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When I Turned Nineteen
A Vietnam War Memoir
When I Turned Nineteen
A Vietnam War Memoir
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May 9, 2020
Mr Haynie, I just finished reading you book When I turned Nineteen. Have to say it was one of the best books on a soldiers life I have ever read. I also was in the service at 19. One year behind you. I was in college and wasn't learning anything but I didn't want to go to Vietnam. Scared of dying I guess. Or worse, crippled for life. I joined a reserve unit, went to basic and AIT school in 1970 but was never called up for active duty other then training camps. I read all the books I can on that war. Somehow it makes me feel a little better about not going. I feel I let you guys down. Thanks for your service. Would like to sit and talk with you one day 'cept most 'Nam vets don't want to discuss what they had to do. Don't blame them. I won't forget you guys. Never.
Jeff
April 5, 2020
I listened to your audio book “When I Turned Nineteen”. You see my father is a Vietnam veteran and he rarely speaks of it. I listened to learn more of what he went through.
I know everyone’s experience was probably different, but I still wanted to get a glimpse into what it was like. I thank you... for not only allowing me to do so, but for your service! You, my father and many others who went through this are true heroes! what a great book! Thank you!!
JenNoel
February 17, 2020
Glyn
Thoroughly enjoyed "When I Turned 19". Thank you for your service. I am very impressed by the mental and physical toughness that you displayed while serving in VN. You also showed a great deal of composure for someone of your young age. John Baxter was a classmate of mine in OCS Feb 68 - Aug 68. As he was not in my platoon, I did not get to know him very well. From afar, he always appeared to be a very composed individual. It is so nice to know that he did a sterling job as a platoon leader in VN. As a 1LT, I ended up doing a tour in VN as a advisor at Dau Tieng District in III Corps. I did get to meet with John at our 50th OCS reunion at Benning in 2018.
We are all very proud of you, as well as John. Best regards to you and your family.
Keep on writing
Charles
LTC, U,S. Army - retired
February 14, 2020
Thank you Glyn Haynie for taking the time to capture and share your Vietnam experiences as well as the experiences of many of those that served with you!
David
February 3, 2020
Mr. Haynie,
Let me begin by saying thank you so very much for your many years of service to the United States, the citizens of our great country will never be able to fully thank you and so many others for your sacrifice. I am a high school social studies teacher in a small Wisconsin town and am always looking for material to broaden my knowledge. I just finished reading your book, "When I Turned Nineteen", an incredible read indeed. I wanted to let you know that your book has given me an insight into the Vietnam War like nothing I've ever read or watched before, thanks to your honest and humble first-hand accounts. I look forward to incorporating your stories and the knowledge I have gained from your book into my classroom, and know that it will be a great benefit to my students. My hope is that I can continue to educate future generations of Americans to have a full understanding of the honorable actions of great men like yourself.
Thank you,
Benjamin
January 21, 2020
Glyn,
Thanks for your account of the life as an Infantryman in Viet Nam and assigned to A CO, 3/1. I sent you some comments already from the initial few reading but since that time re-read the book and did some comparisons with my own journal of Nov 68-69. Since I was the Battalion Chaplain, I had responsibilities to provide religious services, etc to the four maneuver companies, HHQ. Getting to know you Soldiers closely was difficult, but there are several who I remember clearly. My travels to the various units required getting any transportation available, including the Resupply, Commander's Chopper or any other flight that had room. Also, I did make some trips with jeep or deuce and half.
Many of the places and events you wrote about I have captured in the diary, but from my perspective. Sometimes I entered "three soldiers killed today" without the names. Other entries I listed the name of the Soldier, probably because I knew him personally. There were some men who attended my services regularly, but often shortened because of WIA or KIA. As I mentioned before Bobby McCoy was one and Bruce Tufts only the one time during Stand Down.
