Special Men: An LRP's Recollections

I read this book immediately after finishing Dale Hansons's "Born Twice: Memoir of a SOG Soldier." Hanson is the more artful writer, and a keen student of nature. But he seems totally oblivious about the larger social and political world. Foley is just the opposite in that sense, not just an excellent though extremely modest soldier, but in touch with the changes roiling American life in the 1960s. He follows the killings of the Freedom Riders, Schwerner, Goodman, and Chaney, and the work of Martin Luther King and his assassination. Hanson thinks they were all communist stooges. Foley not only knows black soldiers, but has the highest regard for one who never makes it back, Pellum Bryant, and he writes convincingly of "the ugliness of racial hatred." Foley's modesty shows up repeatedly as he always is surprised to find himself the outstanding candidate, or the top graduate of the various infantry and other schools he attends. We are all extremely lucky to have had soldiers like him protecting us in a wide range of situations. An excellent memoir by a largely self-effacing yet extremely impressive person.

This was an interesting read of a young officers experiences during and immediately after the Vietnam era. It has good action and a strong emotional feel. The only problem is that it has a rather narrative style without much actual dialog. As a former young officer, it is truthful and factual but does not really give an immersive feel of the reader actually being there. I found a more immersive read in his LRP books and highly recommend them.

I really enjoyed this book. I read of lot of Vietnam War era memoirs and this one really stands out. The most notable aspect is Mr. Foley's excellent writing skills - he pulls you into the action and keeps you there, all with a bit of self depreciation and humility. I would read more books by him, on any topic, just for his taut and exciting writing style. Moreover, as a Cold War veteran who served in Germany and who went to various military schools (like Airborne school), I absolutely loved that Mr. Foley spent a good chunk of the book on what should be mundane things, like checking out the bars in Germany and slogging through service schools. Again, the writing style made this very interesting. He adds the humor, and stress, of these situations very well. I guess what really makes this book work is the build-up. As a reader, I really felt like I was watching him throughout his military service - from the routine to the suddenly scary combat action. You feel the building pressure and experience his self-doubt and willingness to go forward until suddenly, he's in the thick of it. For the non-military minded, he references various terminology well, usually throughg a foot note or quick description. An added bonus is the mention of Col. David Hackworth in this book. David Hackworth is one of my heroes (and a favorite writer of mine) and it is absolutely fascinating to read about him from the point of view of someone who served with him. In short - intriguing story line with crisp writing makes this book a standout, especially if you are interested in the Vietnam War.

I read the first two that Dennis wrote, and when I read his Recollections, I was even more impressed with the novels. These are excellent reads.

Great story of heroic actions. Too long in the telling! Last few chapters of the book were not particularly interesting—-although perhaps necessary for a complete telling of the story.

The book covers mostly what any of us that served in the military the often suffocating buckshot we had to deal with just to survive. In that respect I was disappointed.

Just Not Asking, what your Country can do for you But What You Can Do for Your Country!!!

After so many decades of learning about soldiering thru the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our national memory has all but forgotten those who soldiered in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The author's personal narrative from those tumultuous years, from his enlistment thru OCS to a career he chose when voices and attitudes around us condemned we who wore that same uniform and spat upon us, was a trip back thru time. Having trained and gone thru the Navy's SCUBA Diving school with both Marine Force Recon, Air Force Pararescue and Army SF, my respect and admiration for them as individuals as well as the role they filled is unquestioned. All departed for Vietnam soon after in 1971. How often I've prayed that all returned home. Read this book. You may just gain insight into what many of us felt and experienced as we served you, and our nation.

Great book. These men really were special

I like how honestly the author documents his own fears and doubts throughout the challenges of his career, as he progresses as a leader. It follows his whole story from boot camp right to retirement but covers each phase in great detail. I would easily watch a movie based on his life if one were made. He is a true inspiration!