Rating: 
Summary: War stories are always interesting
Review: But this one is less well written than most. Certain sections seemed less than credible. However, there are a few things sprinkled in that are unforgettable. A good book to take with you on a trip to that part of the world, but there are better alternatives.
Rating: 
Summary: Riveting Vietnam Narrative
Review: DEAR MOM: A SNIPER'S VIETNAM is a truly valuable historical document that at the same time reads as a well-crafted narrative, rich in detail, written in a vivid and touching voice.
The book is a personal account of Mr. Ward's activities in the bush as a member of two-man sniper teams during his tour of duty as a USMC Scout Sniper attached to the 5th Marine Regiment at An Hoa. The story of chilling, up-close-and-personal encounters with the enemy is told through letters to the author's mother.
Mr. Ward talks about his respect for the Vietnamese people, his work with villagers, primarily Lee Oot, and at long last, brings the legendary Charles B. Mawhinney into the limelight, who was Mr. Ward's first parner in the bush. In addition, the author describes his time in the Danang Naval Hospital.
I found it fascinating to track how the author's experience as a sniper matures him from a young, somewhat naive recruit into a seasoned warrior. However, the most worthwhile aspect of the book, in my opinion is the life lessons the author learned from the experience. These are lessons, which people living in the turbulent, war-torn times today would do good to heed. In this sense, DEAR MOM transcends history and moves into the realm of timelessness and universal appeal. Mr. Ward was a hero on the battlefield, but it has taken an equal amount of courage for him to share his feelings on the printed page in such an unvarnished, gutsy way.
If you ever wanted to understand what a sniper's life and job is really all about, this is the consummate book to read on the subject.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Reading!
Review: I was a Marine Scout Sniper from 1980 to 1984 and have read virtually all the books pertaining to Marine Corps Scout Snipers. Of all the books I have read, this is the only autobiography, and the author does an outstanding job of getting the reader inside the sniper's mind at work and play. Ward mentions some statistical and historical points, but the focus is on the psychology of a Marine Sniper in and out of combat. Ward also introduces the reader to a sniper by the name of Charles B. Mawhinney who racked up 101 confirmed kills. Another author by the name of Lanning goes into more detail about this sniper and Joseph Ward in his book, Inside The Crosshairs. They are also both mentioned in the book, One Round War, by Peter Senich, a recognized authority on sniping. All three books are very different and excellent reading for anyone wanting to know about Marine Corps sniping and the Vietnam War. Ward has gone to great lengths to write an extraordinary book for the military buff and lay person alike, which makes any negative reference in the reviews most offensive. I have gone back through the pages mentioned in another review and can't even find the petty discrepancies that seem so important to someone else. I really liked this book!
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Summary: The book is a true and accurate representation of VietNam
Review: I was in An Hoa in 1969 and served as a radio operator and forward observer for Kilo Company 3/5. This book really brought back memories and validated things which I have told my family for the last 30 years (Has it really been that long?). Joe Ward has succeeded in accurately representing the role and day to day events of the scout sniper in a combat unit. I have bought several copies for friends and family members. When they ask about Viet Nam, I give them a copy and tell them to read it to really understand. I hope Joe does more work. I really like his style. Thanks for the memories, man!
Rating:
Summary: Extremely interesting and a smooth read
Review: I'm not a great reader simply because nothing ever holds my interest very long, even if I'm into the subject. But this book kept me coming back. It read smoothly, and Ward's letters home were perfectly placed throughout the book. This book has the perfect blend of action and drama that keeps you coming back. While not very thick, there is a lot of substance. I will read it again, and I was basically a non-reader. Edit after second read: Please read this book. JT Ward has fans with sites online, but also I have read others since then, and nothing compares. A cup of coffee and this book will keep you riveted even when current events are calling. I ask for readers simply out of great interest and admiration for the writing style and modest way this story was told. Everyone will admire this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: In 1993 J.T. Ward came to my high scool class and spoke with us about his life in Vietnam. I know it was hard for him to speak to a room full of kids about something so many others are still blocking from their minds. I think that this book is incredible, I have read it a hand full of times, even had to save it from three feet of water when mom's basement flooded. I am sorry that people have to get upset over facts - that war was an inconceivable experience for the men and women who gave their time/lives there. I know this war is hard for people to relive to this day, and any account, is welcome to me. I have the nothing but respect for veterans of foreign wars.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for those interested in Marine Scout/Snipers
Review: Joseph Ward served in Vietnam as a Scout/Sniper, and for this, he has already earned my respect. Marine basic training may still be tough, but prior to a bunch of sissies whining about "abuse" from Drill Instructors, Boot Camp for Marines was insanely tough, but tough boot camp is the reason that men like Joe Ward, Chuck Mawhinney, John M. Clark, and Carlos Hathcock survived the horrors of war. But enough about that... 'Dear Mom' follows the Ward as he struggles through the rigors of boot camp, Scout/Sniper School, and Vietnam itself. While in Vietnam, Ward experienced the hellish enviroments in which men were not only physically exhausted, but pushed well beyond their natural mental capabilities. In addition to that (which every basic infantryman experienced), being a scout/sniper called for even more extreme tests of endurance, and a great deal more responsibilities( <--spell check). In his narrative of his Vietnam experience, Ward evolves from a naive young man to a man exhausted by the blood of war. 'Dear Mom: A Sniper's Vietnam' is a great book if you've enjoyed 'Marine Sniper' and 'Silent Warrior', the two books written about the legendary Marine Scout/Sniper Carlos Hathcock.
