Southeast Asian History, War Narratives, General & Miscellaneous Biography, United States History - 20th Century - Wars & Conflict, Vietnam War/French Indo-Chinese War, Military Biography
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Overview
Into the Green is Cherokee Paul McDonald's stark and stirring account of his three years as an Artillery Forward Observer in Vietnam. Born out of memories and emotions, and the weight of conscience, it is an eloquent meditation on what it means to be a soldier.McDonald tells his story "in the voice of memory; as a writer looking back." He wanted to capture the immediacy of war moment by moment-the tastes, the textures, the colors, smells, and emotions that have stayed with him forever. In a series of interlocking episodes he describes the daily grind of military life and the terror and brutality of active combat. He talks about the men who were his comrades and friends, and nights spent in the impenetrable darkness of steaming jungles beneath a triple canopy of green in the central highlands of Vietnam.An indelible portrait of a soldier and of the physical and emotional destruction that is the legacy of all wars, Into the Green is a haunting chronicle of a place and a time that will never fade from memory.Synopsis
Into the Green is Cherokee Paul McDonald's stark and stirring account of his three years as an Artillery Forward Observer in Vietnam. Born out of memories and emotions, and the weight of conscience, it is an eloquent meditation on what it means to be a soldier.McDonald tells his story "in the voice of memory; as a writer looking back." He wanted to capture the immediacy of war moment by moment-the tastes, the textures, the colors, smells, and emotions that have stayed with him forever. In a series of interlocking episodes he describes the daily grind of military life and the terror and brutality of active combat. He talks about the men who were his comrades and friends, and nights spent in the impenetrable darkness of steaming jungles beneath a triple canopy of green in the central highlands of Vietnam.An indelible portrait of a soldier and of the physical and emotional destruction that is the legacy of all wars, Into the Green is a haunting chronicle of a place and a time that will never fade from memory.Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
Into the Green isn't the maiden venture into nonfiction by novelist McDonald. It was preceded by Blue Truth, his well-received memoir. But this account of his Vietnam years possesses the urgency of a first book. Cherokee Paul McDonald's three years as an artillery forward observer (Is any job description more incisive than this?) are rendered here in the dull thuds of daily assignments and the sudden bursts of enemy gunfire. As presented here, the war is both an exercise in sun-baked monotony and an unwelcome excursion into terror. Once again we have proof: War isn't just hell; it's indelible.Les Standiford
Riveting... .Former First Lt. Cherokee Paul McDonald is a gifted and perceptive writer... . by turns compelling, heartrending, and profoundly moving.Library Journal
An Artillery Forward Observer in Vietnam was responsible for directing large amounts of firepower over considerable distances to provide immediate support to infantry units under enemy attack. The junior officer charged with this duty had to oversee a number of artillery and air support functions while simultaneously operating as a combat leader in a ground unit. Reflecting on his service, McDonald (Under Contract: The True Account of a Cop Hired To Kill) speaks volumes about the stress and terror of war while also reminding the reader of the touching humanity of the erstwhile civilians called upon for military service. In place of an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the war, McDonald introduces Vietnam through a series of vignettes on life in and out of the firing line. This is Vietnam as it has rarely been described, and each short narrative offers an eloquent testimonial to the conflict. With these brilliantly written stories, McDonald has given students of war and of Vietnam a stunning view of the American experience. Recommended for academic and public library Vietnam collections. John R. Vallely, Siena Coll. Lib., Loudonville, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.Book Details
Published
July 1, 2001
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA)
Pages
272
ISBN
9781101213124