Inside One Of The Most Highly Decorated Battalions Of Vietnam

The Vietnam War is often regarded as one of the most significant confrontations in modern history. Fought between the communist regime of North Vietnam and the government of South Vietnam, the war witnessed numerous battles that shaped the course of the conflict.

Among the many battalions deployed during the Vietnam War, one particular unit stood out for its outstanding heroism and valor. This battalion, known as the "Tigers," was one of the most highly decorated units of the entire war.

The Tigers Battalion: Origins and Formation

The Tigers Battalion was officially established in 1967 in response to the escalating conflict in Vietnam. Comprised of highly skilled soldiers from the United States Army, this elite unit was trained to excel in the challenging and unforgiving conditions of the Vietnam War.

Young Soldiers Amazing Warriors: Inside One of the Most Highly Decorated Battalions of Vietnam

by Robert H. Sholly(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4486 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	460 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Tasked with conducting aggressive search and destroy missions, the Tigers Battalion quickly gained a reputation for their unwavering dedication and determination. They led the charge in some of the most intense battles of the war and were known for their bravery in the face of adversity.

Their First Taste of Combat

The Tigers Battalion saw their first major combat operation during the Tet Offensive in 1968. The unit was deployed to the city of Hue, where they engaged in fierce urban warfare against well-entrenched enemy forces.

Despite being outnumbered and facing a determined enemy, the Tigers Battalion fought tenaciously, pushing forward and liberating key areas of the city. Their gallantry and courage during this operation earned them numerous commendations and accolades.

The Battle of Dak To: A Test of Courage

One of the hallmark moments for the Tigers Battalion came during the Battle of Dak To. Fought in the rugged mountain terrain near the Cambodian border, this battle was an intense and prolonged engagement that tested the resolve of the unit.

The Tigers Battalion, along with other American and South Vietnamese units, faced heavy resistance from a well-prepared and determined enemy. For several weeks, they fought against overwhelming odds, enduring harsh weather conditions and constant enemy assaults.

During the battle, the Tigers Battalion demonstrated exceptional discipline and resilience, effectively repelling enemy attacks while inflicting significant losses on the opposing forces. Their unwavering commitment to their mission and each other resulted in a decisive victory, further solidifying their reputation as an elite unit.

Recognitions and Awards

The Tigers Battalion's bravery and valor in combat were acknowledged through numerous awards and decorations. Several soldiers from the battalion received the prestigious Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government.

Additionally, many Tigers Battalion members were awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Purple Heart, among other accolades. This recognition underscored their exceptional service and contributions to the war effort.

The Legacy of the Tigers Battalion

Even after the Vietnam War ended, the legacy of the Tigers Battalion endured. Their exploits and achievements served as an inspiration to future generations of soldiers, highlighting the importance of teamwork, bravery, and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Tigers Battalion's story continues to be shared and celebrated, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought to protect freedom and liberty.

Today, the memory of the Tigers Battalion lives on, etched into the annals of history as one of the most highly decorated and respected units of the Vietnam War. Their unwavering bravery and dedication serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American soldier.

Young Soldiers Amazing Warriors: Inside One of the Most Highly Decorated Battalions of Vietnam

by Robert H. Sholly(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4486 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	460 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“The best book I have ever read about combat in Vietnam!” — Major General Thomas P. Lynch, USA (Ret.) Winner of 21 national awards, this is Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Robert Sholly's compelling story of his first year in combat.

This book is a powerful and moving account of a highly-decorated battalion's journey through extraordinary times. This action packed story waited 47 years to be told. It is finally available to the public who should be aware of the sacrifices put forth by the men sent to war in Vietnam a half century ago. Incorporating the author's viewpoint, taken from his daily journals, this non-political story line is augmented by remembrances of his men about the same events as they occurred. 

Firefights and battles are described as the men of the battalion fight them. Action is intense. The book covers the stories of the men who fought with great valor and bravery, sometimes against literally overwhelming odds. A platoon is overrun by the enemy and the acting-platoon leader calls artillery fire on his own position. The combat operations tempo is such that in a 60-day period, four men are awarded the Medal of Honor, while five men receive the Distinguished Service Cross for actions above and beyond the call of duty. Included in the awards are many Silver Stars, Bronze Stars and other awards for bravery and valor. 

Before they encountered even the first adversary, the young soldiers learn how to overcome and cope with the weather, terrain, flora and fauna. These conditions could not be duplicated in training, so it is all on the job training, faced by an armed enemy. When someone thinks about combat, they don't think about killer ants, mosquitoes, termites, leeches, hornets, and bees. Because a U.S. soldier is considered to be the fiercest predator in the jungle, not much thought is given to tigers, elephants, venomous snakes, raucous monkeys and untrusting water buffalo, though any one of those will disturb a day. Other environmental obstacles to be overcome are the slippery slopes of steep mountains and rushing and dangerous streams to be crossed. Bamboo thickets with closely-spaced 8-inch diameter bamboo stalks hinder movement by soldiers with 70-pound rucksacks on their backs, trees with 6-inch toxic spikes, difficult to see wait-a-minute vines snag clothing and equipment. All of this to be moved through in monsoon downpours or drought periods where water has to be lowered from helicopters through the triple canopy forest. Sometimes movement is held to 2-5 kilometers (1-3 miles) in a day, while at other times forced marches and runs for up to 20 plus miles are required with an evening ground assault at the end of the march to clear an unsecured area for a firebase. This book is raw and undiluted infantry with no excuses for the mission, or apologies for the way it went down. In the Central Highlands of Vietnam, this is the way it was. 

General Gordon R. Sullivan, U.S. Army (Ret.),32nd Chief of Staff and President of the Association of the U.S. Army wrote the Foreword and stated in review comments that, “If it were up to me, I would make this a mandatory read for the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses”.

Colonel Robert H. Sholly served as the Chief of Operations of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) headquartered in Jerusalem from 1981-1983. The mission area encompasses Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. As a result of the international peacekeeping efforts of the men of UNTSO and other UN organizations, Colonel Sholly was one of the men awarded the 1988 Nobel International Peace Prize.

This critically-praised and best-selling book was the Grand Prize Winner of the Great Southeast Book Festival, the winner of the Military Non-Fiction Award given by the National Indie Excellence Awards and the recipient of 19 other book awards.