Allies and Mates: An American Soldier with the Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam, 1966-67

Steinbrook served in Vietnam in 1966-1967 as a battery fire-direction officer, an artillery forward observer and an artillery aerial observer. Much of the time, his battery operated in support of the 1st Australian Task Force, including a small contingent from New Zealand, in Phuoc Tuy Province. In letters to his parents and bride, reprinted here along with explanatory comments, the brand-new second lieutenant conveys the boredom of base-camp life and the occasional glancing contact with the Viet Cong. He compares American and Australian clothing, gear, rations and command styles, expressing admiration for Aussie officers, who ``seem much better than ours... they're all so darn professional.'' Steinbrook went willingly to Vietnam and returned beliving he had served a worthwhile cause. The most interesting part of the book is his emotion-packed account of his flight home in May 1967. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)