THIS GUT-WRENCHING FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE WAR IS A CLASSIC IN THE ANNALS OF VIETNAM LITERATURE. "Guns up " was the battle cry that sent machine gunners racing forward with their M60s to mow down the enemy, hoping that this wasn't the day they would meet their deaths. Marine Johnnie Clark heard that the life expectancy of a machine gunner in Vietnam was seven to ten seconds after a firefight began. Johnnie was only eighteen when he got there, at the height of the bloody Tet Offensive at Hue, and he quickly realized the grim statistic held a chilling truth. The Marines who fought and bled and died were ordinary men, many still teenagers, but the selfless bravery they showed day after day in a nightmarish jungle war made them true heroes. This new edition of Guns Up , filled with photographs and updated information about those harrowing battles, also contains the real names of these extraordinary warriors and details of their lives after the war. The book's continuing success is a tribute to the raw courage and sacrifice of the United States Marines.
Great Book-by a brave man (not counting his purple hearts)
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This is a great read. As I got toward the end of book I found myself slowing down, because I was enjoying it so much. As a VN vet myself I had an appreciation for his story of his time in country. But weather your a vet or not you'll enjoy Mr. Clark's exploits. Semper Phi John
One of my all time favorites
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This is an incredible read. I was given GUNS UP in paper back several years ago and just couldn't put it down. I made the big mistake of letting a friend borrow it. I never saw it again. That book got passed around and I just lost count of who had it last. I finally found a hard back of it and didn't tell anyone that I had it.
Guns Up
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is a great book about the Vietnam War as it was experienced by a soldier. In this book John Clark learns what it is like to participate in a war. He and his friend, Richard Chan, go out and experience one of the worst things, in my mind, that have ever happened. I gave this book five stars for a reason, and if you like war books, you will too.
An excellent, gut-wrenching look at Marines in Vietnam
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I have read GUNS UP! several times and keep returning to it. I have read several accounts of Vietnam, but I keep returning to this one. The way that Mr. Clark is able to take his readers through the gamet of emotions and glories of comradeship felt by Marines in Vietnam makes this book a tribute to the men who fought and died when their country called - whether they believed in the war that they were called upon to fight or not, they were truly "forever faithful".
You have to read this book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I am the wife of a Vietnam Vet. I have read hundreds of books about War written by the men and women who were there. Though all of their stories are deserving of great respect some stand out like the North Star on a black night. "Guns Up" by Johnnie M. Clark is one of these outstanding books. This book takes you to war in Vietnam and it doesn't let you come back the same person. Read it.
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