Baptism

A Vietnam Memoir

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.

Hard to stop listening to

I really enjoyed this book thoroughly. My only problem is the sudden ending or I would have had it at 5 stars for everything. Just leaves you hanging at the end.

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.

Enjoyable book

Enjoyed the details the author added to give additional insight. Good speed of the story. Kept the narrative moving without boring or losing the listener. #military #leadership #Vietnamwar #Asia #Vietnam

Great book

This story was one of the best one's about the war. Did not want to stop listening.

Awesome book

One of the best books I’ve read on the Vietnam war. Highly recommended! I will read this book several times and not get bored with it.

Great Book about 1st Cav Sky Trooper

This is a amazing book about being a 1st Cav Grunt in Vietnam. As a son of a Vietnam Vet who fought in the same unit 2-7 Bravo Company 68-69 it really does a great job of describing what it was like being in Combat in Vietnam. I grew up listening to my Dad and his fellow brothers tell there stories and this book is like the same. Can’t recommend it enough. And as my Dad would Say GarryOwen!

A great story

I wasn't sure if I should buy this book, but was glad that I did. It was entertaining, even though it was frustrating to hear how messed up some of our military was. I guess that not much has changed. Too bad more leaders don't read these books.

fabulous , no b.s. just the nitty gritty ,

just true account of the war. The good , the bad and the military way. A stand up look at how great we performed in combat. not in politics.

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.