitement. All in all, what this man, and thousands like him went through is something that each American should appreciate.
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Summary: Simple, but great book!
Review: Not one for many words, but bottom line an excellent book. Well written, and gives a very clear portrayal of DOwns' unit. Men like him deserve the utmost respect. And in my eyes he was a true hero.
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Summary: Captivating
Review: Once I started reading this book I couldn't stop, the author really makes you feel as though you are right there with him. You get to know his strengths, weaknesses and fears. A must read.
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Summary: Tragic tale
Review: This and Aftermath SHOULD be required reading for AP High School history courses or at least college level. You will understand and "appreciate" the Vietnam war experience of the combat soldier during this harrowing time both at home and away. As stated previously, the book(s) are very well composed and easy to read!
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Summary: A harrowing personal account
Review: This book belongs on a short list including Phillip Caputo's "A Rumor of War" and Lt. General Harold G. Moore's "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young," as one of the best first person narratives to come out of the Vietnam War. Downs was a fresh faced platoon leader who, like "Born on the Fourth of July"'s Ron Kovic, looked forward to the opportunity to prove his mettle under fire. Like Kovic, Downs came back from the war with a shattered body and a psyche that was deeply affected by what he experienced. Down's account of Vietnam is simple and straightforward. He is also an excellent writer and his book is a compulsive page turner. This is not a book that should be missed by those with an interest in America's most tragic war.
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