The Rescue of River City

Rating:
Summary: A gripping account of combat action by a true hero.
Review: Drew Dix writes about his heroic accomplishments in an understated, yet gripping manner. He gives full credit to the soldiers who fought alongside him throughout the three harrowing days of Tet 1968 when he earned the Medal of Honor. His unassuming, almost casual comments about the action, combined with details that bring the combat alive, lead the reader through the streets of River City and into the heat of the battle. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an inside look into the way a true hero thinks and acts when he places mission and the welfare of others ahead of his own safety and self-preservation.

Rating:
Summary: Let's Learn From History
Review: Mr. Dix has written an exciting book full of timeless information. Particularly pertinent now, in the face of what is happening in Afghanistan, he brilliantly illustrates the effective use of indigenous forces inside a mostly hostile country. A country where most Americans would be unable to fit into. This is not the sort of book I usually read, but I was struck by the timeless, unconventional and utterly logical methods of warfare Mr. Dix used to bring about successful campaigns. Without pointing fingers or complaining about what went wrong with the Vietnam War, he merely states how he made his own campaigns successful. What is evident, between these lines lacking in self-pity, is a loss of innocence. For this brave, unique man, he was only doing a job, albeit proudly. A very exciting account, if somewhat understated. At times, his dry wit shines through and makes me smile. Thank you, Mr. Dix, for being the man you are. For setting an example for other people. For saving lives. For any young man desirous of becoming a member of our very honored Special Forces - any branch - this should be required reading. History repeats itself. Let's learn from it.

Rating:
Summary: An Admirer
Review: This is truly a fascinating account of what one man went through during the war. His heroics are impressive and almost unbelievable. I am amazed that he survived. He deserved the medal for what he did. This book should be read by anyone who is interested in war and what heroes are made of.

Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: When I visited Pueblo, Colorado this last summer, I stopped by the Medal of Honor Memorial. The citation is there recounting how Mr. Dix earned the Medal of Honor. This book is the detailed version of the citation. Reading this book is like having Mr Dix in the same room telling me the story. I've loaned it out to several people and there is no one that can put it down. This also provides a small glimpse into the Viet Nam War and how it was fought. PBS had a special on the 4 men from Pueblo and their stories of how they earned the Medal of Honor. It is called "Beyond the Medal of Honor". What was great about the special is that Mr. Dix and other characters from the book each told something about the "Rescue of River City".