Just finished your book. It was very interesting learning what our veterans went through in Viet Nam. I was not a vocal protester of the war but I sure didn't like that we were there. I never understood why we got involved. Thank you for your service. Linda
August 28, 2017
Sgt Haynie - just finished your Vietnam memoirs book.
I'm a Coast Guard veteran 1963-1967. I'm an avid reader and basically military history with an emphasis on personal narratives. I've read hundreds of books and I think this is one of the Best on Vietnam. The tributes you have paid your brothers and those who fell is extremely moving. What a great service you did them. Really to all who served.
THANK YOU for this great book and for your service. Best wishes.
Fred
July 19, 2017
Dear Glyn:
Congratulations on your very touching book.
As a former platoon leader in the 198th Brigade in 1968, our AO was north of yours, but your memories and descriptions were very much the same as mine. I am quite impressed though, with your memory of battle details and names of your brother soldiers. I have read just about every book about our war, but this is one of the best. Thank you for this fine work.
Greg
July 12, 2017
One of the better Vietnam memoir's I've read.
Mark
June 23, 2017
I served in Delta 3/21st 196th from Sept 1969-1970 and we just about done the same thing. Great book and welcome home Brother.
Daniel
June 22, 2017
Hello Glyn, I just finished reading your book. Well done. Very interesting and kept me reading until the end. Thank you for being there for us. The draft had ended when I was eligible. I have often wondered what kind of soldier I would have been. Scared mostly I think. Another thanks for sharing your experiences, good book. You take care...Paul
June 10, 2017
Just finished your book. Loved it!! It reminded me of the bond I formed with my shipmates while I served in the Navy. Very well written and thank you for your service!! Will definitely give a five star review!
Lynn
June 1, 2017
Glyn, thanks for sharing and for all you did.
Gary
May 2, 2017
Glyn
When I Turned Nineteen is the best personal account of the Vietnam war I have read. Reading it resurrected memories and long forgotten terminology. At some point in the over 47 years since 1969 when I was in the 1st Infantry Division, words have slipped from my vocabulary that were common those many years ago. No longer are words such as affirmative, negative, didi mau, xin loi, etc. etc. spoken, or even thought of; reading your book brought many back to the surface.
I am amazed how many of your platoon members you remember. Looking back I probably knew the names of most in mine, but was only close to 6-8 of them. Several of these I stayed in touch with or located some years ago. My MOS was 11C (mortars) and thankfully we did not experience the level of casualties your platoon did. However, there were passages that reminded me of events and thoughts that paralleled mine.
Enjoyed meeting and visiting with you at Camp Mabry
Take care, Mike
April 17, 2017
Hello Glyn …Two weeks ago Chuck brought me a copy of your book and I told him I would read it as I am a Viet Nam war veteran as well. I was in the US Air Force. I trained men who went to the war theater, as Radar technicians, but did not go overseas. Your great book was a sobering read. I now can view the Viet Nam war from the eyes of men who were there and fought, bleed, and died for the freedoms we all enjoy.
I mean it sincerely when I say thank you for not only serving but telling us the unimaginably horror of the front lines. It was chilling to see Chuck's picture the very day, August 13th, packing his rucksack preparing for the Mission when fellow platoons members would lose their lives.
I enjoyed reading about the cohesive friendships made in battle between yourself and Mike Dankert, and the spirit of decor that only the Military can build, exhibited by your platoon.
Thank you for caring enough to share your story and to speak for those whose voices has been silenced.
…I want to send my copy to a VN war veteran. He was a Crew Chief on a Helicopter gun ship shot down twice and wounded both times. 2nd Battalion 282 Combat Assault Division.
