About Us

Wow, February 16, 2013

By 

Murphy - ( Vietnam War Vet. Distinguished Flying Cross for flying Medical Evacuations under heavy fire)

This book is the best that I have read on the Vietnam era, it is true from cover to cover. If you are a Marine, know a Marine or want to be a Marine, this is a must read book. Anyone any branch of service, if you saw combat in Vietnam you need to read this book. All stories are true, not fiction like some of the books that I have read. Outstanding book.

MLF

Informative, Entertaining, Beautiful, and Profound, February 8, 2013

By 

scottyr66 "scottyr66" -

This book will reward any reader, but especially those who served in the Vietnam war, or who knows someone who did. Written by Charles D. Jones (now a Regents Professor of Art at Stephen F. Austin State University), who was a young LT and platoon leader of C Co ("Suicide Charley") 1st BN, 7th Marines, the book tells it's story in an easy to read, apolitical, highly informative way. Also, it is a very visual book, including many personal photographs from then and now, drawings and sketches made in country, and images from "the Vietnam Suite" series of paintings. Included is a DVD of images, songs, poem readings and some really great raw color footage from newsreel reports right from Vietnam.

The book is set up in eight sections: I. Beginnings, which is primarily autobiographical, but is easily applicable to many young men of that time. II. Being There, relating details of Operations Starlight and Piranha, base camp life, and more. III. is "the Vietnam Suite", a moving and evocative series of paintings and poems by the author about his experiences in the war. IV: Operation Indiana (or "the Battle" as the survivors often call it)is the pivotal "trigger point" of the book, telling the story of what happened 28 March 1966, when this half-strength company of Marines, planned as a blocking force, was ambushed by a full, heavy-weapons reinforced regimental force of the NVA - Suicide Charley, in a bloody battle, with many stories of selfless heroism, finally routs the enemy. Included in here is the official BN Commander's account, the Company Commander, and also individual survivors' stories. Section V includes the citations - including a Medal of Honor - of the men of Suicide Charley. It is noted that there were many, many more acts of heroism that were not awarded. VI, Women's Song, relates the often unknown stories of the women in the lives of these men, who were so important then and now, and the men's stories are not complete without them. "Taps", section VII, is perhaps the most moving, listing those who were KIA or have since died. VIII is a a glossary of small arms and equipment carried by the men.

Also included are woodcut images created by the author from a collaborative effort with a North Vietnamese called "the Bear Went Over the Mountain" (another beautiful book).

I love this book. Everyone I know who has it loves this book. I have heard multiple stories of how helpful this book is in understanding the experiences of loved ones who served in Vietnam, and how helpful it is for those who struggle with their experiences from the conflict.

If you are interested in military history, get this book.

If you served, or know someone who served in Vietnam, get this book.

If you love art or poetry, get this book.

If you are a Marine,get this book.

In short, get this book.

A Gift for Generations to Come, February 23, 2013

By 

* Robert M. Shelly (Navy Corpsman, Vietnam War Vet. Purple Heart)

I became the company commander of Suicide Charley in early May 65 and remained until rotated back to the states on 28 June 66. We started with approximately 200 Marines and after nine months and Operation Indiana, we had sixty left. The company was a precise killing machine and at my last count killed approximately 350 of the enemy during our time "in country." They were a force to be reckon with...

Of the six officers assigned the company, five were from Texas and the "odd ball" as I affectionately call him, was from Arkansas. Needless to say, if some one called you an S.O.B., it was a term of endearment. As company commander, I often wondered why Charlie Jones, my second platoon commander, an art student from Sam Houston State University, became a Marine infantry officer. "Chopper Blues" answers that question...

Semper Fi....

Ben Goodwyn

Capt. USMC, (Vietnam War Vet. Silver Star Recipient) 

Chopper Blues Is A Must Read For All Marines And All Historians, February 19, 2013

Steven Ek Marine Platoon Commander, Vietnam War Vet.

This is an outstanding account of close combat by members of Charley Co., 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment while living, fighting, and dying on a peninsula south of the Chu Lai Marine conclave during 1965-66. The author, Charles Jones, has done an outstanding job of presenting that year of war both by drawing, paintings, photos, and descriptions of small unit combat action in the Vietnam war. Any reader will be touched by what Charles Jones and other members of his Marine company endured during that year, and will be particularly affected by the narrations that Jones was able to gather while developing this terrific book. This is must read for all Marines and for any person who is interested in what it was like to live in those conditions and under the stress and suffering of near constant combat with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army. I highly recommend this book and am proud to have received a copy through my Marine Corps friendship with Charles Jones that dates back to 1964.

Superlative work, February 11, 2013

By 

R.J.H. - 

I have read the book several times and flipped back to the different pieces of art work and pictures that are presented. Dr. Jones has done an amazing job in bringing back old memories and experiences of a group of young men facing so many challenges. It is a sensitive piece of work, beautiful yet serious, a rare combination.

Dr. Jones, you have done well.

The book details the sacrifices made by many for the freedom of others. Our children will have a wonderful reference source to share for unspoken stories. Thank you for this precious gift.