Thomas Nelson
ISBN 9781400208807
448 pp.
Available May 12, 2020
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They Were Soldiers
The Sacrifices and Contributions of Our Vietnam Veterans

Overview  ꟾ  Reviews

Joseph Galloway and Marvin J. Wolf

Editorial Reviews of They Were Soldiers

"This riveting book is an important contribution to the national weal. I challenge you to read these stories of a Great Generation with dry eyes."
-Steven Pressfield, New York Times bestselling author of The War of Art
 
"We have conveniently and collectively erased the Vietnam War from most of our memories—it didn’t work out the way our myths tell us American wars should—but we cannot erase the experiences of those who fought that war. They are brought to life magnificently in this book, which is a vivid (and heroic) reminder that we forget at our own peril."
-Ken Burns, award-winning filmmaker
 
I loved reading this book. It was like hanging around with my veteran friends at a reunion listening to them tell me not what they did in the war, but what they did with their lives, which is far more interesting.
-Karl Marlantes, New York Times bestselling author of Matterhorn 

One of the best chapters in the book describes the work of Grace Liem Lim Suan Tzu Galloway, who happens to be the wife of Joe Galloway...Now well past retirement age, Grace continues to serve her community as a nurse practitioner Three days a week and one evening a week, 'Doc Gracie' sees patients as the principal practitioner at a free clinic in Concord, North Carolina, where she and Joe now live...Marvin Wolf hopes that the profiles of those portrayed in the book will show that the veterans who returned from Vietnam 'to a nation that turned its back on them' nevertheless 'went on with their lives, made further important sacrifices and contributions to their families, to their communities, and to the commonweal.'
-Dan Sutherland, Founding Executive Director, Radio Free Asia (RFA)
Full story with photos of Joseph Galloway and "Doc Grace" paying respect at the Vietnam Wall Memorial, 2020

Customer Reviews of They Were Soldiers

Well Worth Reading to Understand a Lost Generation of Americans

This book paid tribute to the generation of young Americans who went to war in Vietnam. It does not glorify what they did in the war but does paint vivid pictures of what it was like to serve in that war and then come home to a troubled nation.

Much of the book is very uplifting by learning what these veterans did once they came home. How they made a difference and are still making a difference to our Nation. It is equally saddening to read about how many of them were shunned for serving their nation in Vietnam once they returned home.
- Edwin W. Chamberlain, 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com

This Book Touched Me on Several Levels

“They Were Soldiers” touched me on several levels as a Vietnam veteran who served 30 years as a field artilleryman and then taught high school history for 13 years.

The Vietnam War is the most misunderstood war in our nation’s history. We had good intentions, but our elected officials and senior military officers failed to garner and maintain public support and then lied to the American people when it was obvious that the war was unwinnable.

Joe and Marvin have presented the brief stories of 40 to 50 men and women representing the diversity that is America who served in Vietnam in the military or as civilians. While discussing their service in Vietnam, the focus is on the contributions they made in their post-war lives. Their stories put to lie the old canard that Vietnam veterans were a bunch of losers which is one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated. Vietnam veterans served their country honorably in combat and afterwards.

I think about Vietnam and my six fallen classmates every day. I mourn their loss but give praise and thanks for their perfect example of selfless service. I strive to live my life in a manner worthy of their sacrifice.

Americans of all ages should read “They Were Soldiers” and reflect on these stories. Then, go out and thank a veteran or current military member for their service.
- The Colonel, 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com

Great read

I found this book informative and uplifting. I think the stories of our Viet Nam veterans need to be out. Thanks to these amazing veterans there is much that is good in the United States of America!
- Patricia L. Cope, 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com

Can't Recommend This Book Highly Enough

Vietnam irreparably damaged - both physically and psychologically- many of the men and women who served there. Far too many others made the ultimate sacrifice. In “They We’re Soldiers,” Marvin Wolf and Joe Galloway highlight the achievements of a representative sample of Vietnam veterans who came home made a difference in the world as civilians. Can’t recommend this book highly enough.
-Verified customer, 5 star review on Amazon.com

Made me grateful such Warriors and heroes exist

I have to admit I stayed away from learning too much about the Vietnam War as I was part of the 60's anti-war generation. I also stayed away from criticizing those who served. It is only now, in my early 70's, that I've realized that I am missing out on a large chunk of history and I am trying to catch up. This book gave me a true flavor for the relationships and courageous soldiers who carried out a war on my behalf, as a citizen of the United States. What interesting and varied people! It almost, but not quite, makes me wish I had been there myself. I always enjoy reading personal stories about people, and these stories certainly satisfied my curious nature and made me grateful that such warriors and heroes exist.

- Katherine Mader, 5 out of 5 star review on Amazon.com

Read all 162 customer reviews on Amazon.com average rating 4.7 out of 5 stars

Interview with Marvin J. Wolf about They Were Soldiers, Law Business Insider