I am feeling quite emotional at this time with memories of multiple Memorial Services I had over that year. I feel especially sad that the MS I conducted did not connect as I wished with those men suffering from the loss of their close buddies. Part of this was my own fault that I could not allow myself to feel much emotion at the time. Like many I buried the pain, hurt, sorrow, and sometimes anger deep within my soul. Other times the MS was hurried because the Battalion Command wanted it as soon as possible and desired to attend. As a Christian Chaplain I had the privilege to share the love of God with you men, but did not know the intensity of pain and anger you felt toward God. Have you at all reconciled your anger toward the Lord?
Ron
January 9, 2020
Just finished reading When I Turned 19. Great autobiography of your year in Nam. Looking forward to reading your follow up book. I've read a pile of Nam autobiographies and "19" is one of my favorites.
Sincerely, Don
December 25, 2019
I just finished Glyn’s book. The book was so well written and intense. I wanted to give 19 yr. old Glyn a hug all throughout reading it. I choked back tears in the end as I was finishing it up on the plane. I hope to never forget about the people who fought and died. Please Thank Glyn for sharing his story.
Lien
December 5, 2019
Glyn,
I just finished your book (When I Turned Nineteen)
Well written and honest, most enjoyable. I have read more that 40 books (no fiction or novels) about the war in Vietnam. Some are written by John Wayne wannabes, yours was not, I believe why I read so many of them is out of survivors guilt. I was Air Police (Law Enforcement) at Phan Rang May '70 to May '71. I know and knew we had it good compared to the grunts. I want to know more of what you guys did and how, therefore I read.
I can identify with the parents of troops in a war zone. My son did 3 tours of Iraq and one in Afghanistan and was with the group that took the Baghdad airport. (3rd ID). I am so proud of him. I honor anyone who earned the CIB.
Again, thanks for your tremendous book.
Doug
November 26, 2019
Glyn, I just finished your book, When I Turned Nineteen. I found it to be a very good read. I grew up in the 60's and as a child I was glued to the TV when the evening news came on. I have read over 450 nonfiction books about the Vietnam war and found yours to be one of the better books I have come across. I want to sincerely thank you for your service to our country in an unpopular war, and please know that you Vietnam and Vietnam Era veterans have the unwavering support of a lot of American citizens. Thank you again for your sacrifice. Tom Mains
Tom
October 29, 2019
Glyn, I'm currently reading your well written book, I believe it should be required reading for all students in high school. I too am a Viet Nam vet, 1971-1972 Stay safe and healthy!
James
October 24, 2019
Glyn I recently read your book. I believe that you captured the essence of the tour for me and no doubt for many other soldiers.
I was a bit older and did not arrive until late 1969. I can recall many similar events. You put it into perspective. We had a job to do, but, we would like to be somewhere else.
Thank you Glyn.
I am going to read your new book as soon as I can.
James
September 12, 2019
Thank you for writing this book and for sharing with us the memories of the members of the platoon and yourself. It felt like I was transported back in time and walking alongside the platoon and witnessing the events. It is almost possible to feel the heat, the wet monsoon, and the intensity of the emotions through the words in the book. Great read!
Resolute
September 5, 2019
Glyn, I have just listened on Audible to all three of your books in order back to back. I really enjoyed your first book, what a harrowing year you had, words can't describe what you guys went through. Your second was brilliant and what an amazing and interesting career you have had. Your third well, in a way it was my favourite, sometimes had me smiling often brought a tear to my eye, a fantastic experience the three of you had and finding the platoon again was just so very moving. I am not American however I really want to say Welcome Home to you anyway, I feel you deserve it and the message through your books about remembering your fallen brothers is so strong. Thank you for sharing your life and experiences with us and I wish you all the best.
Ross
July 4, 2019
Mr. Haynie, thank you for your service, thank you for your book and most of all welcome home. I am also a Desert shield/Desert Storm combat veteran. I served with 5/18th Infantry (mech) as a platoon leader. I have read many books on the Vietnam war and know many men who served over there in various capacities as well as many different MOS's. Your account truly moved my spirit. Not only was it emotional, but extremely inspiring. I felt as if I was there. Thank you for writing an account of what you experienced while serving our nation. I will get your other work very soon. Continue with God.
