Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

More than fifty years after its unhappy conclusion, the Vietnam War seems but a distant memory of an unpopular conflict. In writing On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam, William V. Taylor Jr. remembers it all too clearly and shares his experiences with the reader. Sent halfway across the world as an eighteen-year-old U.S. Marine to fight against a ruthless enemy in a foreign land during 1967/68, his chances of survival were never far from his thoughts. Taylor takes us through sweltering heat, humidity, monsoon rain, rice paddies and forests, plus tropical diseases and a host of insects and deadly snakes to hunt down elusive opponents who did not fight by any rules. The local population was trapped in the middle, some openly siding with the enemy. He and his fellow Marines faced hostile fire from rifles, machine guns, hand grenades, mortars, and artillery, aware that their 13-month tour of service could be cut short at any moment. They endured the harsh conditions, surviving on their wits, basic military rations, and letters to and from home. Relationships were tested. Many of his comrades did not make it back.

On Full Automatic describes the hardships, camaraderie, and fear in an action-packed memoir that pulls no punches, but avoids degenerating into a bloodbath. As is to be expected, there is certainly a full measure of death, destruction, and gore, but this is tempered with humor, compassion, and heartwarming moments that provide unique insights into the psyche of the foot soldier. It deals with the unpleasant side of military conflict, such as post-traumatic syndrome, being maimed, losing a close friend in battle, enduring friendly fire, or being led by incompetent superiors. It is a stark reminder that however noble the cause, war is neither perfect nor anything other than a gritty slog. The author was wounded and was decorated with the Purple Heart on three occasions in recognition of his service. This raises another thorny issue in that those who returned from Vietnam received few accolades from their countrymen, tired of what they perceived as mounting casualties and atrocities committed against civilians. I have read many books on the Vietnam War, but William V. Taylor Jr. has produced a well-balanced and enthralling account that has a more personal touch, is exceptional, and is a must for military enthusiasts. It is rounded off with a comprehensive glossary. Highly recommended.