Swift Sword: The True Story of the Marines of MIKE 3/5 in Vietnam, 4 September 1967

Immerse yourself in the harrowing saga of the Vietnam War with "Swift Sword." Based on 50 interviews with veterans who experienced the conflict firsthand, as well as the accounts of relatives of those who never returned, this gripping narrative offers a true depiction of the war's brutal reality.It is September 4, 1967, when Lance Corporal Jack Swan guides his fellow US Marines from Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Fifth Marines through the treacherous Que Son Valley of South Vietnam. Every step is fraught with danger, as the enemy lurks and booby traps lie in wait. Armed with unreliable M16 rifles, their mission is to rescue besieged comrades facing the Communist North Vietnamese Army.As the Marines ascend a bare, rocky knoll, a tranquil rice paddy comes into view. But this peaceful scene belies the imminent danger. A quivering bush catches Swan's attention, and when it moves again, he opens fire. In an instant, the tranquillity shatters as a relentless onslaught of grenades, mortars, and machine-gun fire engulfs the Marines. They find themselves ambushed by over 2,500 highly camouflaged North Vietnamese warriors.What follows is a battle for survival as the Marines face overwhelming odds. Outnumbered, outgunned, and exposed, they confront the very real possibility of annihilation. Yet, in the face of insurmountable adversity, these courageous men display unwavering determination and brotherhood. Will any of them make it through the relentless onslaught and witness the setting sun?"Swift Sword" is a riveting testament to the epic courage and unyielding camaraderie that emerged amidst the horrors of war. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, honoring the unwavering spirit of those who never gave up. Through this unforgettable story, we are reminded never to forget their sacrifices.

A fairly quick read on a one day battle in Vietnam that while unknown to most of us was very much of an example of the utter futility of that war. Brave Americans were sent into combat with malfunctioning rifles to fight a battle while vastly outnumbered and caught by surprise. Kudos to those Marines that fought so bravely in September of 1967. The author has certainly captured the horror and violence of battle while telling deeply personal stories.

This book has special meaning for me. I did not realize it when I chose this book to read. But my brother-in-law, Don Goulet was with Mike co. .As a Vietnam veteran myself, serving with the101st from 66-68. Don and I talked about our experiences, but not much detail. This book puts everything into perspective for me. This book tells it all, what an awesome story. Everyone should read this book.

I've read many books of the Marine Corps, and of course my number one will always be "with the old breed" written by Eugene Sledge, but having just finnished "SWIFT SWORD" I've found a book that is as close to the old breed that I hade to commt. An excellent read, and hard to put down. I highly recomend it to everyone

As I read this book I was amazed that anyone survived. The failures of the M16 throughout made me livid. Someone should have gone to jail for selling such a crappy weapon to our fighting forces. These men though scared they would die, performed with incredible courage. I salute you all.

It reminds me of what a waste of good men this war was. It's hard to follow with all the many different marines involved in this nightmare. Interviews with the Marines the best part. Thank you, Veterans!

Swift Sword: The True Story Of The Marines, by Doyle Glass, is a Vietnam War Saga. True in its accounts, this book is based on fifty interviews with not only the veterans but also with the family members of the veterans that didn’t make it back home to the United States. Brave Marines who weaved their way through danger zones packed with the enemy hiding in wait to ambush them. Rice paddies were also filled with soldiers stealthily making their way across as a downpour of bullets and mortars came whizzing toward them. As the title of the book states, the enemy was descending down upon these American soldiers, like a swift sword. The fear! The bravery!Glass also gives the reader a vivid, well-investigated, idea of what it was like trying to survive a firefight. As a nonmilitary civilian reader, I was impressed by the author’s description, and more so by the knowledge about our veterans.Swift Sword: The True Story Of The Marines, by Doyle Glass, is a real page-turner. I’d give a solid five-star to this book. Glass pulls the reader into the battle, giving a true understanding of the Viet Nam War, and the courage of our American Marines.

I am a Vietnam vet and saw firsthand what was very accurately described in this book. What a terrible waste of human life, all brought on by politicians.