Rating:
Summary: You must read this book.
Review: Okay, I'm no sniper, but I do have an interest in scout sniping and the Marines. My brother went into the Corps a few years ago and it was tough, real tough. Mr. Ward has presented Boot Camp and subsequent training with amazing detail. His portrayal of his tour of duty in Vietnam as a Scout Sniper is a gut-wrencher for sure. I wish there had been a picture of his girl, An. I am sorry, I know we are not supposed to comment on other reviews, but in conscience I cannot relate why a fellow Marine (who will go unnamed) would stoop so low as to degrade a true hero. Conduct unbecoming for sure. I really liked this book and I wish the author would write more, anything, even fiction. He's that good. Mr. Ward, what happened when you came home? Please contact me if you read my review. Thanks. Eric.
Rating:
Summary: Blockbuster Potential
Review: The year Joseph Ward joined the marines, I turned 16. I knew the Vietnam War was going on, but hadn't met returning vets yet and didn't know any families who had a son or daughter over there. I watched television film footage of Vietnam occasionally, and saw the classic photo of the naked young Vietnamese girl who had been doused with Napalm running down a dirt road. By my senior year, I understood that the boy poking me in the back with a pencil in Trigonometry could be drafted-and killed. Because my mom had volunteered as an art therapist at a veteran's hospital, I knew that some vets came back unable to cope with civilian life, but I didn't understand why. After reading this book, I think I understand why some vets came back with what is now called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Now 50 and mom to a married 27-year-old son, I decided to read Ward's book because I liked the idea of comparing a son's letters to his mom with what every mother dreads: the real story. As a sniper sent to several different companies, the author had the opportunity to interact with many Marines as well as Vietnamese civilians, ROCs (Republic of Korea soldiers) and Kit Carson scouts (often former North Vietnamese soldiers). Ward observed acts of heroism that saved lives but didn't garner medals, like the new guy curled up in the fetal position clutching a can of much-needed gun ammo until he overcame his fear and made several trips, inching under heavy enemy fire, to pass ammo to the machine gunners. The author's writing style is clear and crisp-as if the reader is looking through the sight of his sniper bolt rifle. And the book is rich in detail. Ward gets his first survival lecture in boot camp: hair isn't edible but fingernails are and should be swallowed as they grow.
Two months in-country, Ward was present when a company of about 100 Americans, swarmed into a little village and killed every person-even the animals-sixteen women and children, chickens and water buffalo. What did Ward write to Mom about this incident? "We've had a lot of casualties from booby traps and made contact with the enemy five times."
Less than two weeks later, Ward and four other men had to take cover in a crater as a Cobra helicopter gunship, mistaking them for the enemy, strafed the area and missed them by inches. The helicopter was supposed to be protecting a medevac chopper requested for a wounded VC. When Ward came up to the VC prisoner, he himself nearly went over the edge.
Here's an example of the way a true story can touch a reader: from the description of Herald Parker Tyner II, a recruit in Ward's boot camp platoon, I realized he was Tex Tyner, president of my old square dance club! I had received many a bear hug from Tex, who sometimes jokingly called us heathens.
I recommend this book to mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, daughters, sons, brothers and sisters who want to know what happened to loved ones who served our country during the Vietnamese war and refuse to talk. In my opinion, it's on its way to becoming a five-star classic. It has the makings of a blockbuster movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: This book really puts you on the front lines. The author augments his activities "in country" with correspondence home to meld a truly riveting account of a Vietnam Marine Sniper's world.
I have enjoyed this more than any book that I have read on Vietnam to date.
Highly recommended!~
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