During the Vietnam War, small U.S. Navy units patrolled Mekong Delta rivers in fiberglass boats armed with machine guns, four men to a boat. By day they stopped Vietnamese junks, sampans and water taxis, checked people's identification, and searched for weapons and contraband. At night, during curfew, they drifted silently with the current, watching and listening for enemy movement. They were often targets for Viet Cong gunners. Boats were hit and men were wounded and killed.
Robert J. Moir served as executive officer of one of these units, River Section 533, and has written The Exec, a memoir about his year-long tour of duty during 1967-1968. Operating from inshore bases, his unit experienced much of the anguish of that conflict. He relives events, violence, and details of daily life now nearly lost in time, including the savage urban battle at My Tho during the 1968 TET Offensive.
The Exec is notable for its honesty, imagery and unembellished glimpse into the watery world of 20th century riverine warfare. Reviewer David Willson (VVA Books) comments: "I've read a few PBR books and this one is as detailed and exciting and well written as they get.... I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to know the role of the PBR in the Vietnam War...."
Robert J. Moir served as executive officer of one of these units, River Section 533, and has written The Exec, a memoir about his year-long tour of duty during 1967-1968. Operating from inshore bases, his unit experienced much of the anguish of that conflict. He relives events, violence, and details of daily life now nearly lost in time, including the savage urban battle at My Tho during the 1968 TET Offensive.
The Exec is notable for its honesty, imagery and unembellished glimpse into the watery world of 20th century riverine warfare. Reviewer David Willson (VVA Books) comments: "I've read a few PBR books and this one is as detailed and exciting and well written as they get.... I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to know the role of the PBR in the Vietnam War...."
