Optional Wars

By George P. Unger

For the most part you only become a Marine by volunteering. So that makes every Marine, part of an exclusive club, "The Few," "The Proud," "The Marines." George P. Unger enlisted in the "Corps," to serve his country while at war, believing wholeheartedly in it. He chronicles his youth, his growing up in the Corps, and his journey to a war that he would ultimately, barely survive. This book should make painfully aware, of what war is, it bespeaks of terrible tasks, and the horrors of war. After RVN, "Never Again" was espoused, yet today we are embroiled in "Once Again," and Marines, as is usual, lead the way. Every Marine in combat is a hero, it is just that some are more heroic.This book can be multiplied hundreds or perhaps thousands of times, tasking ordinary American youth, into soldiers, and the memories that never disappear, and the final acceptance, of a brutal war that America lost. Lost, not due to its fighting men, but rather by those who sent them in harms way.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1432726870
• ISBN13: 9781432726874
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Outskirts Pr
• Length: 260 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.6" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

A thoughtful lament on how little was learned by the American experience in Vietnam

My father was a high school graduate and a lifelong factory worker and my mother was a housewife during the Vietnam War. When it began to be a daily news event, they supported American involvement, considering it essential for American security. As more young men they knew went off to Vietnam and either wrote or came back their position changed. The messages they received from those who had fought in the war were in direct contradiction to the optimistic pronouncements of the American government. The soldiers scoffed at the idea of winning the war or that any of the Vietnamization programs had any chance of success. One young man named Eddie corresponded with my mother and she would have me read his letters. He talked about the routine killing of Vietnamese people, as the American soldiers did not trust any of them. Eddie also was completely contemptuous of the RVN soldiers and their total unwillingness to fight. He would ask my mother to send him Kool-Aid and other simple things, not for himself, but to bribe the Vietnamese civilians to show the American soldiers where the booby traps were. Unger is a wounded veteran of the Vietnam War and his story mimics all of what I have heard from veterans returning from Vietnam. His story is one of frustration with what he experienced and the lack of learning from the overall American experience in Vietnam. Unger laments the parallels between the justification of the American involvement in Vietnam and the invasion and occupation of Iraq. Both were launched by an immense and false propaganda offensive engaged in by the American Government, starting with the President. Unger's story is one of love of country, but that love does not extend to unconditional support as expressed in "my country right or wrong." He took a bullet in what he thought was defending the United States and believes strongly that the ideals for which the nation stands have been incorrectly usurped in launching the invasion of Iraq. Unger levels the greatest amount of criticism for the actions of the high-level members of the Bush 43 administration yet also levels some significant criticism at Congress and other war profiteers. Unger is one of a large group of Vietnam veterans who understand that the United States could never have won the Vietnam War, despite the attempts of some to claim that it was the anti-war crowd that "lost" it. He is a knowledgeable student of history and he is to be commended for his intellect and willingness to put his life on the line in Vietnam. Which is unlike most of the people who launched the war in Iraq, who managed to find something else to do at the time.

Insightful

A well-timed analysis which compares our history in Vietnam with that of Iraq. I found this book to be an easy but interesting read from a true Vietnam-era war hero. I have passed this book to my teenage son, who is reading it as well (perhaps the greatest accomplish by Mr. Unger).

Optional Wars -Politics vs. Patriotism

OPTIONAL WARS is a simply riveting book. It's narration takes you from the place in this world you are living and puts you right at the side of George P. Unger, Marine and Vietnam veteran. I truly felt this book made me feel like I was having an out of body experience--I was no longer looking through my own eyes but those of the author who has actually partaken in an optional war. Whether you have served this country in the military, are a Vietnam vet, a politician looking for some fresh insight, or just a proud American this book is for you.

"Current prospective of Viet Nam through Iraq Wars".

Optional Wars is a superbly written book, inclusive of anecdotes, which are witty, somber, and sometimes optimistic. The author loves his Marine Corps and this is exuded on each page. Mr. Unger's insight into Viet Nam and Iraq is unique, due to his status as a Combat Wounded and Decorated Marine. This is the first book I have read that is impeccably truthful, no-holds barred, and it tells the reader what our government and newspapers leave out. An American classic, on guerilla wars, and our problem with them. This is a first-class book. I highly recommend it.

Marine theme with candid reflections on war and peace

This is a remarkable "first book" by Mr. Unger. Old themes are revisited in a Post Vietman world illuminated by poignant observations impacting on the tragic specter of global wars and endless conflicts looming from fountains of ignorance that menance all our lives every day with no relief in sight. While not exactly a "doomsday scenario" this a gripping up-front, expertly conceived, realistic narrative illuminated by near death experiences validating survival and life values with extreme situations reduced to routine vicissitudes...A sobering perspective of life under fire by a professional marine in the face of endless adversity. It is a good and entertaining read...highly recommended.