Larry
April 13, 2017
I recommend When I Turned 19 by @HaynieGlyn ... Compelling personal account of #VietnamWar and well-edited (something a journo appreciates)
Erik
April 11, 2017
Glyn, I wanted to drop you a note. I read your book, and first of all, I want to thank you for the life changing sacrifice you made for our country and for all of us. Your detailed account of your experiences made this book incredibly interesting to me. I never had to serve, but I had friends who did, and they never went into great detail of what it was like, they just would say to me, be glad you didn't have to go. I now have a much clearer understanding of what they were referring to after reading your book. I also lost 4 friends KIA, during the 1966-1970 timeframe, which again, gave me a perspective of their sacrifice, I never had before. Thanks for giving that bookmark at the car service waiting area a couple weeks ago, otherwise, I wouldn't have known about your book. I wish you continued success, and I will be sure to spread the word to couple of my friends who I think would also like to read it.
John
April 11, 2017
This is what nineteen year old's do when they go to work for the Army during a war.
Glyn, just read your book. Was loaned to me by a 30 year retired Marine Col. who served in Vietnam. Many of his Marine Class friends were killed in Vietnam.
I’m 81, went thru ROTC at Johns Hopkins. Went to Ft. Benning, Ranger School, served 6 years in the Army (6 months active the remaining in the National Guard), was not in Vietnam. My uncle was in WWII. Three of my wife’s uncles were in WWII. One was a tail gunner on a B-17. Shot down. Became a POW. Son-in-law is a 30 year Marine.
I read your book cover to cover. I had to. Following is my take.
So few are doing so much for so many. The few are people just like the many. But the many are oblivious that their freedom results from the sacrifice, both mental and physical as you wrote in your book, of the few.
To me, this is history and morality not taught, and the book is not as much about Vietnam as it is about a brotherhood of a few protecting the freedom of the apathetic many.
Several years ago a young lady stopped me in a store. I was wearing an Army cap. She asked, “Didn’t something happen to the Army on this day many years ago?” It was December 7. She never heard about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
At our YMCA here in Charlotte in 2009 we had a ceremony on Flag Day dedicating the installation of a flag at the entrance to the Y and also we had the laying of memorial bricks in honor of those who served in the military. The ceremony was publicized, but if it were not for our senior group the attendance would have been paltry.
The public must become aware that freedom is not free.
Books such as yours must be a compulsory read in high school.
Have a beautiful and blessed Easter.
Above all, Thank You.
Ed
April 6, 2017
In his book, Glyn captures the reader's attention from the beginning. His honest and vivid approach to "telling it like it was" really makes this book a must for anyone who is interested in the war of even for a reenactor such as myself. His un-censored recounting of his days as an infantryman in the jungles of Vietnam really make it feel as though you were there. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an honest look into the dirty, realistic side of war that only someone who had been there can accurately depict. I go through a lot of books as a student of history, but I can say for sure that this is one book I will keep (and re-read) for the rest of my life.
Sean
March 16, 2017
Glyn,
I just finished When I Turned Nineteen. You did an excellent job. I was in Viet Nam in the Marine Corp from November 68 to November 69, which is approximately when you were there also. I was near Chu Lai and surrounding areas for a good share of my deployment. You mentioned something that I think you had to have served to understand. I too think of the guys I served with in Viet Nam as brothers, and think of them often. I have one group photo of us on my computer screen, and still see the guy I consider my best friend about twice a year. Great job Glyn!
Steve
March 9, 2017
I just finished reading this book & wanted to express my appreciation and thanks. I myself turned 19 in November 1971, although my brother and my dad are both vets, I never served. But I often feel like I should have.
I've recently taken great interest in reading about the history of the Vietnam War. Your story is compelling, and very well written. It drives home the sacrifices and contributions of our Vietnam vets, who should be honored, respected & revered.
I was fortunate recently to talk to a survivor from the battle at Firebase Illingworth, April 1970. And I will never forget how he described it. I felt the same way after reading your memoir. I am aware that many vets are reluctant to talk to just anyone about their time over there. As a student of history, I feel strongly that these stories need to be told, and never forgotten.
Thanks again, and all my best to you. And to all who served.
Don
March 7, 2017
Well put Glyn, I am grateful that you fastidiously documented your experience.
