No Shining Armor

This oral history covers the experiences of numerous members of one Marine battalion, in which the author served and which he considers representative of the infantry experience in Vietnam. Unlike more dramatic oral histories of Vietnam, such as Mark Baker's Nam , this takes a chronological, battle-by-battle path, offering many logistical details. Often several voices briefly describe one event, creating a bland chorus, but there are interesting reflections, such as one on the art of scavenging for supplies. Moments of eloquence and poignance emerge infrequently: ``I go to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial a lot to talk to my guys,'' says one soldier; another describes relocating villagers: ``I felt like I was at the bottom of a toilet for the world.'' Undergirding the book is a staunchly patriotic attitude: interviewees say the Marine Corps lacked racial and drug problems, and emphasize enemy torture but ignore U.S. atrocities. In this account, best suited for military buffs, the soldiers hardly reflect on the bigger picture. ``Once a Marine, always a Marine,'' say more than one. Lehrack sums it up: ``Their casualties were not in vain but were a monument to their heritage and their brotherhood.'' Photos. Military Book Club main selection. (May)