The war in Vietnam remains ingrained in the American psyche, no more so than in the minds of the men and women who fought there. Mike Toyne has produced a poignant record of his brother Leon’s service in Vietnam by writing Brown Mule 7: Life of a 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Combat Wireman in Vietnam 1966-1967. It is based on 80-plus letters that Leon wrote while in the US Army from 1966 to 1967, primarily to his grandparents back home. These letters miraculously survived and only emerged 52 years later, shortly after Leon died in 2018. They reflect the harsh conditions, emotional and physical trauma, and a glimpse into life in the armed forces. Apart from a ruthless enemy, soldiers faced extreme weather conditions, indifferent food, life in tents and bunkers, mosquitoes, rats, and snakes. As the subtitle suggests, Leon Toyne was a field wireman during the conflict, installing and maintaining communications equipment such as telephones, switchboards, and radios. On air, Leon used the tongue-in-cheek call sign Brown Mule 7. While Leon was not involved in conventional combat, it did not mean that he was not exposed to enemy fire, the threat of death, or tropical disease. Leon did not enjoy his time in the military. He was seriously injured in an accident, but survived the war and later became a rancher after extensive surgery.

The gritty reality of life in the army during wartime is captured vividly in Leon’s letters. From moments of intense danger to the hurry-up-and-wait of military life, the letters provide a record of his experiences. Correspondence to and from home provided a vital link, providing an anchor amidst the turmoil. In Brown Mule 7, Mike Toyne not only reproduces the letters, but adds commentary from other sources such as press cuttings, and interviews that include anecdotes from some of Leon’s army buddies. This adds valuable context. The photographs provide a visual reminder of life in the combat zone. The pivotal role of the medical personnel and helicopter pilots who evacuated the wounded is also highlighted. Leon sustained a head wound from flying debris that delayed his discharge from the army. His recovery was lengthy, and in common with many war veterans, he showed signs of PTSD and battled to adapt to civilian life. The returning war veterans were often greeted with open hostility by anti-war protesters, which did not help the transition. Fortunately, his wife and family provided the essential support. A telling comment by the author points out that the current generation takes freedom for granted, and seems unaware of the sacrifices made by others and the lasting scars that remain with the survivors. The book includes profiles of Leon’s closest friends and is rounded off with a bibliography and glossary. It is a fascinating read and highly recommended.

Brown Mule 7 by Mike Toyne, as told through his brother Leon Toyne’s Vietnam letters, is a captivating story about the life of soldiers during the Vietnam War. It follows Leon from his departure from the United States to his arrival in Vietnam, offering an intimate glimpse into the daily challenges and emotional struggles he faced. It also depicts his sad return due to a head injury. Leon sent letters to his grandparents and the rest of his family, describing the Vietnam locals, the landscape, wildlife, and the duties that often required him to risk his life in the jungle, mountains, and on base. The narration also includes interviews with military medics, other military personnel, and their families, highlighting their traumatic experiences. The author comments on the sacrifices the soldiers made, leaving their families to face unpredictable forces, the mental stress they endured, and how the unfortunate welcome they received upon returning home impacted their lives.

Brown Mule 7 by Mike Toyne is a moving memoir about resilience, family, and the profound impact of war on both soldiers and their loved ones. Readers are transported to different regions of Vietnam through Leon's letters, which describe the beautiful scenery of the area, contrasting it with the harsh realities of war. The narrative not only addresses the physical threats that soldiers faced but also illustrates the long-lasting effects of war on mental health and family dynamics even after the war is over. Leon's gratitude for everything his family sent him and his cheerful personality shine through his correspondence, adding depth to his story and making his journey relatable. His letters have humorous moments, such as monkeys chasing dogs, the camaraderie between the soldiers, and brave stories about medics and military dogs, bringing a lighthearted tone to the story. I enjoyed reading this book because it is a poignant exploration of the duality of war, capturing both the beauty of human connection and the profound emotional toll of conflict.

Brown Mule 7 by Mike Toyne and Leon Toyne is a non-fiction chronicle of the experiences of SP4 Leon Toyne, a field wireman in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. His responsibilities included installing and repairing communication lines under enemy fire and earned commendations such as the Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnam Service Medal. Through mostly letters, Toyne covers daily life, living conditions, and issues faced during operations, including search-and-destroy missions and guard duty. Contributors like Robert Powers describe the harsh realities of war, including witnessing deceased soldiers, while Steve “Doc” Vincent details the urgent care provided during intense combat in Operation Pershing. Other accounts include Steve Streeter's experiences at the 12th Evacuation Hospital and the emotional challenges faced by veteran Sarah Blum.

Brown Mule 7 by Mike and Leon Toyne is a fantastic anthology of experiences told by way of collections of letters, interviews, and other memorabilia that deeply humanizes the Vietnam War and those who were there. As a reader, I was born after the conflict and raised outside the United States, and I found this book incredibly touching and informative informative. In truth, it is not a war we spent a significant time covering in school, which this book rectifies for me. I loved how the creation of individual, intimate portraits of the day-to-day realities of war materializes. Each contribution brings to life the camaraderie, hardship, loss, and resilience of those who served, making their experiences relatable and impactful. I extend my gratitude to Leon and all contributors for their service, as their sacrifices are crucial reminders of the cost of war and the humanity that persists even in the darkest times. Very highly recommended.

Brown Mule 7: Life of a 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry Wireman in Vietnam 1966-1967 by Mike Toyne and Leon Toyne is a poignant non-fiction account of Army soldiers serving in Vietnam during a turbulent time. Based on the letters of SP4 Leon Toyne, a Combat Field Wireman, this book captures the camaraderie, struggles, and survival of soldiers in the 1st Air Division (Air Mobile). The narrative is enriched with testimonies from fellow soldiers, recounting their harrowing missions and the bond they formed amid danger. Through humor and tragedy, the book reflects on their experiences, the role of military personnel, and the long-lasting effects of war. The sensitive handling and highlighting of a personal narrative provide a unique glimpse into the daily challenges faced by soldiers in Vietnam, making the historical events more relatable and impactful as readers see them at ground level through a soldier’s own eyes.

Author Mike Toyne brilliantly captures, enhances, and curates the authentic voice of a soldier through Leon's letters, allowing readers to experience the personal and emotional journey of a combat wireman in his own words. A lot of work has gone into this vivid portrayal of life in Vietnam, using detailed descriptions and anecdotes that immerse readers in the harsh realities of war. The book also powerfully illustrates the bonds formed between soldiers, emphasizing the importance of friendship and loyalty in the face of adversity. The inclusion of interviews and testimonies about the long-term effects of war on veterans adds a crucial layer of activism and awareness to the narrative, discussing the numerous challenges veterans face while adjusting to civilian life and raising awareness about PTSD and the importance of support systems. Overall, Brown Mule 7 is a recommended read for fans of powerful autobiographical writing about military experiences, and those wishing to learn more about the after-effects of military service.