Jeff
March 6, 2017
Great book. We were in the Army together a little bit during the same time (1973-1976).
Todd
March 5, 2017
Mr. Haynie,
Just finished your book, "When I turned 19"... First off, thank you so much for your service. Second, it gave me great insight on some of what you experienced there and I truly appreciate you sharing your story. Thanks again
Jason
March 5, 2017
I served in Vietnam Sept 67 to Sept 68 @ Long Binh as a supply specialist. I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book. Those of you who served in combat did the "heavy lifting" over there and guys like me were just trying our best to support your efforts. I wrote a favorable review comment about your book on the Amazon website. Well deserved!
Tom
March 4, 2017
Glyn,
Just finished your book. EXCELLENT!!! I was an A.F. dog handler at Da Nang working the perimeter from 12-20-67 through 12-20-68. We never considered Da Nang an in-country R&R destination, because we weren't allowed to go downtown or even off base for that matter. We worked with the Marines on the perimeter at night, and through this relationship they would open up the back gate during the day so we could "socialize" in Dog Patch. I had to crack up about your initial reaction to getting off the plane. Same here!! The heat, humidity and that friggin smell!!! I love watching the movie Platoon and I've told people that, to me, it's the most realistic movie made about 'Nam. But, it couldn't capture the "smell". Anyway, Glyn, loved your book. Welcome home, Brother.
Steven
March 2, 2017
Glyn,
I read your book and I give it a 5-star thumbs up. I am curious about what you did after you returned to The World. Did you re-up right away or did you give civilian life a try? You left me hanging with "I'm going to look for an apartment."
Thanks,
Doug
February 21, 2017
Glyn, just finished your book. Did a tour 196 lt InF 67/68.
How was it good?, @ the end I felt a profound sadness reading the obituaries, so that makes it good, it was personal and I was not there.
Everyday after Vietnam a gift, enjoy it, your buddies would have wanted you too.
My tour, Through the Valley, James F Humphries, and Why didn't you get me out, Frank Anton. Just north of you, could see it all again in Kindle.
Larry
February 14, 2017
Glyn, I just finished your book and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. It was total truth and well written. I served in Vietnam about the same time as you. I was a Navy Corpsman attached to the marines.
Welcome home brother.
Russ
February 12, 2017
I just finished your book about your tour in Vietnam. I was only ten years old at the time but my young brother in law was there then too. Only he was in the airforce at Nha Trang AFB. Vietnam was front and center in our family.
When my brother in law returned, he became a police officer in the city of Wayne, Michigan where your best friend Mike is from!
Thank you for writing your book. I am in awe of your service and of those who served with you. I pray for all those lost and for the eternal anguish Vietnam has caused. I also pray that we have learned from Vietnam and it's consequences.
With deepest respect and gratitude to you and all those who served in Vietnam.
Kathleen
February 8, 2017
Glyn, I was conscripted into the Australian Army in 1970 for a two year period. I did a tour of Vietnam as an infantry soldier in 1971 with the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
I have read quite a few books about Vietnam and I found yours to be very well written and one of the best books from an Infantry soldiers perspective that I have read, very well done.
The Australian Army had a different perspective with the installation goiing on returning from their tours together, so 90% of us were "Green" when we arrived in country. We did have replacements with Conscripts completing their two years service in the army, together with the KIA and wounded.
Look after yourself and again a great book.
Bob
January 22, 2017
I just finished your book. I am 75 years old, a lawyer, who did not serve in the armed forces because of a blood clotting issue. But I want to thank you for going to Vietnam. I am sorry you and all others who returned were not welcomed and honored as you deserved.
God does love you and He cares for you. I only hope that you turned back to Him since your return from the war Anyhow, thanks for serving and writing the book. It was a good read.
