Things I'll Never Forget

Memories of a Marine in Viet Nam

By: James M. Dixon

Narrated by: Malcolm Hillgartner

Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Things I’ll Never Forget is the story of a young high school graduate in 1965 who faces being drafted into the Army or volunteering for the Marine Corps. These are his memories of funny times, disgusting times and deadly times. The author kept a journal for an entire year; therefore many of the dates, times and places are accurate. The rest is based on memories that are forever tattooed on his brain. This is not a pro-war book, nor is it anti-war. It is the true story of what the Marine Corps was like in the late 1960’s, when the country had a draft and five hundred thousand Americans were serving one year tours in battle-torn South East Asia. If you served in Viet Nam you will want to compare your experience with the author’s. If you know someone who went to Viet Nam, you will want to listen for yourself what it was like. If you lost a loved one or friend in the war, you will want to listen to this and share it with others.

©2016, 2018 James M. Dixon (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Thank you!

Mr. Dixon, thank you for sharing your story with the world. My father enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and he, too, is a combat veteran. He doesn't talk much about it but after being a father, being a Marine is something of which he is most proud. After reading your book, I understand more completely where the pride comes from. From boot camp, to work parties to always keeping you busy to the point of exhaustion in hopes of making you more aggressive were eye opening stories. Sharing what I have read has also allowed me to ask questions about his experiences in boot camp and other things, but of course, never the actual fighting. I would never ask about that as I feel that is a sacred thing that only a veteran should share when he or she is ready, if that ever happens. I absolutely enjoyed your book not only because it gave me a better understanding of the war (I am a US history teacher) that I can share with my students but it also gave me a better connection with my father. I want you to know, too, that when I tell my students about how Vietnam Veterans were treated when they got home, they are appalled. They simply cannot relate or understand how people not only didn't welcome you back but also spit upon many of you and ridiculed you. I thank you for your service and for your contribution to humanity and education.

Another Novel for Marines to Read

Portions of this work brought a smile to my face in the similarities to my Marine career. Definitely opened my eyes to the struggles my elder brothers faced in Vietnam. Highly recommended for anyone, especially Marines, to read.

Total insight

If you want a semi-modern look into modern warfare without any hype I highly recommend this book to you. Yes it is about hero’s but they are not glorified. You’ll get a look at what kind of soldier there training made them and what they are capable of. A good read for US patriots.

Amazing Experience

Very well written and moving. You want to listen as long as possible while sometimes having to stop and think about what you just heard.

Well told Nam story

Ive listened to a plenty of war stories. This one was pretty good. Hillgartner was a good narrator and correct for this type of book.

excellent gritty and sorrowful

I've read a lot of books regarding Vietnam and this one surprised me with the insights and body death toll of US casualties.

No exaggeration, no glorification or romanticism. Just the truth.

Really good book. He tells his story of entering the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War draft. I found the boot camp stories hilarious and I was knee slap laughing loudly. Good times. Then he talks about being in Vietnam during the war. He doesn’t exaggerate, glorify or romanticize. He tells in a way of very matter of fact. There’s some ugly stuff in there… things that will makes you shake your head and say god damn. He just tells what he saw and experienced… the good and the bad. I liked the narration as well.

Great book about bad times

We’ll done great description of his experiences in Vietnam I never served in the military but I still appreciate the sacrifices they all endured

Amazing account of the Vietnam war

A story from a Vet all from a journal that was kept while writing down events that happened. A step by step through the enlistment process to the end of the tour of duty. This book is guaranteed to pull out every emotion as you become engulfed essentially being James A Dixon. This is a must read for anyone who wants to know what it was like in Vietnam and what took place in accurate detail

Unflinching Account of What Viet Nam Was Really Like

Being the child of a Marine officer and who lost high school friends in Viet Nam, I felt the honesty and truthfulness, even in the terrible bits, come through this account. There are searing parts and there are tearful parts. What dishonor our country did to those who physically returned can never be forgotten or forgiven. The narration made this and is one of the best I’ve heard. His narration made me feel as if I was in the jungle with him. Semper Fi, Corporal Dixon.