“This compelling memoir tells the story of one man's experience during the Viet Nam wars, from his childhood near Ha Noi in the 1940s, to harrowing accounts of fighting for the Republic as he exchanges a life of victimhood for one of a soldier. This honest and impassioned account is filled with the everyday heroism of the common people coping with the destruction of war.”
“An important book. One of the most compelling and thoughtful ARVN [Army of the Republic of Viet Nam] accounts I have ever read. . . . It is an unblinking, unflinching account . . . a very honest book, the author's integrity comes through on every page.”
— David T. Zabecki, Maj. Gen., U. S. Army (ret.)
“Of all the many books I have read about the Vietnam War, this one pays the ultimate tribute to the incredible sacrifices made by the courageous soldiers and people of South Vietnam. Through the eyes of a true patriot, the history and decisive operations of the conflict are reviewed from the unique perspective of a victim turned soldier. I have known the author for nearly four decades and can attest to his personal courage, his passion for life, and his intense love for his country. This book is a must read for those who want the complete picture and whole truth about a tragic war that consumed the world for over two decades. ”
— Lawson W. Magruder III , Lieutenant General, US Army Retired. Vietnam '70-'71
“This book is of incredible value for anyone interested in Vietnam--its history, politics, and culture--and in the American involvement with Vietnam. It is also a meditation of a Vietnamese patriot on the substance of patriotism during a time of civil war in a context of international alliances. Amid the terrors and harsh imperatives of war, the author’s is a rare voice of human decency.”
— H-Net
“A dark and fascinating tale...illuminated by...honesty and integrity, which shine through on every page.”
— VIETNAM MAGAZINE
“Nationalist in the Viet Nam Wars is a dark and fascinating tale. But it is illuminated by Nguyen's story of escape from Communist tyranny to the United States in 1990, and by his honesy and integrity, which shine through on every page. ”
— historynet.com
“This is a first-rate book with perhaps a single downside: It is not a book for someone who has never read anything about Vietnam. It is, however, an essential read for those who seek to understand the complex tragedy of the wars of Vietnam.”
— ARMY
“Long overdue, this memoir will be a worthy addition to any academic library interested in the tragedy of Vietnam. . . . Essential. ”
— Choice