John
June 30, 2019
I served in the 198th Brigade during the same time Glyn Haynie was in the 11th Brigade. I was a First LT Platoon Leader until I was promoted to Captain. I think he expressed the life of a Grunt better than I have ever heard it expressed in a book. As he said most of the time my platoon was less than 20 men and while on the bunker line Pot became more of a problem. The news of war protests back in the states also effected morale. Even with these problems most men looked out for each and did their best. Very good book and I am glad Glyn stayed in the Army. I can't wait to read the next book.
James
March 29, 2019
Glyn,
I just finished reading your book; it was a memorable if painful read for me. Remarkably, every single experience and every place (except LZ Charlie Brown and visiting Tokyo) in your book is familiar to me including being blown up by a command detonated buried bomb, being point man even as an E-5 to try and keep my squad/platoon safe, escorting a soldier prisoner to Saigon with a .45 caliber pistol, R&R in Bangkok, etc. You see, I was a combat infantryman in D/3/1, 11th LIB, Americal Division from January 1968 to January 1969.
Until reading your book, I have mostly repressed the memories of that year of my life—not just the brothers killed and more severely wounded that I was, the firefights, the snipers, the IEDs, the incoming mortars, the RPGs, and the fear, but also the camaraderie, the closeness and the wonderful qualities of those with whom I served. I do know that I was far more worried leaving my unit in Vietnam (and the Army altogether) as I returned to “the world” that I was about going to Vietnam in the first place (after volunteering for the draft I was initially sent to Germany and volunteered for Vietnam from there so I my two years was over upon coming back to the U.S.).
Copies of your book are going to my daughter and grandchildren, and I will donate several copies to the local Veterans Treatment Court for which I serve as a mentor. You have done a far better job of recording these experiences that I could ever do. Thank you so much for that; and thank you for your service. …
Respectfully,
Bob
March 14, 2019
I was with E Troop the same time and places as you were. Your story about Hill4-11 brought back all the memories. … Most of us have symptoms from Agent Orange that contaminated the potable water that flowed by the south side of the bunker line on Bronco. If you weren’t aware that was the water processing supply point and they used a lot of the herbicide between the wire by the stream. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for writing about your experiences that parallel E Troops.
Hank
December 25, 2018
Received “When I turned Nineteen” as a Christmas gift. I’m a history buff. I was young enough not to have to worry about going to Vietnam. While I never participated in any mistreatment of soldiers returning, I’ve made it a practice to thank any Vietnam era vet for their service and to say Welcome Home. As a child of an Okinawa vet, servicemen have always been held in high esteem. I take this moment to say. Thank you for your service and Welcome Home. I appreciated the book because it was a young soldier’s view of what makes any war terrible, but, that one more so. I will never feel what it’s like to lose someone close for no good reason. It was exceedingly moving to see your pain. I’ve been to The Wall and also had the distinct privilege to sing with the Huntsville(Texas) Men’s Choir while the Traveling Wall was at our local Veteran’s Museum. Having read multiple books on the War and seen various documentaries, your book was one that did not try to make me, the reader, decide to agree or disagree with the War, what you went thru or anything related. That is unusual and much appreciated. I’ve gone thru many phases of my feelings about what we were doing in Vietnam, but, regardless of my feelings pro or con at any point, I’ve always respected and felt sad for the majority of the men and the women who had to be there. I know some descended into barbarism and took it out on innocents. However, the overwhelming numbers were similar to you. Sent to a God forsaken place to take a hill or build a base only to leave it soon after by their country who ended up turning their back on you all. I plan to get the other books you have written because I want to know more from a soldier who did what was asked, lost, loved and came home to be a great citizen who should have been able to go to college, chase girls and drive fast cars. Or, whatever, that eighteen year old wanted to do. Excellent book and again, Thank You for your service to our nation. WELCOME HOME GLYN!