Bruce
January 17, 2017
Awesome read! I’m a fan of history and really enjoyed this excellent first-hand account of what it was like to be an infantryman in Vietnam. The book is easy to follow and keeps you captivated from the moment you pick it up until you put it down. Glyn, through his experiences as a rifleman, was able to capture the true emotions and feelings of the average combat soldier in an unpopular war. The hardships and heartbreaks were very well conveyed, leaving the reader with a sense of being there. I highly recommend this book to everyone studying or just interested in learning what it was like to be removed from civilian life and thrust into a day-to-day life or death situation. I bought several copies and gave them to young relatives interested in Vietnam. Don
January 17, 2017
A short note to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. Well written! Most importantly, thank you for your service and sacrifices.
Bill
January 14, 2017
Welcome home. Just finished your book and like all nam combat vets can relive your time in the Nam, same same my time. Very true and factual as too what I experienced in my tour, dec68/ 69. Isn't it the truth about the brotherhood and bonds that we share with our fellow brothers? I was a combat engr serving with the 299th cbt engrs in the highlands around Dak. To, Ben Het, in support of the 4th ID & the 173rd airborne. I enjoyed your book because it's a factual true account of life in the 60's before, during, and after the Nam. I was also involved in locating the bro's I served with and have attended 12 reunions. We have them every year at a different location across our great country. God, it is something that we made it home and too this day and forever miss our fallen. I salute you and all service men & women but especially those who served in Vietnam during those troubled years. We served proudly and we hold our heads high.
Jay
January 12, 2017
Glyn, Thank you for writing one of the best books I have read thus far that tell the soldiers side of the Vietnam War. I served in Vietnam from 9/15/66 to 9/15/67, serving as a Finance Officer at Headquarters, US Army Vietnam-long time ago. … I collect books that present the war from the soldiers point of view and would like to talk to you about your remarkable book. Once I started reading, the book defied putting down and I finished it in two days. Well written! I could almost feel the pain and smell Vietnam all over again.
Dave
January 10, 2017
A great read. Brought back good and bad memories as a young grunt in 1/7 1st MarDiv. Stay well.
Steve
January 3, 2017
Hello Glyn, I have just finished your book which I enjoyed very much. As an Englishman I was spared the horrors of Vietnam and find it incredible that you were all so young and endured so much. It could not have been an easy story to tell and must have awakened many painful memories; thanks for sharing your story with us. It is a very personal, yet inclusive narrative. The quotations of other's letters and photos bring it very much to life. Deep respect and thank you for your service.
Michael
November 17, 2016
We find When I Turned Nineteen to be an incredibly well written and moving memoir from the eyes of a young soldier. While it touches on the intense bursts of fear and the stresses of combat and the long stretches of boredom, it also exudes the kindness and brotherhood bonds that were made. Glyn writes with a heartfelt compassion as he talks of his observations of war.
Unattributed
September 15, 2016
… Mr. Haynie’s writing style is very personal and humanizing; it is very compelling. Complementing this personalized style is the fact that his brother accompanied him to Vietnam and that Glyn came from a military family, with a father who had served in both World War II and Vietnam. …
… At the same time, the style of the writing is coldly realistic. This account revealed more detail to me than I had ever read before about what it was like to be an infantryman in Vietnam. This realism will likely appeal to many readers. …
... Also very effective is Mr. Haynie’s use of quotations excerpted from soldiers’ letters home to their families or friends. These are looks deep inside the conflict, each revealing a different aspect of it because of the differing personalities, temperaments, and emphases of the different writers. ...
Excerpts from an Editorial Review by 1106 Design, Phoenix, AZ
September 11, 2016
"When I Turned Nineteen" was a wonderful surprise to me. As a fan of fiction novels, I didn't expect to be so captivated by a memoir pertaining to the Vietnam War. This book has all of the interesting characters, suspense & emotion that I enjoy in fiction novels. It is astonishing that these true events happened in the span of one year and even more shocking, at the young age of nineteen. Glyn paints a vivid picture of the events he endured, and I found myself constantly wanting to read "just one more chapter." I would highly recommend this book to all readers, regardless of their preferred genre of books!
