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5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
A Soldier's Story of Survival in Vietnam! Dec 24, 2009
By Parizade
Missions of Fire And Mercy
Until Death Do Us part.
White Robe 6 calling Yellow One.... over.
This incredible true story is a roller coaster ride of courage under fire, valour, humility, personal struggle and faith set against the background of the Vietnam War.
The Author writes frankly about his thoughts, feelings, and actions as a Helicopter Gunship Crew Chief responsible for the safety of his Crew and that 'Band of Brothers', he transports to the fire of War.Or when returning to pull them out of the valley of death while enduring the maelstrom of live fire.
Delivering death to the enemy, and mercy when it is needed, he paints a vivid picture of the humanity of soldiers when faced with the specter of death.
The Author does not pull any punches when describing the carnage of war, and hand-to-hand combat, or wounded men screaming in pain, or those who lie silently in the sleep of death.
The window the Author opens enables one to see, smell and feel the 'Event Horizon', where life and death meet in an eternal struggle. He has tasted the exultation of living for one more day, and swallowed the bitterness of loss as his buddies fail to return or die before him. Death is his constant companion yet hysterical laughter erupts as a Viet Cong grenade turns out to be a very frightened rabbit that has jumped into their foxhole.
One can feel the relief and hysteria in the Bunker; and laugh along!
But yet in all the horrors of war he retains his faith and reliance on White Robe 6,the Call Sign for the God who holds the fate of every man and woman in the palm of his hand.
Finding time to encourage his family and girl friend in his letters home, he documents one man's experience of an unpopular war, and has written it down for posterity.
This record of one young man's experience of combat in the jungles of Viet Nam stands alongside with the exploits of Wingate-Orde and the Chindits of Burma.
The trauma of Vets is now recognized and the Author encourages those who suffer the trauma of unrelenting nightmares and flashbacks to seek out professional help.
This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to understand the war that tore a country apart and the steps one has to complete to reconcile with the enemy and the feelings of aloneness that one must overcome to be whole again.
The Author has certainly achieved his goal of educating the families of `wounded warriors' about the wounds that cannot be seen but are felt deeply, and in doing so educates another generation about the personal cost of fighting honorably for one's country.
A great and sobering read!
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
A must read for those ready to fully understand what the soldiers and families of the Vietnam era went through! Feb 08, 2010
By J. Schwanz
I purchased this book because the author was from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as was I. People born and raised in the UP have a unique trait of telling it straight and without any sugar-coating. I don't personally know the author, but after having read the book, I feel like I do. I like the style in which the book is laid out. I have passed this book on to a Vietnam veteran who I work with and when I get it back, it is going to be passed on to my 23 year old son, a History major who loves to read the personal stories of war. I have read several books on Vietnam and I include this one in my list of "good books" read in my lifetime. Thank you Bill Peterson for sharing your story.
J. Schwanz
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Feedback regarding this book Jul 15, 2010
By John Podlaski
I finished your book last night. It was a wonderful story and I learned a few things by reading it...did not know the gooks had helicopters that they ferried soldiers around. I can relate also to your story about meeting the Vietnamese waitress in DC and what the results were. I used to work for Roush Racing, which is very much into NASCAR, and was introduced to the female, Vietnamese Quality Manager. We hit it off and she took me to Vietnamese restaurants during lunch and introduced me to the various dishes. She, too, was born in Saigon and had no recollection of the war...she was only 34. She recognized some of the places I'd been to and also informed me that there is no such word as "Dinky Dau" in the Vietnamese language. I spent the next six months with this woman - she had a fiery personality and employees often referred to her as the Dragon Lady.
Your job there was pure hell compared to what us infantry type had to do. I was overwhelmed when reading about what you had to accomplish on a daily basis. Of course in my case when in firefight, I could hide behind a tree or large rock - you guys just flew right into the hornets nest with very little protection (chicken plate only) - that took nerves of steel!!!
As I told you when we first emailed each other that us grunts always held the chopper crews in the highest regard and with the utmost respect. Now after reading your book and visualizing what you did first hand, I think if we were ever privy to some of those things you shared in the book, then the grunts would surely have referred to all of you as "White Robe Six". I was also amazed by how much we had in common - when you read my novel you'll be able to say the same.