Rick
December 21, 2018
Glyn, I really enjoyed reading your book. Although I wasn't in the Army, it brought back many memories of Vietnam and Chu Lai. I served in the Navy as an aircrewman flying reconnaissance with VW-1 Airborne Early Warning Squadron. Our planes were down at the airfield but we stayed up on the far end of the hill past the PX. My brother in law was in the 312th Med Evac hospital unit there close to the PX during the same time. I was there during all 4 Tets. Arrived in country December 1967, Left in spring 1970. You guys always had my deepest respects.
Freddie
December 13, 2018
Mr. Haynie,
.… as a high school band director, I find myself playing a lot of patriotic performances around our area. Last year, our high school band marched in the National Memorial Day in Washington, D.C. With a tour of Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Wall, our students received a strong education in the sacrifices that our servicemen endure. I try to educate them at every turn because I think it is important for them to understand why they have the rights and privileges that they do.
I would like to thank you for your service and for sharing your story for all to read. Lately, I have found myself with a particular interest in the Vietnam War. It was a time that I know least about and for some reason, want to learn. As I stood at the Vietnam Memorial Wall last year, I watched a group of gentlemen stand at attention, salute their fallen brothers, pass around a beer as they toasted to their memory, and wiped tears from their eyes. I found myself wiping tears from mine, as well. Since I was born in 1971, I do not understand all of what happened, but I want to learn. Your book (When I Turned Nineteen) was an excellent read for me as it gave me the viewpoint from a young Soldier going through one of the toughest times in their life. I couldn't imagine such a time or how I would handle it. I recently bought your second book of Soldiering After The Vietnam War. I look forward to reading about your journey.
I am grateful to your service, your sacrifice, and for sharing your story. As I continue to learn about the Vietnam War, I am glad to have run across your writings.
Thank you,
Tony
November 12, 2018
Dear Mr Haynie,
... I finished your first book only moments ago and for the first time in my life feel strongly compelled to write to an author. Strangely, I am somewhat at a loss for words; I find my eyes focusing again and again on the blinking cursor. I guess I'll just say what I feel and hope it comes out alright.
I want to thank you for serving in the military, our military. Though I was not to be born for close to a decade after you left Vietnam I still care, wholly and with true thankfulness, about the men who went through the boredom, the pain, the loneliness and the fear that was Vietnam, the Vietnam that you described.
Your book brought home to me details that I do not believe I will forget anytime soon, if ever.
A part of me feels a real sense of loss for the men you called brothers who never made it home. I am not easily emotional, never have been, but in some parts of your book I suddenly found my throat tightening with sadness, and tears welling in my eyes.
I know I will read the next book, but...well, I don't want to see the words I know will be written there, describing the treatment you received from ungrateful...people. It has bothered me terribly since the very first, the way that returning Vietnam veterans were treated. And I can imagine that your straightforward style of writing will illuminate that even further.
I do not want to feel further anger and disappointment toward fellow Americans, but I know I will and I suppose I should, because you and others like you HAD to feel it; you were there and had no choice.
I learned a great deal from your book and will in fact be discussing it tomorrow, the 13th of November, at a book club at a local library; my first book club in fact.
I'm proud to have read your story and if I may be so bold, I am PROUD of you.
Please forgive the length of this note and please believe I mean every word.
~Sincerely,
Heather
November 9, 2018
I picked up your book from the library and read it in one day, I could not put it down. I feel you absolutely nailed what it was like for a grunt in Viet Nam. I too was 19 when I was in Viet Nam a year after you were there. We even traveled some of the same places I believe. Welcome home brother and thank you for your service.
Jeff
October 10, 2018
Hello Glyn,
Just completed your "When I Turned Nineteen" and I salute you for your service, your tribute to those you served with, along with all who served in Vietnam.
Tongue in cheek here...you might have titled it, "When I Turned Ninety."
I hope you experienced some form of personal release and relief during what was no doubt an emotional and time-consuming effort.
My compliments to you on your book!
Mike
II Corps Vietnam
Dec 66 - Dec 67
September 21, 2018
Great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading, “When I turned 19.”
