After reading all three books in the series, "Six Silent Men", I read "LRRP TEAM LEADER", by John Burford. I was unable to put down Rey Martinez, Kenn Miller and Gary Linderer's books without finishing them cover to cover, and John's book was no different.
John has the ability to stick the readers inside his ruck, and make them feel like they are looking over his shoulder.
Having spent a short time based at Camp Eagle with E Company 1st/501st (my war was over after being wounded while working an AO near abandoned Fire Base Brick, Feb 71), I am thankful for John's ability to paint a very detailed picture of everything he came in contact with.
Our government should do more than just award medals to John, Kenn, Rey, and Gary for their bravery under fire. They should also award and thank them for providing future generations of soldiers with the wisdom and knowledge that may help keep them and their fellow soldiers alive and help them defeat their enemies. Often there is made reference to "Rogers' Rangers Standing Orders", which are a great foundation for a soldier's education. However, if you want to go on to earn a Masters Degree, then you need to read these authors.
If either of my sons is ever to fight a war, I would not let them leave before memorizing every word written by John and the rest of the LRRP's.
Thanks, John, not only for serving in Vietnam, but for serving again by volunteering the hundreds of hours from your life, to record your experiences for the rest of us.
Jim Lynch SP4 US Army ret.
