We Were Soldiers Once... and Young

For buffs of military history who like lots of action with descriptions of ground tactics, weapons, bleeding wounds, and pure terror, this discussion of the first engagement between American troops and the Viet Cong in 1965 will not disappoint. Johnny Heller's sandy voice keeps up with the action in all respects, and the pace keeps building with the casualties. Heller can be understood easily and is well suited to a story made of many smaller ones. The grammar lacks sophistication ("He was hit bad."), and the delivery tends to be simple, but we feel lucky to be hearing the exact remembrances in elegant detail of combatants who survived a four-day battle that not many walked away from. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine


Jonathan Davis gives a splendid narration of this war story, which was adapted for the big screen by Mel Gibson. It covers what is considered to be the first battle between United States troops and those of North Vietnam. Then Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, who was commander of the U.S. troops in this battle, and Galloway, who was the only journalist on the ground throughout, provide a vivid and riveting story of the fighting. Davis's baritone is resonant, his pacing deliberate but by no means plodding, and his pronunciation clear and precise. He subtly changes his voice for quotes and keeps the listener's attention for the duration. M.T.F. 2019 Audies Finalist � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine