Pop Smoke: The Story of One Marine Rifle Platoon in Vietnam; Who They Were, What They Did, What They Learned

“POP SMOKE Palmetto Publishing eBook ISBN: 9781641119788. A Memoir Copyright and written by Bill Lindsay. Overall, the author has written a book that anyone with no knowledge of what the Marine or Army foot soldier endured daily in combat situations must read. It is a simply told presentation of facts dealing with how bodily functions occur and must be dealt with as time and the occurrence of deadly circumstances simultaneously must be dealt with. The author has set forth the facts of this type of warfare in a unassuming manner that the reader is aware of only if he/she reads the account thoughtfully. Discussion: This entire book is a thoughtfully and empathetically written book by a man who was recruited while in college and exhibited the same empathetic attitude toward his Platoon during his entire term of service. It also provides many interesting additions for the reader only vaguely familiar with much of the Vietnam Conflict. It provides a verbal explanation of the country and those associated with it; a glossary of terms for the uninitiated; a manner of looking at the ‘cost’ of war from several different aspects and it describes the author from a different aspect than usually presented. Overall, a must read for any person interested in this portion of our history but additionally a description of warfare from the perspective of the foot soldier. 5* A must read for reasons presented.”

“Florida author Bill Lindsay earned his degree in political science from Gettysburg College, and trained at the Marine Corps Basic School in Quantico, and as a second lieutenant trained at the Reconnaissance Replacement Training School in San Diego, and served in Vietnam as a USCM rifle platoon commander – the source of this extraordinary memoir. He has now retired from the insurance and employee benefit industry where his stature included being a national expert on health care, and healthcare/insurance reform. This is one of the most cogent, informed, and compassionate books about the Vietnam War experience this reader has encountered. Having served with the USMC BLF (Battalion Landing Forces) as a battalion surgeon in the same region (DaNang) as Bill. the manner in which he describes the atmosphere of Vietnam, the camaraderie of the marines, the incredibly terrifying often unseen enemy, tough missions, loss of comrades – all of his writing conveys that strange war’s effects so well that reading this book is reliving it. Aside from being an absolutely superb rendition of a war few understood, Bill’s depiction of the interaction between troops and command is precisely on target. The result – a book that should be read in history classes, read by those who served in Vietnam, and those who were in the concurrent age of protests of the war. The reality is here, impeccably related. An obviously important, well written, authentically accurate, and immersive book, POP SMOKE should be in line for multiple awards. Bill Lindsay is a significant war historian! Very Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, August 22”

“This U.S. Marine’s memoir of how he came to be in the Viet Nam war and that happened during his tour of duty is a compelling and engrossing read. His description of the events leading up to and through his time in Viet Nam are interesting, informative and thought-provoking. The book is written in a straightforward literary style that is both concise and descriptive, and makes the reader feel “on the scene”. The author’s recall of events, facts and details from over 50 years ago is amazing, and the editing of the book is superior. This book both educates and entertains the reader. This is a book that you will be sharing with family and friends once you have read it.”

“Excellent memoir with many embedded leadership lessons. This book is a very engaging read that tells the real, firsthand story of what actually happened to this group of Marines in Vietnam. You can feel the passion to protect each other in the team Bill was leading. I am grateful for the many brave Marines and feel I have a better understanding and compassion for what all these men went through. Thank you, Bill, for sharing this factual account...”

“A very readable story of the author’s experiences as a platoon leader in a Marine Rifle Company in Vietnam. I highly recommend it as an important contribution to history and a fascinating read, particularly for anyone considering becoming an infantry officer.”