Sgt. Rock: The Last Warrior Standing

Just finished this one tonight. Upon closing the book, I had mixed emotions. Some 40+ years after Rocky's tour ended, plenty of time has elapsed for those involved, and those who weren't to have their thoughts about Vietnam evolve.Rocky relays to us his time in Vietnam in a loose diary format. Each of the chapters is effectively a chapter in his personal war. Sparsely littered within the chapters, Rocky lets us inside his head somewhat and lays out his thoughts for us. Nothing too deep just a sentence here and there that let us know how he processes what he's doing and what he's seeing. Rocky is able to justify his actions, and those of his men, within the mission parameters of a grunt in Vietnam. He's no fan of killing, nor is he a fan of seeing his brothers-in-arms being killed yet, he believes in his country and, by default, the decision to draft him and send him to Vietnam.He reflects on the anti-war movement back home and how they were treating the returning soldiers. For me, the anti-war movement got it all wrong. Returning soldiers should not be the focal point of an anti-war movement. They do not put themselves in harm's way but, by their own volition or otherwise, follow the calling of their country. Being dumped into a hostile situation a million miles from home is going to turn young men into survivalists in an instant. For me, anti-war activists should focus solely on the senders, not the sent.Rocky's book is a narrative of war. One of the better memoirs I've read; this one is well written and will stand out in a readers mind. Read it, absorb it, but don't judge the author to harshly for what he did whilst on his tour of duty. He did what he needed to do for his brothers, his country and himself. Whatever your views on war, keep in mind, the soldiers don't start them, their goal is to finish them.Welcome home Rocky, stay healthy.

This book was a real eye opener for me. In this true story, Sgt. Rock guides his readers through his year in Vietnam. From the day-to-day drudgery of sleeping in the mud and rain with clothes that haven't come off in a month and empty bellies, because the C-rations couldn't be delivered in the storm, to the heart-pounding terror of marching up Hamburger Hill with bullets flying in every direction.Let me just say, I am a 36-year-old female and don't typically read war stories, but I was curious to read this true account, and it has changed my life. I have a new appreciation for all those who have fought to protect freedom. As were many of the soldiers, Sgt. Rock was drafted into the war as a young "boy" in his early twenties. He was just a normal young American who didn't have a clue about war and didn't choose to be involved, but found himself placed in the unimaginable. His goal was to do his job and stay alive. Sgt. Rock walks his readers through the entire experience and made me feel like I was right there with him. I sorrowed with him at the loss of his best buddies and with each confrontation with the enemy, felt his fright of wondering if this could be his last moment.Whether or not he personally supported this war, he served his country honorably. In my mind, he is a true American hero. I salute him, his fallen buddies, and all of the current American soldiers who are putting their lives at danger to protect my freedom. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to read this book and to know of these true acts of courage and sacrifice of my fellow Americans. Because I am now aware of their stories, I know they have not died in vain, and I am indebted to them.

This is one of the best books about the Vietnam War that I have read. As an Air Force veteran of the era, but one who did not serve in Vietnam, I have always respected those who did serve their country in this war. During the worst days of the war, the evening news was filled with body counts and vivid images of our troops fighting and dying. There was no mistaking the bias displayed by most of the reporters during their coverage; they seemed unable to separate being anti-war from being anti-warrior. This book paints a much different picture than that shown on the nightly news; it shows the war from the eyes of the grunt-on-the-ground. It's a picture that is both heroic and sad; we know how the story ends and that every wounded or KIA will have suffered in vain. Those lucky enough to return home will arrive without any fanfare, except for a few anti-war protestors, who often jeered at and spat on them. No wonder they are bitter. The mental images I got from this story were as vivid as any I can recall, Rocky paints a picture that is scarily real. His characters are well-developed and human; some good and some not-so-good. The battle descriptions make me wonder how I would react under such circumstances. This book should be required reading at West Point, Annapolis and Colorado Springs; it shows what makes a good officer and what does not. In summary, a great book and I look forward to the next one by Rocky Olson. Douglas Michael McAfee

This book will take a prominent place in my library alongside other Vietnam "Personal Accounts" I got it and could not put it down. The Sarges' ability to portray times; different tempos and the urgency (or lack there of) of the situation kept me glued to the pages. One gets the feeling you are right there feeling the cuts of the elephant grass as you look everywhere all at the same time.If you ever wondered what it was like to be "The Point of the Spear' this is the book!!!I finished it my wife picked it up and started reading it and is already to page 106!! She does NOT read war books but this one has her attention.Highly recommended the stories told AND the Stories alluded to but not included leaves you with lots to think about.This book has been a long time coming but that just makes it better. A detailed look at a time and place I hope "WE" have learned well "The Lessons"!Kelly R

Good read couldn't put it down. Red the whole book in one go. Great insight into the American (Grunt) soldier.

Great item and service

A fascenating book !!! It's an event, not just a story. The Author leads us to the grim and dangerous world of a brave young G.I. and his comrades. The Reader experiences the heat of combat and the hidden danger of an environment where everything and everybody is hostile. The book is a window to the past. It shows the horror and danger so many U.S. Soldiers faced every day and gives us a taste of almost unbearable fear, death and mortality. The good humor of Sgt. Rock to look at things and people shows the dignity of a man that suffers and fights without becoming sour. The story carrys along and as you read and turn the pages it seems we follow Sgt. Rocks footsteps through the booby trap invested jungles and rice paddies of South Vietnam. If you dare to follow Rocky Olson on his way to his almost fatal destiny you won't have to proof your courage in any other way. This tremendous writing is the number one kicker of all Vietnam War Books of all time !!!

I believed he told the true story not like in the Hamburger Hill movie.

interesting