Overview

Saddle Up recounts the experiences of John C. Hedley and his fellow brothers in arms in the reconnaissance platoon known as Fox Force (E Company, 1st Battalion 14th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division) as they fought through the jungles of the Central Highlands of the former Republic of South Vietnam from 1969-1970. While much has been written about this infamous war, this story not only paints a picture of what it was like to be a solider, but also gives a glimpse in to how something so ugly could forge an incredible bond between strangers that lives on to this day. His time spent in Vietnam went on to shape the rest of his life.

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9780998900544

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Saddle Up! is an intimate and intense tale compellingly told. It provides an insight into the special bonds forged among and between members of a US infantry reconnaissance platoon in the heat of battle in the sweltering jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam, and provides a glimpse into the very soul of the small unit combat commander who led them. Dutch Hostler, USMA '68 Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) John Hedley takes you deep inside a close-combat infantry unit in Vietnam in his first-hand narrative, Saddle Up . Follow these hardened soldiers through some of the fiercest days of the Vietnam War. Fell the sense of camaraderie and unit cohesion that makes these men put their lives on the line for days on end. Gain an understanding of the shared danger and mutual respect that forges these men into a true band of brothers . This riveting book provides clear insights into what makes men face mortal danger in war like none other on the market. Hedley's writing style will captivate you from the start. I challenge you to put the book down! Truly a superb testimonial to the American fighting man. Ray Rhodes, LTC (Ret), US Army John Hedley literally wrenches his story of fighting in Vietnam directly from his gut. As an Infantry leader, he amply demonstrates throughout the story of his tour exactly what it took then and still, to this day, takes to instill in the men who comprise a unit a fierce loyalty and a strong will to successfully accomplish the harrowing missions that are assigned.As an author, he brings the sights, smells and sounds that accompany the adrenaline peaks and ebbs that become a continuous and familiar cycle to those who must confront the enemy face-to-face. The honing of a combat unit's discipline and keen instincts through highly effective leadership becomes familiar to those who have been in Hedley's situation.The fears that one must swallow and overcome are a great part of a combat leader's normal day as he struggles against a largely unseen enemy that appears infrequently, providing an almost surreal backdrop to the rising tensions prior to actual contact in battle. This internal conflict is brought to the fore in this author's highly accurate and extremely sound descriptions of his personal feelings.Through all of his story, John Hedley relates the admiration and love for the men who are in his unit. His steadfast attention to the smallest details of his warrior craft coupled with his all-consuming care for their welfare most certainly brought the majority of his unit back home from the horrors of this war.This book will enlighten those who reverently wish to follow in Hedley's footsteps as a small unit leader. The book should become required reading for all who wish to pursue a career of excellence in our American military. Scott Vickers, USMA '68 LTC Hedley's experiences can be summed up in the short phrase often seen in Vietnam amongst American troops. I am what others feared to be; I went where others feared to go; I did what others should have done.' Read the book and find the meaning in those few words. Craig S. Carson, Infantry Company Commander in RVN, 1970-1971, 173rd ABN

"""Saddle Up! is an intimate and intense tale compellingly told. It provides an insight into the special bonds forged among and between members of a US infantry reconnaissance platoon in the heat of battle in the sweltering jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam, and provides a glimpse into the very soul of the small unit combat commander who led them."" Dutch Hostler, USMA '68 ""Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) John Hedley takes you deep inside a close-combat infantry unit in Vietnam in his first-hand narrative, ""Saddle Up"". Follow these hardened soldiers through some of the fiercest days of the Vietnam War. Fell the sense of camaraderie and unit cohesion that makes these men put their lives on the line for days on end. Gain an understanding of the shared danger and mutual respect that forges these men into a true ""band of brothers"". This riveting book provides clear insights into what makes men face mortal danger in war like none other on the market. Hedley's writing style will captivate you from the start. I challenge you to put the book down! Truly a superb testimonial to the American fighting man."" Ray Rhodes, LTC (Ret), US Army ""John Hedley literally wrenches his story of fighting in Vietnam directly from his gut. As an Infantry leader, he amply demonstrates throughout the story of his tour exactly what it took then and still, to this day, takes to instill in the men who comprise a unit a fierce loyalty and a strong will to successfully accomplish the harrowing missions that are assigned.As an author, he brings the sights, smells and sounds that accompany the adrenaline peaks and ebbs that become a continuous and familiar cycle to those who must confront the enemy face-to-face. The honing of a combat unit's discipline and keen instincts through highly effective leadership becomes familiar to those who have been in Hedley's situation.The fears that one must swallow and overcome are a great part of a combat leader's normal day as he struggles against a largely unseen enemy that appears infrequently, providing an almost surreal backdrop to the rising tensions prior to actual contact in battle. This internal conflict is brought to the fore in this author's highly accurate and extremely sound descriptions of his personal feelings.Through all of his story, John Hedley relates the admiration and love for the men who are in his unit. His steadfast attention to the smallest details of his warrior craft coupled with his all-consuming care for their welfare most certainly brought the majority of his unit back home from the horrors of this war.This book will enlighten those who reverently wish to follow in Hedley's footsteps as a small unit leader. The book should become required reading for all who wish to pursue a career of excellence in our American military."" Scott Vickers, USMA '68 ""LTC Hedley's experiences can be summed up in the short phrase often seen in Vietnam amongst American troops. I am what others feared to be; I went where others feared to go; I did what others should have done.' Read the book and find the meaning in those few words."" Craig S. Carson, Infantry Company Commander in RVN, 1970-1971, 173rd ABN"

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