Ever Vigilant - by Michael J Hebert (Paperback)

About the Book

It tells the personal story of a very young man thrust into the unknown with others of his age who were largely on their own at an isolated base on the South China Sea.

Book Synopsis

War is carried out by young people trained for the task. It occurs at the edge, or just over the edge, of what passes for civilized behavior. During the Vietnam War, the US military employed heavily-armed high-speed gunboats to intercept and disrupt enemy travel on the rivers and bays of South Vietnam.

In this variant from standard Vietnam War works, Michael Hebert takes the reader along for a ride in this engaging memoir of his year in Vietnam. This light yet quick-witted nautical adventure entertains readers with tales of romance, daring exploits, and abject fear. It is full of mayhem peppered with humorous undertones.

The remote Vung Ro Bay, while an idyllic setting, is not without peril. It is a constant target for snipers, mortar barrages, and full-out perimeter assaults. Hebert's boat becomes a casualty to a rocket propelled grenade. Their base is wiped out by a super typhoon and they are forced to spend two days in the South China Sea with mountainous swells that threaten to sink the small 32-foot craft.

From start to finish, 'Ever Vigilant' is an introduction to a young man's journey and coming of age in a war zone. While primarily based on his first-hand experience, he deftly weaves sufficient representation to incorporate the difficult life circumstances of the Vietnamese people and the Viet Cong. The motivation for why the enemy fights is a product of the life-hardships they bear. 'Ever Vigilant' offers a lively, compulsive read with a surprising finale.

Review Quotes

A well written and interesting book on one soldier's experience in Vietnam.

This book was not only excellent, the addition of pictures in each chapter added immensely to making it an interesting book. I found it hard to put this book down as the author was very effective in keeping your interest in the book. I found this book especially interesting as during my tour in Vietnam, had a chance to go out on one of the river boats like they had.

Army PBR Duty

Well written and unusual Vietnam experience. I suppose a lot of military members would consider this assignment as good duty, but all that can change in an instant! As an MOS it covers an area which is not very well known, but danger lurks in every corner. Well done! Thank you!

An interesting adventure, worth the time

The author relates his time in Viet Nam as a Coxwain on a PBR. Just another example of the very big differences that the members of the military experienced in country. Everyone has their own story; all served their country when called upon. Thank you, Mr. Hebert, for your service and for your memories.

This book was so interesting. A very quick read! I found myself reading with wonder hoping that everything would turn out alright (and realizing that the author obviously survived). The stories give a great view into life at Vung Ro Bay and some will make you laugh out loud. It is a different type of war story that I highly recommend.

A great story from a different perspective of the Vietnam war

After reading several different books pertaining to the different aspects of the complicated Vietnam conflict, this has been my favorite so far. The author is a great story teller on what it was like to operate in a PBR camp in the war.

enjoyable reading

The photos of the subject matter made this book a much more enjoyable reading experience. I liked the authors descriptions and could relate to some of his battle buddies.

An incredible story

How to spend a year in 'Nam under the radar of anyone who knew, or cared, where you were posted. An amazing well written account.

Review

Thank you. I enjoyed your book. I was infantry at Tuy Hoa. 1st 22nd infantry 4th division. Recon. Not a bad assignment. Once again appreciate the book

A youthful tale of war

Outstanding read on a history of the Army PBR folks. Hebert's memories and photos brought me right back in time! Bravo Zulu, Soldier!

Nice look at life on a gunboat.

Very enjoyable read. Mike shares details of the good and bad times during his tour on gunboats. You will follow along unable to stop reading.

Good book

I very much enjoyed the book being retired from the military it brought a lot of memories of all I served with