~Jenni (Beta Reader)
September 9, 2016
"This retrospective story captures a year in the life of a young soldier sent to Vietnam just before his nineteenth birthday. The author describes in vivid detail the thoughts, experiences and actions of a platoon of soldiers facing the ugliness of war. He engages his reader with casual commentary reflecting about the life of young men sent to war among enemies, foreign lands and brotherhood. Personal letters and narratives add fascinating insights to platoon members who were all struggling with remarkably similar challenges."
A Must Read! :)
Suzanne(Beta Reader)
September 8, 2016
“When I turned Nineteen”
"This book is not your normal Vietnam book. It tells events of a tour in the Vietnam battlefield through the eyes of an 18 year old who turned 19 in the midst of war. The book causes you to think back to your own life at this age and contrast it to the experiences of Glyn Haynie.
Glyn’s story starts right after high school graduation and moves quickly into his voluntary enlistment in the Army. Glyn details the life of an infantryman and the grueling conditions they endure in the field. The book is compelling in that it is not only a story about Glyn, but his platoon, of which all did not come home. The book contains personal letters home from his platoon which really paints a clear picture of the emotions, mood and challenges these men endured. Storytelling and memories can change over time, by using actual letters sent home to families during the war, you get an accurate picture of their life at this time.
I will have my teenage son read this book once he is a little older, the horrifying events he experienced are so starkly in contrast with the average American at this age it will cause you to think deeply about the price of war that is paid primarily by the young in our society."
Kevin(Beta Reader)
September 2, 2016
"I am honored to be asked to provide a review on my friend and neighbor, Glyn Haynies’s first book When I Turned Nineteen: A Vietnam War Memoir.
Glyn takes his readers into the soul and mind of so many of our nation’s young soldiers during the Vietnam War. Through well-developed characters and first-hand accounts of life in the First Platoon Company A 3/1 11th Bde Americal Divison, 1969 Vietnam comes alive in the pages and pictures.
Painstaking research and years of gathering letters and pictures to recount Glyn’s year in the Vietnam War zone are revealed as the book takes you from Glyn’s high school graduation to his return home as a combat veteran. The letters home from his brother’s in arms are effective in supporting the day-to-day life in the platoon and the constant battle against the Viet Cong, mother nature, new platoon members and personal challenges.
When I Turned Nineteen: A Vietnam War Memoir is a must read for anyone looking to gain an insight into the finest Infantry Soldiers in the World and how they won daily and survived in Vietnam to return to the home, country and people they love."
Manny USAF Veteran and U.S. Air Force Academy Graduate. (Beta Reader)
September 1, 2016
"The story and experiences of a combat veteran at the age of Nineteen, something you never want to happen to your son, but it happened to so many of our young American boys, sent to the other side of the world, to Vietnam in the 60’s. They returned never to be the same, grown up way before their time.
When I Turned Nineteen: A Vietnam War Memoir chronicles the year-long events of combat infantrymen. You will understand why being a combat infantryman is the most dangerous position in any War. In Vietnam, even more so, we were fighting a civilian population, not only uniform soldiers, just men young and old, women and kids, all with one constant, hatred for Americans.
It is a well-written story. It effectively uses letters written by fellow infantrymen to their parents, times and events told as it happened. The story then moves to the difficult and painful events of War, losing your friends and fellow soldiers at the age of nineteen, holding their shot and mangled bodies, having them literally die in your arms. Then, with no time to mentally and physically adjust, you are asked to take the lead once again, stepping out one step at a time, with your life at risk with each step you take. Reading this book will let you know how the United States lost 38,000 men (one man at a time) and continues to suffer even today, with over 250,000 wounded men that were spread over this great country of ours.
The pain of War cannot be explained by any infantrymen. It is anguish and a personal nightmare that lives with a nineteen-year-old for the rest of his life. And the Story never ends."
John U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran 66-67. (Beta Reader)