Robert Gouge"These Are My Credentials": The 199th Light Infantry Brigade in the Republic of Vietnam, 1966-1970.

Thank you Robert J gouge for helping bring to life and important part of my husband’s life. It brought home to me what you all endured.

I was one of the original members of the 199th right out of AIT. I served as Fireball 6 Alpha in the HHC Fireball Aviation Section. I originally read this book and had to put it down because it brought back so many memories. Serving first under Col. Rehkopf. Being on the radio with Gen. Freund's pilot (one of my favorite pilots) when they got shot up - it was all just too personal.I have picked it up again, gone through it and again am amazed at the work Gouge has done. As the Brigade Aviation Aid under Major Donald C. Chunn from May 1966 through November 1967, I knew and worked with many of the men Gouge talks about. I felt forced to write my own personal preface to the book, make notes in the margins to my sons and Grandchildren - and will hold this book together with my most valuable Vietnam memorabilia.This book is "our story". It was "my story." Well done, Robert J. Gouge - an amazing piece of work and of history. Thank you!

Robert Gouge has written a factual account of one of the most unique brigades that played a pivotal role in the Vietnam War. Tracing the history of the brigade from its formation at Ft Benning, GA to its deactivation at the conclusion of the war, Gouge has provided a historically accurate account of the brigade's combat operations during the Tet and May Offensives of 1968, through the Cambodian operation of 1970. The 199th was a light infantry brigade that was specifically organized for Vietnam, and its motto "Light, Swift, and Accurate" accurately describes its capabilities. The 199th blunted the Communist attacks on Long Binh, Bien Hoa, and Saigon during the early hours of the Tet Offensive, until heavier infantry and armor units arrived to reinforce the embattled 199TH Light Infantry Brigade. I think Gouge has done an outstanding job in telling this Brigade's story. Well worth the read.

Brought back many memories of my life when I realize what it was to be part of a close nit band of men. And for those that GAVE ALL may God keep THEM in the hollow of His hands! I was with C/D 2nd of the 3rd April to August 1968 and Infused to the 101st up north to LZ Sally. God Bless To ALL! Bill Robbins

There is no doubt all the material is accurate that is presented in the book. However the book jumps around from different time eras for no apparent reason. The continuity of the book is is sub par. There is little character development and for the reader it is difficult to get any sense of the soldiers personalities. There is no ability to develop a kinship with the characters.

I was a dog handler with the 49 Infantry Platoon Scout Dogs from late February 67 to late February 68. I was there for Tet 68 at Frenzell-Jones. I was too darn short for all of that to happen. I enjoyed the book, it was very accurate and brought back memories, both good and bad. I worked mostly with the 4/12 Battalion. Some of the events in the other two battalions I didn't know about until I read this book. It gave me an overall view of what the 199 Infantry Brigade was involved in.

Show what it was like in country

GREAT BOOK, MY UNIT IN THE Nam, 5/12 Inf, apr 68-69

I love this kind of books and make me to improve the language as an spaniard.Waiting for more titles .....