War in the Shallows: U.S. Navy Coastal and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam

War in the Shallows examines the U.S. Navy's riverine and coastal operations during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1968. The book focuses on three significant campaigns: Operation Market Time, the Mekong Delta patrols, and Operation Game Warden. The narrative draws from previously untapped archival sources and over 100 oral histories of Navy veterans. Through these accounts, Sherwood reconstructs the daily experiences of sailors who operated small patrol boats in Vietnam's dangerous waterways. Naval combat in Vietnam's rivers and coastal waters required adaptation of tactics and equipment for an unconventional environment. The book documents how American forces developed new strategies and modified existing vessels to meet these challenges. This history reveals broader themes about military innovation under pressure and the complexities of conducting warfare in inland waterways. The work contributes to understanding a lesser-known aspect of the Vietnam War while highlighting the strategic importance of brown-water naval operations.

Readers value this book as a detailed account of Navy riverine operations in Vietnam that fills a gap in military history literature. Many note it serves both as a scholarly reference and an engaging narrative of small-unit combat. Likes: - In-depth research using primary sources and interviews - Focus on previously untold stories of sailors in brown-water operations - Clear tactical descriptions and helpful maps/photographs Dislikes: - Technical writing style can be dry for casual readers - Limited coverage of certain riverine units and operations - Some readers wanted more personal accounts and less operational details Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (17 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (46 ratings) "The most comprehensive work on the brown water navy in Vietnam" - Amazon reviewer "Heavy on facts but light on personal stories" - Goodreads reviewer "Finally gives recognition to these forgotten sailors" - Military History Online review

River Patrol Force: Task Force 116 by Gordon L. Rottman This operational history details the U.S. Navy's brown-water operations on Vietnam's rivers and coasts through mission reports, tactical analysis, and unit records.

Riverine: A Brown-Water Sailor in the Delta by William B. Fulton A first-hand account from a naval officer describes PBR operations, combat missions, and daily life in the Mekong Delta during 1967-1968.

Brown Water, Black Berets by Thomas J. Cutler The book chronicles the complete history of Task Force 115, Task Force 116, and Task Force 117 in Vietnam through official documentation and participant interviews.

The Brown Water Navy in Vietnam by R. Blake Dunnavent This military analysis examines the evolution of U.S. riverine warfare tactics from World War II through Vietnam using declassified naval records.

Swift Boat Down by James W. Fuerst The book presents Swift Boat operations through mission logs, combat reports, and personal accounts from PCF crews in the coastal waters of Vietnam.

🔹 The "Brown Water Navy" in Vietnam included more than 700 vessels, making it one of the largest riverine forces in modern naval history. 🔹 Author John Darrell Sherwood conducted over 125 oral history interviews with Vietnam veterans while researching the book, providing intimate firsthand accounts of naval operations. 🔹 The average age of sailors serving in the riverine forces was just 19 years old - significantly younger than their deep-water Navy counterparts. 🔹 The book details Operation Game Warden (1966-1968), which involved over 200 patrol boats searching vessels on the Mekong Delta - they inspected nearly one million watercraft during this period. 🔹 Patrol Boat, River (PBR) crews often painted shark mouths on their boats' hulls, similar to the nose art found on World War II fighter planes, creating an intimidating appearance as they patrolled Vietnam's waterways.