Mike
September 15, 2018
Glyn
I just finished “When I Turned Nineteen.” Some pages were tough to read. I had to do it over a couple of days. Excellent account of the summer of ’69. Congratulations! …
Dick
September 11, 2018
Hello Glyn, after I bought and started reading "When I Turned Nineteen" I couldn't put it down. First and foremost, THANK YOU for your service and bravery.
I'm a few years older than you (born 1944). I was one of the fortunate ones who served in the reserves, 1966-1972. Although trained on active duty during the big troop buildup in 1967 and after being told we would probably be sent to Vietnam that never came to pass. everyone in my AIT company with the exception of reservists went to Vietnam. I often wonder how many of those guys never returned?
Over the years I have developed a tremendous admiration and respect for guys who served in our generation's "unpopular war" and always go out of my way to thank anyone wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat, a hat that for many years after the war many vets were reluctant to wear and now wear proudly.
Once again, thank you Glyn, you're a fine American and I look forward to reading your second book.
Gordon
August 24, 2018
Dear Mr Haynie
I have just finished "When I turned Nineteen"; thank you for your service. Thank you also for sharing your story; you are a brave man Mr Haynie.
Brenda, New Zealand
August 6, 2018
Mr. Haynie,
I very much enjoyed reading your first book “When I Turned Nineteen”. Your account of that time in your life is so real and honest. I believe it tells the story for all Americans, those who were there, those who weren’t and those that did not return. I hope in writing it you were able to gain even more peace in your life and I’m sure it helped others who are still trying to deal with their memories of that time. We must all learn from that past and never forget the bravery of you young men who fought in southeast Asia and all the wars in history. Serving your country while doing a near impossible job with such dignity is amazing and inspiring. It struck me how young you guys were, even platoon leaders. I cannot imagine the feeling of coming home to find things here had not changed much but knowing your experiences over the previous year would be with you forever. I can’t help but ask if , after all you went through, did you feel angry and how were you able to deal with such deep emotions?
I am very honored to have met you and I am so proud of the job you did and continue to do. I know that you have touched the lives of so many in a positive way,
Scott
July 3, 2018
Just finished your book, thanks for writing it. It brought back many memories of my time in Vietnam where I served as a medic with the 101st Airborne in 1965-66, I enjoyed your story and your writing style. I’ll have a bourbon and coke and cigar now in memory of you and all your brothers. Thanks again for your story.
Jim
June 11, 2018
... A must read for all NCO's and Junior Officers on active duty AND anyone who has been to combat in any Theater in any war. So many times when I was reading I found myself in my own career in his book reliving the unique experiences only we who have served know love and hate all in the same emotion. Freezing in a hole or a mountaintop or dripping from rain that seems to never stop or being so hot your convinced you’re going to burst inside. Through it all you’re with other Joes who need you and you need them - an amazing book I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m going to buy several more to give as gifts to my close combat friends I see weekly here in Camas/Vancouver Wa.
Daniel
April 11, 2018
Sir,
My father served in the Americal Division 11th Light Infantry Brigade Alpha Company 3rd Battalion 1st Infantry from 1968-1969. My father's name was Jack Toschi and he recently passed and really never spoke of his time in Vietnam. I have a few stories, his discharge papers, and a few of his medal citations. I am just looking for info about my father's time in Vietnam and also a book I can read about his Company and looks like I found one!! I have reached out to a few Veterans and they are helping me search for people who may have served with my father and I am also looking into attending the reunion next July in Columbus Georgia. I just wanted to say thanks for writing about your experience so I can read what my father may have went through.
Sincerely,
Michael
April 2, 2018
Just finished and enjoyed your book, "WHEN I TURNED 19". Can't imagine what you guys went through. I am a veteran. Basic at Ft Gordon GA, advanced Ft Benning, said I volunteered. Had no idea what mission we were on. Broke my ankle in jump school and shipped to Ft Eustis Va after 4 wks in traction. To this day my ankle cracks when I walk. Got discharged in 1963 just before discharges were frozen. Never saw combat and admire you for what they sent you to do. God bless you and your great family.
Ron
March 15, 2018
Just finished your book. It was great. I'm 58 and lost a brother in the Marines in 68. I've read a boot load of Vietnam books. Glad you made it ok. Not to be trite but thanks for the service and also for the book. Hope you and your wife are well.
