LRRP Team Leader: A Memoir of Vietnam

This was one of my first LRP books, and wow what a book, its well written and a bit different constructed that other LRP books, but that ok......it tells you how it was like to be a LRP team leader, down to the nitty gritty, you almost fell that you are sitting in the couch with Honest John and having a cold beer with him while he is telling his story The thing that also blows me away today as I read this book for the 7 or 8'th time....it backs up everything that both Gary Linderer, Larry chambers, WT Grant, Bill Meacham and Kenn Millers wrote in their books..... Ok, Its clear that John Burford is mistaken in his beliefs that SGT Contreros called arty on his team on Nov 20......the us army don't have 3/4 inch bolts and rusty metal parts in their shells ;-), I know there are morons who will claim that these 3/4 inch bolts was "blow into the wounds by the artellery shells or some balony like that, but in all the other things he says, he is right on the money We must also take into account that John Burford was in the field at the time of the debrief where Staff Sergeant Bruce Proctor threw the bolts on the table, but at the time it was a good guess Go buy this book, its a great read

I picked it up on a lark but wound up immensely enjoying it. It is definitely a very personal account of Burford's time and tour of duty in Vietnam with 101st LRRPs. It is written in a very interpersonal way that I find makes it different than many other books I have read. If you enjoy light reading about an important subject, I HIGHLY recommend this book to you.

John Burford wrote this book in a unique and interesting way by telling the story to his family while sitting around the kitchen table. My hat's off to him for a well-told story. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to know the full truth about that fateful patrol of 20 Nov 68. John does not embellish, modify, or exaggerate the facts. From his own research and investigation immediately after the patrol members returned to base, and his own combat experience in that unit, and his own knowledge regarding artillery and claymores, he came to his own conclusions about what actually happened on that patrol. He has put forth an account that differs from the other books written about that mission. It took courage for him to do that. Death and injury in a combat environment are horrific experiences, no matter what the circumstances. History appreciates the truth, painful though it may be.

I have read John's book twice over and to tell you the truth, I lost a lots of sleep while reading the book I would not be able to put it down.I have read books by Ken Miller, Gary Linderer, Rey Martinez, Michael L Manning & Kreg Jorgenson. I rate this book with the others. John thank you for writting this book. Having been with Echo company LRRP/RANGER I can tell you knew what you were writting about. Roadrunner 6 out

After reading all three books in the series, "Six Silent Men", I read "LRRP TEAM LEADER", by John Burford. I was unable to put down Rey Martinez, Kenn Miller and Gary Linderer's books without finishing them cover to cover, and John's book was no different.John has the ability to stick the readers inside his ruck, and make them feel like they are looking over his shoulder.Having spent a short time based at Camp Eagle with E Company 1st/501st (my war was over after being wounded while working an AO near abandoned Fire Base Brick, Feb 71), I am thankful for John's ability to paint a very detailed picture of everything he came in contact with.Our government should do more than just award medals to John, Kenn, Rey, and Gary for their bravery under fire. They should also award and thank them for providing future generations of soldiers with the wisdom and knowledge that may help keep them and their fellow soldiers alive and help them defeat their enemies. Often there is made reference to "Rogers' Rangers Standing Orders", which are a great foundation for a soldier's education. However, if you want to go on to earn a Masters Degree, then you need to read these authors.If either of my sons is ever to fight a war, I would not let them leave before memorizing every word written by John and the rest of the LRRP's.Thanks, John, not only for serving in Vietnam, but for serving again by volunteering the hundreds of hours from your life, to record your experiences for the rest of us.Jim Lynch SP4 US Army ret.