On Full Automatic

Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam

By: William V. Taylor Jr.

Narrated by: Michael Curtis

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Vietnam, 1967—68.

Eighteen-year-old Marine recruit William V. Taylor, Jr. and his brother Marines are assembled into a new reaction force that is immediately tested in the fire of a bloody conflict known as Operation Beaver Cage. After a traumatic first fight, they push through back-to-back operations with little time to rest or reflect. Those who survive will return home ensnared by everlasting memories of a real but entirely surreal nightmare.

Now, after more than 50 years of holding everything in, Taylor shares his experience in explicit—and often horrific—detail and with a reverent honor for those Marines who did not live to tell the tale. Taylor reveals what it truly means to walk the path of a warrior, to sacrifice, and to live a lifetime with the memories of a war—seeking answers to the question, “Was it worth it?"

©2021 William V. Taylor Jr. (P)2022 William V. Taylor Jr.

A page turner

The book is riveting, raw, and real. A nightmare many veterans still relive today. Great insight

Great Vietnam memoir

I’ve read a lot in this genre and this one was every bit as good as any of the others. Priceless recounting of the painful experience of war that hopefully cautions us against doing it again.

One of the best

Having lived through the 60’s nightmare of Vietnam with a knot in my stomach every time I went to the mailbox this book helped me understand the terror of our combatants. As a new bride I was terrified of seeing a draft notice coming for my new husband. I sat with my girlfriends as they received the dreadful news that their husbands, brothers and high school friends had fallen. Even though i never served I still feel like a PSD survivor as I miss those I loved and lost. Somehow I feel it is my duty to remember and grieve for all those 19 year olds that never had the chance to fulfill their dreams and live out their lives. This book helped me understand and compassionately remember their sacrifice.

A Great and Important Book

This book is both a harrowing depiction of what life was like for young Marines sent by their country to fight in Vietnam, and a tribute to the author’s fallen brothers. By writing this book, Bill Taylor not only contributed to the historical record in a critical way, but preserved the stories of the men who were by his side. At once tragic for the loss it vividly depicts, and an inspiring story of the human spirit, I highly recommend this book.

Great story telling!

I listened to the whole thing in about 2 days and loved every bit of it, the narrator had a great voice for the story.

Immersive and raw

I met Bill Taylor in Corona, CA in October 2021 when we did an author panel together on books of the Vietnam War era. We exchanged books and after reading his book, On Full Automatic: Surviving 13 Months in Vietnam, I was left speechless. Written with so much rawness, heart, and detail, I felt like I was there with him and the Marines who served. I cried and I chuckled as Bill painted a picture of what was learned and lost on the battlefields. I’m grateful for his service and happy he came back home safely. A true honor to have met this incredibly warm and talented writer, veteran, and human being.

Please get his book! You’ll learn so much from a veteran’s perspective and experiences in Vietnam!

Thank you Robin Hoklotubbe and Friends of the Corona Public Library!

Great story as well as storytelling

This was a very interesting and enjoyable book to listen to. At first I was a little disappointed in the amount of introductory details and was wondering if the book was ever going to really get into any of the nitty gritty stories of the battles that the author had participated in. This book did not disappoint me in any way. Very good narration to include correct pronunciation of words that frequently are slaughtered by narrators who have not had any life experience either in the military or in Viet Nam. From one vet to another, thanks for your service and for your important part in helping to preserve the history of the Viet Nam War.

Excellent

Excellent book. Narration was perfect. one of the best I've listened to on Vietnam. Thank you for service.

Great in-depth look at marines in nam

Really great stories and proves a lot of Americans were genuine great soldiers in nam

outstanding

Thank you, as a former marine for sharing your story.
Very accurate, an important read