Tour of Duty: John Kerry and the Vietnam War

Tour of Duty chronicles John Kerry's naval service during the Vietnam War, focusing on his time as a Swift Boat commander from 1968-1969. The book draws extensively from Kerry's personal journals, letters, and military records to document his experiences. The narrative follows Kerry from his privileged upbringing and Yale education through his decision to enlist and subsequent deployment to Vietnam. The core of the book details Kerry's combat missions along the Mekong Delta, where he commanded PCF-94 and earned multiple combat decorations. Brinkley examines how Kerry's wartime experiences transformed his worldview and led him to join the antiwar movement upon his return to the United States. The book includes testimony from Kerry's crewmates and fellow veterans, creating a multi-layered account of this period. The work provides insight into the complexities faced by American servicemen in Vietnam and explores themes of duty, leadership, and the evolution of political consciousness during wartime. Through Kerry's story, broader questions emerge about patriotism and the relationship between military service and dissent.

Readers found the book provided detailed accounts of Kerry's Vietnam service through extensive interviews and research. Many highlighted Brinkley's neutral tone and use of primary sources like Kerry's letters and journals. Positive reviews noted: - Clear documentation of Kerry's military career and actions - Balanced coverage of both heroic moments and controversies - Historical context about the Vietnam era Common criticisms: - Too focused on defending Kerry against critics - Length and excessive detail about minor events - Kerry's later anti-war activities covered minimally Ratings: Amazon: 3.7/5 (89 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (156 ratings) Several reviewers mentioned the book helped them understand Kerry's complex relationship with Vietnam, though some felt it was "overly sympathetic" (Amazon reviewer). A military veteran on Goodreads wrote: "Captures the day-to-day reality of swift boat service well, even if the political aspects feel one-sided."

We Were Soldiers Once... and Young by Harold G. Moore, Joseph L. Galloway A first-hand account of the Battle of Ia Drang combines the perspectives of commanders and soldiers to document the Vietnam War's transition from advisory missions to direct combat.

When I Was a Young Man by Bob Kerrey This memoir from a Navy SEAL turned Senator chronicles his military service in Vietnam and subsequent political career in a parallel narrative to Kerry's journey.

They Marched Into Sunlight by David Maraniss The book weaves together two pivotal October 1967 events - a battle in Vietnam and a student protest at the University of Wisconsin - to reveal the war's impact both on and off the battlefield.

Home Front by Philip Caputo A Marine lieutenant's transformation from eager soldier to disillusioned veteran mirrors Kerry's evolution from military officer to antiwar activist.

Brothers in Arms by William Broyles Jr. The narrative follows the wartime experiences of several Swift Boat commanders in the Mekong Delta, providing context for Kerry's service in the same region and role.

📚 Douglas Brinkley gained unprecedented access to John Kerry's personal Vietnam War diaries and letters, which had never before been shared with any historian or journalist. 🗣️ The book reveals that Kerry initially supported the Vietnam War and volunteered for service, only developing his anti-war stance after witnessing firsthand experiences during his tour. ⚓ The narrative details Kerry's command of Swift Boat PCF-94, including the February 28, 1969, mission that earned him the Silver Star for pursuing and neutralizing a Viet Cong fighter carrying a rocket launcher. ✍️ Author Douglas Brinkley conducted over 100 interviews with veterans who served alongside Kerry, including every living crew member who served on Kerry's Swift Boat. 🏆 The book was released in 2004 during Kerry's presidential campaign and became a New York Times bestseller, though it was originally conceived and researched years before Kerry decided to run for president.