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BLOOD ON THE RISERS: An Airborne Soldiers 35 Months in Vietnam, Audio
by John Leppelman
Random House Audio, March 2003
Abridged audio pages
$14.99
ISBN: 0739302906


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

When John Leppelman persuaded his parents to sign the papers for early enlistment he chose to be a paratrooper. Upon successful completion of paratroop training he was assigned to the 173rd Airborne and was a member of their only jump in Vietnam.  He jumped into and was assigned to an area in the Central Highlands.

Between poor, used equipment and some obviously very incompetent leadership, at both officer and noncommissioned officer level he realized that if he didnšt transfer out he would leave in a body bag. Overcoming some obstacles he transferred to the army riverboats, a duty at which he did well and with which he was satisfied. Eventually a new commander was assigned to the riverboats and he was enmeshed in the same incompetent upper level leadership where again the enlisted manšs only hope was to transfer to another outfit. He was able, after a great deal difficulty (his superiors did all they could to prevent the transfer) to join the Rangers. In the Rangers he found his home and remained there until forced to leave Vietnam after being infected with two types of malaria. Each time John transferred he was required to increase his enlistment by six months. 

Leppelman had no shortage of courage and ability; he did have trouble with authority, especially when he felt the leadership was incompetent. We have all have seen movies, or read books where the talented combat man was frequently a loner and a rebel. Joe seems to have been this type of soldier; he would never have willingly reentered the world until his tour was up if he had not become ill. On his one 30 day leave home he returned in-country early because like many Vietnam vets he felt uncomfortable with civilians and guilty that he had left his buddies.

The author has skillfully shared his story of the gruntšs life in-country during the Vietnam War by leading the listener through many of his encounters with the enemy. The story is read by Scott Sowers who successfully recreates the voice of a teenager who daily faces death.

Reviewed by Martha Hopkins, May 2003

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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)


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