GREY FEATHERS Led By Love of Country 2nd Edition

GREY FEATHERS: Led By Love of Country depicts the Vietnam War from the perspective of Daniel M. DeWald, during the period he fought for the US in the Republic of South Vietnam. Daniel makes use of newspaper reports, articles, discussions, and his personal experience to narrate the missions of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Division and how they suppressed the NVA from 1967 to 1970. The book immerses readers in the intense action and the wild situations the soldiers had to endure. As the soldiers faced enemy fire from all sides, they endured stinging words and actions from protesters, attacks from wild animals, scarcity of basic needs, and more daunting challenges. The dark war scenes are counterbalanced with some vibrant elements: the rich cultures and religions in the Republic of South Vietnam and the joy of getting different delicacies—including Tabasco sauce and the donuts brought in by the “Donut Dollies” in Red Cross helicopters.

It’s amazing how brave and resilient the soldiers in GREY FEATHERS: Led By Love of Country are since they fought bravely for a liberated world while facing attacks from different angles—enemy soldiers, civilians at home and in Vietnam, and wild animals alike. The book gave me the raw, intricate details of what a real battle with war machines entails. It’s definitely not as colorful as the movies paint them. Soldiers don’t walk away in slow motion from explosions but bleed from their noses and ears from the loudness of the bombs alone. I especially enjoyed reading about the different cultures and religions—like the Montagnard, who are said to hunt with arrows that are tipped with poison and crossbows made from primitive materials.

From the first page to the last, I was captivated by the book’s captivating mix of themes: war, culture, history, pain, bravery, hope, and brotherhood. It’s not an experience I wish to witness in person, but reading the fast-paced, vividly described battle scenes was a mightily intriguing experience. Daniel’s attention to detail is quite impressive. I could almost hear the “heavy 50mm machine gun fire” and B-40 rockets as the war waged on. You know the sort of stories you just have to complete before fully resuming your regular routines? This was exactly what happened to me while reading it.

Reading GREY FEATHERS: Led By Love of Country was an unforgettable, life-changing experience that reminded me to appreciate the simple things I take for granted, like clean clothes, sleep, food, peace, and serenity. I strongly recommend the book to readers who enjoy action-packed war narratives and books about history, the Vietnam War, and other cultures.