Rice Paddy Recon

A Marine Officer's Second Tour in Vietnam, 1968-1970

By: Andrew R. Finlayson

Narrated by: Traber Burns

A young US Marine officer recounts his experiences of the Vietnam War over a 19-month period. He graphically describes what it was like to perform three distinct combat missions: long-range ground reconnaissance in the Annamite Mountains of I Corps, infantry operations in the rice paddies and mountains of Quang Nam Province, and special police operations for the CIA in Tay Ninh province.

Using official Marine Corps unit histories, CIA documents, and his weekly letters home, the author relies almost exclusively on primary sources in providing an accurate and honest account of combat at the small-unit level. Of particular interest is his description of his assignment to the CIA as a Provincial Reconnaissance Unit (PRU) advisor in Tay Ninh Province, where he participated in several secret missions as part of the controversial Phoenix Program. The name and contribution of the CIA's most valuable spy during the war, the famous "Tay Ninh Source", is revealed.

©2014 Andrew R. Finlayson (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Great book

It never ceases to amaze me how many great books have come from the Vietnam war. Everytime I question whether I should listen to another, I am glad that I did.

Amazing book very professional and accurate

This was a wonderful book and should be receiving more attention. I hope this review can convince more people to give it a listen!

great look at the wars middle management

I have read many first had accounts of Recon, pilots, and grunt forces. this was the first middle management account I have read and it was very interesting. very well thought out analysis of why u.s. lost war in last chapter. this book is not for beginners but if you have studied war a bit, this is a book you should read/hear.

Refusing to block Ho trail

To the point accurate, from a confirmed with of operational information in SEA theater present during operational moments

Great Vietnam book

Awesome insight into how the PRU operated in Vietnam. The author was a USMC Officer who was an advisor. Very interesting to listen too. Also great insights into how the US could have won the war.