Glenn
February 21, 2018
Mr. Haynie:
I am writing to say thank you for your service and the service of all of your brothers that served and sacrificed. I am reading your book and don't have words to express all of the feelings that go through me as I read it. I am sure you get this all of the time. You deserve all of the thanks.
I was born October 19, 1966 so obviously I wasn't part of your generation. But as an American who is afforded ALL of the comforts that we enjoy, I want you to know that not only do I know what was/is given for our way of life (WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc...), I really don't have words to express the gratitude. I try and instill this in my children as well just as my dad did to me.
I sense that there is a sense of entitlement that has been ingrained especially today's generation. That's just not right. I want you to know that I try and live a life of appreciation. Your book is powerful. I am sure there are others. This country is in disarray. But we still are the best and most free country in the world. Because of the sacrifice and service of ALL that served. I know war is not the answer ultimately to solve problems (there's usually a government agenda). But sometimes it's their response necessary to evil in the world (e.g. 9/11).
I lost my brother in the WTC that day. But in those times, people sacrifice to defend and protect.
I hope that your life is good and that you know there are people that try and keep you guys in mind. I also hope that one day I am honored/blessed to talk to you soon day or actually met you (I'd probably ask you to sign my book - haha)
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
PETE
February 19, 2018
Glyn, I will give this book 5 stars… I am really touched deeply by your memoir and it has me longing to reconnect with my grunt brothers of 50 years ago. May you have continued success. From those you had commanded at State College, I know you have always led from the front! Side note I have a 1911 45 CAP, similar to one I carried, but your book has me longing for a M79. Your friend Bob.
February 19, 2018
Hi, thought I'll drop you off a note about your book! Fantastic Reading Sir! Answered a lot of "dumb" questions I had about the war. I'm swedish and have no relationship whatsoever with the war, I still find it a great read. Thanks for a great book ! Best regards,
Patrik
February 17, 2018
Mr Haynie,
Hope and pray all is well your way. I am in the final pages of your recollections of the war in Vietnam through your book "When I Turned Nineteen". I must say after reading many books on combat from WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan yours is one of my favorites. In my humble opinion and as I've told my family, friends and business associates, the Vietnam War was horrible for our young men like yourself at the time, The other wars had objectives, had purpose and were understandable by nearly everyone. Vietnam, along with Russian and Chinese support, had been battle hardened against the French for years, also you were on their turf, You and your brothers had all the odds stacked against you and you still had victories and success with little support from many American people and American politicians. Thank you for your brave service, you are more appreciated as time goes by and that senseless war fades into history. Your book and its perspective can be a valuable resource for our children and our children's children. Indeed for all Americans. May the good Lord bless you and your family.
Jim
February 16, 2018
Dear Glyn, After reading your book I feel as if I know you so I hope you don't mind that I use your first name. John Baxter and I served in the Peace Corps together in Chile. I was older than the average volunteer because I had served in the Navy and had finished college before joining the Peace Corps. He told me about your book recently and I am happy to tell you that it is an outstanding story by an eyewitness. I put a lot of stock in authors who lived their story. John really played down his role in your account of the events that unfolded in Vietnam. He was well respected and I have even more respect for him now after reading your outstanding book. If I were still teaching my class about the Vietnam War, When I Turned Nineteen would be required reading. Thank you!
William
January 26, 2018
Glyn, just finished your book "when I turned nineteen". I found the book very captive and gave me goose pimples every so often as it stirred distant memories of a distant country and time. I served with the 36th Engineer Battalion in the MeKong Delta region (VinhLong, Can Tho) all of 1971. I have tried to find some of my former buddies but to no avail. Found one but deceased. We are getting older now and are leaving this world, a lot of us from Agent Orange induced diseases. I hope you are doing good. Thank you for your service.
