Time in the Barrel

A Marine’s Account of the Battle for Con Thien

De: James P. Coan

Narrado por: Chris Monteiro

Con Thien was a United States Marine Corps firebase that was the scene of fierce combat for months on end during 1967. Staving off attacks and ambushes while suffering from ineffectual leadership from Washington as well as media onslaughts, courageous American Marines protected this crucial piece of land at all costs. They would hold Con Thien, but many paid the ultimate price. By the end of the war, more than 1,400 Marines had died and more than 9,000 sustained injuries.

For eight months, James P. Coan's five-tank platoon was assigned to Con Thien while attached to various Marine infantry battalions. The author kept a diary recording the thoughts, fears, and frustrations. Time in the Barrel offers an authentic firsthand account of the daily nightmare that was Con Thien. With authentic depictions of combat, it allows listeners to fully grasp the enormity of the fierce struggle for Con Thien.

More than a retelling of military movements, Coan's engrossing narratives focus on the sheer sacrifice and misery of one Marine's experience in Vietnam. Through his eyes, we experience the abysmal conditions the Marines endured, from monsoon rainstorms to the constant threat of impending attack. Climatic moments in history are captured through the rare, personal perspective of one particularly astute and observant participant.

©2019 The University of Alabama Press (P)2023 Tantor

Personal account

This book is a personal account From lieutenant Cohn United States marine corp. I enjoyed this personal insight To hear his daily activities.

Con Thien is not talked about enough.

The men who served in northern I corps, specifically on the DMZ and more specifically on Con Thien fought a war unlike most all other units in Vietnam. The war on Con Thien was similar to a WWI or Korean War front. Not many Americans lived with the knowledge and daily reminder that the NVA could and did use heavy artillery in abundance on American forces, who were barred from going across the fence and wiping the enemy out. Tough, tough tough lives for those Americans. Also, Conan’s other book “Con Thien: The Hill of Angels” needs to be recorded for audiobook!!!

Marine fortitude

I served in Vietnam , as a soldier in the first infantry division in a 105 artillery battery. I know from my experience what some of their suffering was like . But my hat is off to those marines who managed to stay alive on that hilltop.. we never suffered as long and with constant barrage by the NVA . Well written story gives a realistic account of what those marines went thru