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Crossfire: The Australian Reconnaissance Unit in Vietnam
 
 

Crossfire: The Australian Reconnaissance Unit in Vietnam [Kindle Edition]

Peter Haran
4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)

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In October 1966, 28 soldiers were chosen to form Australia’s first specialist Reconnaissance Platoon in the Vietnam War. One of this platoon’s section commanders was a 20-year old regular soldier called Bob Kearney, who led a series of deadly patrols, operating in isolation and extreme danger ahead of the main Australian forces.

Synopsis

In October, 1966, 28 soldiers were chosen to form Australia's first specialist Reconnaissance Platoon in the Vietnam War. One of this platoon's section commanders was a 20-year-old regular soldier called Bob Kearney, who led a series of deadly patrols while the first Australian Task Force established its headquarters in South Vietnam. Operating in isolation and extreme danger ahead of the main Australian forces, these young men braved regular enemy contacts, mines, booby traps, and the natural perils of the teeming jungle. This is the story of Bob and his unit - a tale of courage, terror, madness and survival, told by fellow Vietnam vetran Peter Haran.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Crossfire is one of those relatively rare books that document part of the Australian experience of war in Vietnam: something that is largely unknown and under-appreciated (in the UK). The book is understated (part of its appeal), but extremely engaging in the way it tells the story of the recconaissance platoon of the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. There is no hype, no sensationalism, no attempt to rationalise or justify - just a straightforward account that reads very much like the diary of personal experience that it is.

The authors dwell almost entirely on operations, and the effect on those that undertook them becomes apparent as the book progresses. The whole book exudes a sense of realism, and manages to convey very effectively, a sense of what fighting in Vietnam must have been like. The book is sufficiently light on military jargon to appeal to a wide audience, but anyone who has served will appreciate the story all the more.

A counter-thread to the story of military operations in Vietnam runs through the book, which documents the progress of a group of veterans coming to terms with their experience in Vietnam. Again, there is no attempt to moralise or justify - the book simply tells the story of one group of men's service. The overwhelming feeling is that the book has been written on behalf of those Australians who fought in Vietnam - young men who served their country, some of whom subsequently paid a heavy psychological price.

One of the most appealing aspects of this book is its positive tone. The respect that the authors had for those they served with is apparent throughout, and those sections dealing with the problems experienced by Vietnam veterans concentrate on men successfully coming to terms with their memories.

In summary, if you want a realistic, absorbing account of Australian infantry operations in Vietnam - read this book.

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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Outstanding 26 Dec 2011
Format:Kindle Edition
An outstanding read. A different view on the war in Vietnam from the much reported American perspective. It was an easy read, even if some of the descriptions of war were brutally honest. No cliches, no bluster; a memoir of a war that many people think only America fought against VC and NVA Forces. Read this book now!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Crossfire 5 Jan 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
I like military history told by the tommies in this case the diggers. This is a good insight to the lesser known role of the Aussies in Vietnam, it shows in my opinion, the these fellas where some of the best foot soldiers in that war. Something about this book, in it's honesty in writing and it's no nonsense Aussie style made this a very good book. If you an ex tommy looking for some earthy stories by guys you would like to have a beer with. This is the one for you. It would have got a fifth star but you never let the Aussies know we like them really.
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