Baptism

By: Larry Gwin

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Yale graduate who volunteered to serve his country, Larry Gwin was only 23 years old when he arrived in Vietnam in 1965. After a brief stint in the Delta, Gwin was reassigned to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in An Khe. There, in the hotly contested Central Highlands, he served almost nine months as executive officer for Alpha Company, 2/7, fighting against crack NVA troops in some of the war's most horrific battles.

The bloodiest conflict of all began November 12, 1965, after 2nd Battalion was flown into the Ia Drang Valley west of Pleiku. Acting as point, Alpha Company spearheaded the battalion's march to landing zone Albany for pickup, not knowing they were walking into the killing zone of an NVA ambush that would cost them 10 percent casualties.

Gwin spares no one, including himself, in his gut-wrenching account of the agony of war. Through the stench of death and the acrid smell of napalm, he chronicles the Vietnam War in all its nightmarish horror.

©1999 Larry Gwin (P)2015 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"Forcefully written, engrossing narrative, and heartfelt descriptions of some of the bloodiest battles of the war." (Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, USA (Ret.), coauthor of We Were Soldiers Once... And Young)

Hell of book telling a story that needs to be told

If you could sum up Baptism in three words, what would they be?

What Vietnam was really like...... ( I know, that's five words )

What did you like best about this story?

A vivid, well told personal account.

What about Todd McLaren’s performance did you like?

Outstanding....though he mispronounced a view words.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

While they partied at UC Boulder, good men died.........

Any additional comments?

Larry Gwin has memorialized those who fought and often died for their brothers. Fine young Americans in the spirit of what made America great gave their best for a country and its politicians who betrayed them. An American tragedy. 1LT JL Pitts, US Army, Royal Thai Army, Black Panther Infantry Division (liaison), Vietnam 1968-69.

Captivating... True war stories are fascinating!

Being only a civilian and never having served in any form of military life, I thought that I would have a hard time relating to the lingo and such, but the author did a very good job explaining every acronym and other terminology as he went along. That was very helpful and allowed me to experience the events as they took place as if I was there. The narrator did a great job as well and was very pleasant to listen to.
This audio book was well worth my credit and I would recommend it to anyone - especially those who like nonfiction historical type books.

Great story of a front line grunt during Vietnam

Loved it. My dad served 3 tours in Vietnam with one of them in the 1st Cav in 65-66. He was in this unit

A series of stories within author's tour

I enjoyed the author's perspectives on many issues ranging from fungal infections to hot landing zones. The author starts the book sometime around his plane trips out of the States, and ends when he gets sent to the rear after being wounded.

The narrator was excellent at basic storytelling and creating suspense as well as indignation - great voice. What I didn't like about the narrator is that he apparently didn't use technology to reduce the audio screeches that occurred when he uses voices of men yelling in the field during combat. Also, the narrator mispronounced some key words repeatedly. I'd certainly give the narrator another try though as experience is the best teacher and he's got natural talent for certain.

The story has so many types of experiences - great range of situations and emotions. I was captivated. The author seems very credible to me.

Great book

Very well narrated. the book was very well written as well. The only addition I would have enjoyed was if the author talked about going home.

A beautifully written story

Thank you for thr wonderful experience( a story lovingly told about our brave men so long ago

An excellent account of heroism in Vietnam

I note that the narrator has received awards but I found him annoying. His attempt to be dramatic is distracting. This is an adult book and he treats it as a one for a group of young kids. Would not recommend a book narrated by this man.

Great Narrative

Always good to scare and encourage the reader. The discripts of the battle made you feel worried. great book

Outstanding!

Great performance and incredible story. I was drawn in, thinking about it even when I wasn't listening. Found myself rushing to work to listen. Then would continue when I got home. If you are reading this, get it, it's worth it.

Great Book

loved it! this is a great book, vary well written. I would highly recommend this book!