Special Men: An LRP's Recollections Mass Market Paperback – July 31, 1994

As a civilian who has read many dozens of US military books, I have yet to read a better account of the process involved in reaching the elite status described in this book. An impressive life story by an extremely credible soldier.

The book covers mostly what any of us that served in the military the often suffocating buckshot we had to deal with just to survive.In that respect I was disappointed.

After so many decades of learning about soldieringthru the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our national memory has all but forgotten those who soldiered in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The author's personal narrative from those tumultuous years, from his enlistment thru OCS to a career he chose when voices and attitudes around us condemned we who wore that same uniform and spat upon us, was a trip back thru time. Having trained and gone thru the Navy's SCUBA Diving school with both Marine Force Recon, Air Force Pararescue and Army SF, my respect and admiration for them as individuals as well as the role they filled is unquestioned. All departed for Vietnam soon after in 1971. How often I've prayed that all returned home.Read this book. You may just gain insight into what many of us felt and experienced as we served you, and our nation.

I really enjoyed this book. I read of lot of Vietnam War era memoirs and this one really stands out. The most notable aspect is Mr. Foley's excellent writing skills - he pulls you into the action and keeps you there, all with a bit of self depreciation and humility. I would read more books by him, on any topic, just for his taut and exciting writing style.Moreover, as a Cold War veteran who served in Germany and who went to various military schools (like Airborne school), I absolutely loved that Mr. Foley spent a good chunk of the book on what should be mundane things, like checking out the bars in Germany and slogging through service schools. Again, the writing style made this very interesting. He adds the humor, and stress, of these situations very well.I guess what really makes this book work is the build-up. As a reader, I really felt like I was watching him throughout his military service - from the routine to the suddenly scary combat action. You feel the building pressure and experience his self-doubt and willingness to go forward until suddenly, he's in the thick of it. For the non-military minded, he references various terminology well, usually throughg a foot note or quick description.An added bonus is the mention of Col. David Hackworth in this book. David Hackworth is one of my heroes (and a favorite writer of mine) and it is absolutely fascinating to read about him from the point of view of someone who served with him.In short - intriguing story line with crisp writing makes this book a standout, especially if you are interested in the Vietnam War.

a great read about those men who fought and took the sneaky fight to an enemy who was noted for that type of fighting. These men spooked the VC and the NVA with their tactics and their ability to take the shadow war to them who thought they owned that type of game.

Very well written and told. As an Army Retired Aviator I generally don't read non aviation story's.But this one kept me coming back to read another chapter.

Great story of heroic actions. Too long in the telling! Last few chapters of the book were not particularly interesting—-although perhaps necessary for a complete telling of the story.

You have done a splendid job of telling your story. I was there with you between 69anand70 with the Marine Corps. I experienced a lot of what you wrote about. However, you opened my eyes to many aspects of what others were experiencing at the same time.Thanks for your service!

I like how honestly the author documents his own fears and doubts throughout the challenges of his career, as he progresses as a leader. It follows his whole story from boot camp right to retirement but covers each phase in great detail. I would easily watch a movie based on his life if one were made. He is a true inspiration!

Great book. These men really were special

interesting