Richard
January 19, 2018
I just got done reading the book When I Turned Nineteen. I graduated in 1965 from a small High School when I was 17 and when I turned 18 I volunteered for the draft and went through Fort Polk, Louisiana, with a Infantry MOS with mortar training. I was sent to Vietnam of course and I was 18 at the time. Reading your book put me right back in-country with the sounds and the smells. I kept telling my wife, been there done that. Great job on a special book.
John
January 17, 2018
Glyn...I was a career air force person serving from July 1965 through August 1989. My job was a crew chief on fighter aircraft. Crew chiefs job is to maintain his assigned aircraft. I was based at Korat, Thailand two different times where I worked on F-105's. We bombed North Vietnam from bases in Thailand.
I bought your book "When I Turned 19". Excellent work on your book Glyn I really enjoyed it.
You're a brave man Glyn, you had an honorable career.
I graduated from high school in 1965 and two of my former classmates have passed from being exposed to Agent Orange from serving in South Vietnam.
Thankfully today the majority of Americans support the men and women in uniform unlike when you and I served in the 1960's.
Jim
January 3, 2018
Hello; Found your book when I turned 19 great reading. I was a 2nd Lt at Danang in 1972 with the 525 Quartermaster taking care of all the fuel. I had a good tour/very lucky.
Best Regards
Mel
January 2, 2018
Wow just finished your tremendous book. It's a well written book telling a fantastic story. It's seemed that Vietnam stories ended with Tet 69 and nothing until the pull out. There was very little mention of the contribution and sacrifice of the units of the Americal and even less regarding the 11th.
I picked up your book New Year's Eve and read it straight through.
Glyn as you might have guessed I also am a infantry veteran having served in c 4/21 and b 1/20 11th brigade, March 69 to February 70. I'm very familiar with the same AO. Reading your story is almost like looking in a mirror as many areas are similar.
Welcome home and thanks for your service. Thank you for telling your story in an unblemished manner.
Tom Ridge was also there same time, in our unit.
Did you also know that the NVA had a 200 bed hospital under LZ Debbie?
Best Dan
December 30, 2017
Mr. Haynie,
… Great book, the letters home really gave you a good understanding of the men fighting. The contrast of the conditions you served in versus my recent service made me very thankful for my situation. You served in a very tough time in the Army. I'm glad you’re able to share your stories.
JT
December 23, 2017
Just finished your book and can say it is one of the best personal stories I have ever read pertaining to a persons life in Vietnam.
I struggle to understand war and probably always will.
Even though this is many years after Vietnam I want to thank you for your Service. I know that every person that served life changed forever and America never bothered to thank you guys properly.
Look forward to reading your next book.
Thanks again and happy holidays!
John
December 15, 2017
A very good read. I am a Navy vet, 54 to 58. You Vietnam guys deserve a lot more than you got. Thanks for your service.
Larry
December 7, 2017
Dear Mr. Glyn,
My name is Courtni, I am 17 years old and from Newnan, Ga. I read your book for a project that I had to do for my Vietnam War history class. In that class Vietnam veterans, who live in Georgia, came in to talk to us about their experiences in the war. I loved your book and it was so easy to follow along! Some of your experiences were unbelievable! I just wanted to tell you that I liked your book and I will be referring it to many people. Thank you!
-Courtni
November 15, 2017
Good morning Glyn,
I have just finished your story of your experience in Vietnam, as l read it I tried to put myself in your shoes as a young nineteen year old and what was I doing at that age. I remember 1970 very well, I was eighteen and my father was an ex major in the British army and fought the Japanese in Burma and I grew up with stories of fighting in the jungle and an enemy…
I have read many many books about his war and the slaughter was enormous so I can only but wonder, you have been through it you know .Thank you for your story it was moving and very well recounted and I am sorry for the loss of your buddies.
Peter
November 13, 2017
Great book first time I read about kool-aid in letters home.
Ken
November 12, 2017
I enjoyed reading your book, I served in the USAF in 1970 to 1975. My cousin was a marine, my brother-in-law was killed while flying his jolly green on a rescue mission to retrieve a downed pilot. The war touched a lot us. Thanks for sharing.
Steve
October 8, 2017
Glyn
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
