His dad was an infantryman who fought the Nazis in WWII. Therefore, he felt compelled to get into the action. This intense memoir documents the passage of a young, patriotic enlistee as he transitions from ground crew mechanic to the job he really wanted: Cavalry Scout.Warpath explains air cavalry operations and the culture that permeated an aggressive combat unit in Vietnam. The author recounts frequent close encounters with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), while patrolling such hotspots as the Cambodian border, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the Parrot’s Beak, and the U Minh Forest. The author describes the inevitable violence that occurred during these confrontations, the importance of high body counts, and the reward system that was so important to these young, dedicated soldiers.Scout missions entailed flying low and slow over suspected VC positions and hovering around LZs in order to ensure the safety of incoming slicks. Usually only three feet above the ground, learning to read tracks and decipher other signs of enemy activity were critical skills. For the two-man OH-6A “Loach” crews, drawing enemy fire was usually the goal.In addition to the highs associated with successful missions, the author describes the emotional lows that resulted from the combat loss of close friends. Being a member of the Scout Platoon brought a great deal of short-term glory. Someone had to pay the price for that glory. Many did.Follow the author as he returns home to an uncaring country and experiences confusion, disillusionment, and guilt over his exploits in Vietnam. Decorated for valor and looked upon as a highly effective fighter while in the Army, his civilian comrades were indifferent at best, and repulsed at worst.He embarked on a forty-year crusade to understand US involvement in the war and to place his personal role into the proper context. Diagnosed with Agent Orange-induced heart disease and PTSD, he began PTSD therapy at the age of 68. This therapy, along with his research into the war’s history, provided him with the knowledge he needed to reconcile his feelings with the realities of the times.Warpath is a must read for anyone interested in how the air cavalry fought the war. It explores the war’s effect on those who voluntarily put themselves into harm’s way. From the miseries of Monsoon rains and crotch rot to the raucous celebrations following high body counts, Warpath provides a totally honest and gritty description of life as a Cavalry Scout and its aftermath.
✔ Author(s): AJ Moore
✔ Title: Warpath: One Vietnam Veteran's Journey through War, Disillusionment, Guilt and Recovery
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (1366 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: B09R38B4J6
✔ ISBN-13: 978B09R38B4J4
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Warpath by AJ Moore
Melody Blake
The world-building in this book was simply phenomenal. I was transported to a different realm and felt like I was part of the characters' journey. The attention to detail made it all so immersive.
Virginia Savage
The world created in this book was unlike anything I've ever encountered. The author's imagination knows no bounds, and I was completely mesmerized by the fantastical setting.
Polly Hurlbutt
The way this book explored the complexities of human nature and relationships was both profound and relatable. It touched my heart in ways I didn't expect.