Thank you again for being there for us and for taking those unnecessary risks to save our asses on the ground. I am certain that if not for you guys, the names on the black granite wall in DC would have twice as many names. I am very proud to have met you Bill and wish you well. Welcome home brother!
John Podlaski
Author: Cherries - a Vietnam War Novel
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Courage under Fire Jan 30, 2010
By John Penny
I am my fellow members of the Vietnam Helicopter Polots Association have the highest regard for the crew cheifs and gunners who flew with us into harm's way in Vietnam. Missions of Fire and Mercy is the story of William Peterson's time as a crew chief with C/227th Assault Helicopter Battalion (Chost Riders), 1st Air Cavalry in 67/68. The title refers to the dual role of providing covering fire power in hot LZs and snatching troops, sometimes wounded and dying from those same LZs. He has done a great job of bringing together the lives, losses, and trials faced by crew chiefs on the Ghost Riders' missions. Every mission is defined by a mutual trust; these young men put their lives in our hands and we in turn did the same. Many of us owe our lives to their courage and dedication under very difficult conditions.
Peterson's story follows his path from small town American to becoming a combat crew chief in much the same way as many of would talk about our own path to a helicopter cockpit. He was bored by school, wanted to do something different, and had "a lack of adventure" in his life. The Army had just the job for him. And what a job it was: cleaning and maintaining his assigned "bird" 24/7, flying heart pounding missions day and night, getting "busy" with the door gun when needed, forever filling sand bags at base camp, and pulling perimeter night guard duty just to name a few. But he was also closely involved in taking care of those who came aboard his Huey: the "grunts" being dropped off and picked up, and the wounded, the dying, and the dead.
This story interweaves the author's own narritives and recollections with his own letters home while in Vietnam. Fortunately, his father saved these letters which provide a chronicle of intense combat during his tour with C/227th. These letters provide the reader an intimate view of what Peterson was thinking at the time including; the fears, sorrows, and doubts he and his fellow aircrew members experienced as they prepared for and flew their missions.
Peterson notes that it has taken him 40 years to get around to telling his stories and states "...it is finally "OK" to let it all out." He encourages other Vietnam vets to do the same as "a good way to get it out of your system." He says that "My survivor guilt, nightmares, and flashbacks have helped me to write more vividly." This he has certainly done.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
MIssions of Fire and Mercy Review Jan 29, 2010
By Gerald Goffin
Bill Peterson's Missions of Fire and Mercy is a haunting and moving book which tells the story, often through letters home, of his life as a helicopter gunner/crew chief during the Viet Nam war. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in understanding the stress that often accompanies the life of a soldier and why Post Traumatic Stress Disorders are so common. I also believe it should be required reading for those young people who may have a glamorized view of war and need a "reality check."
Less than a month into his Viet Nam assignment, the author has already come to the conclusion that "Combat changes one...forever." His journal proceeds to support this thesis as he describes his daily work experience.
Missions of Fire and Mercy is an honest, perhaps even understated, book that does not flinch from the realities of war and the impact it is having on the author. The book deals openly with many of the complex and seemingly contradictory psychological effects of combat including the attractions, fears, revulsions, guilt, anxieties, and anger associated with war. The author helps the reader understand the Viet Nam war environment in which the enemy is seldom clearly identifiable, death is often imminent, and where the survival of self and buddies becomes the preoccupation within the context of a massive effort by the United States military to defeat a committed, though less armed, enemy. However, in spite of the author's excellent efforts, one is left with the unsettled feeling that it is largely impossible for those not in combat to even begin to empathize with or understand the terrible emotional price these soldiers endure. And finally, one cannot help but come away from this book without feeling a deep sense of gratitute for the sacrifices and bravery of our soldiers. The book is a grim reminder to our leaders and our citizens that we must make every effort to pick our wars more wisely and strengthen our efforts to create environments for peace.
Disclosure: this review and recommendation is made within the context of my long term friendship and knowledge of the author. I have the deepest respect for Bill's character and have absolutely no doubt that the book is an accurate reflection of his experience.
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