Lost in Translation : Vietnam: A Combat Advisor's Story

Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable and informative read.
Review: "Lost in Translation" provides an interesting and thoughtful account of one man's war experience in Vietnam. As an advisor for the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, Dockery was able to observe the war and its combantants from a unique perspective. He describes the evolution of his initial enthusiasm and idealism into dissatisfaction with the role his government foisted upon him. Dockery's experiences are fascinating, especially the profound cultural differences he encounters with his Vietnamese hosts and personal acquaintances. His reflections upon Vietnamese social values and customs are often poignant and moving; I often wished he had offered further discussion of the consequences of this transformative period in his life. Upon his return to the United States, Dockery had personal contact with both President Johnson and President Nixon. His book is a compelling personal history that coincides with a number of major national events. It is an enjoyable and informative read.

Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable and informative read.
Review: "Lost in Translation" provides an interesting and thoughtful account of one man's war experience in Vietnam. As an advisor for the Army of the Republic of Vietnam, Dockery was able to observe the war and its combantants from a unique perspective. He describes the evolution of his initial enthusiasm and idealism into dissatisfaction with the role his government foisted upon him. Dockery's experiences are fascinating, especially the profound cultural differences he encounters with his Vietnamese hosts and personal acquaintances. His reflections upon Vietnamese social values and customs are often poignant and moving; I often wished he had offered further discussion of the consequences of this transformative period in his life. Upon his return to the United States, Dockery had personal contact with both President Johnson and President Nixon. His book is a compelling personal history that coincides with a number of major national events. It is an enjoyable and informative read.

Rating:
Summary: All the reasons we went wrong in Vietnam.
Review: Dockery list in a clear and concise manner all of the reasons for our ultimate failure in Vietnam. From the arrogance of our views of people and culture to our total misunderstanding of the influence of the dead on a culture. This is a must read for anyone who needs evidence that the military is not in the business of winning the hearts and minds of a people.

Thanks to Martin Dockery for sharing this long overdue piece of American military history.

Rating:
Summary: One man's war in Vietnam
Review: Every vet has his unique experience and Martin Dockery's is a worthy read, a page turner. Arriving in Saigon '62, he (age 23)was the field combat advisor to an ARVN (Army of the Republic of Vietnam)Battalion commander (age 45) with 25 years of military and combat experience. The pair had vastly different backgrounds -- cultural, religious, philosophical, educational. In addition language was the source of misunderstandings and many frustrations between the two, hence the title of the book. The isolation of being the only American with the Battalion certainly drew on Dockery's inner qualities. His service in Vietnam came to an end because he contracted malaria, hepatitis, dysentery, skin fungus and worms. A very ill man was taken to the Philippines for medical care.

This memoir takes us from Dockery's growing up in White Plains, NY, his education, Vietnam experience (his views on the war and many interesting stories about the people and the land). He completed his military service in the Army's "Old Guard," telling of his duty at President Kennedy's funeral. Law school and years as a bond attorney followed, not without more interesting tales.

I found this a very "honest telling" of a young man's growth and his desire for adventure. He found more than his share!! It's a reflective piece, clearly written; as he says after 38 years of gained perspective, he might "make some sense of it."

I highly recommend this good read!

Rating:
Summary: Vietnam
Review: This is a well-written book. The author has pretty much sanitized it of all emotion except that of frustration, which makes it a good historical work. I recommend this over Tour of Duty.