Synopsis
"Rice Paddy Recon: A Marine Officer's Second Tour in Vietnam, 1968-1970" is a memoir by Andrew R. Finlayson, a Marine Corps officer who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. The book covers his second tour, from 1968 to 1970, when he was assigned to lead a recon platoon in the rice paddies and mountains of South Vietnam.
The book provides a firsthand account of the day-to-day experiences of a Marine platoon in Vietnam, from the brutal fighting and ambushes to the moments of camaraderie and humanity that helped the soldiers endure. Finlayson writes about the challenges of leading men in combat, the difficulties of distinguishing friend from foe in the chaotic environment of the war, and the toll that the conflict took on the physical and mental health of the soldiers.
Throughout the book, Finlayson provides a vivid description of the Vietnamese landscape and people, and the complexities of the war effort in Vietnam. He also touches on the political climate of the time, both in Vietnam and in the United States, and the impact that it had on the soldiers and their mission.
Overall, "Rice Paddy Recon" offers a gripping and honest account of the realities of the Vietnam War, and the experiences of the soldiers who fought there. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War, and the impact that it had on those who served.