RedCon 1: Memoirs of a Fallujah Marine Paperback – September 9, 2014

As the daughter of a Vietnam combat Vet, I really enjoyed this candid look into the lives of our new generation of Marines. The book is an easy read in the sense that I felt like I was across the table from a Veteran candidly reminiscing about his time overseas; and yet, Smith artfully ties together key themes and reflections that truly make for a thoughtful, well-rounded story. Smith strikes a perfect balance between illustrating two seemingly contradictory aspects of combat service — the lighthearted banter and absurd shenanigans that takes place between friends serving side by side, and the harrowing nature of combat. Smith’s humor and his candor against a combat backdrop makes for an entertaining, thoughtful book. I’ve read it twice already, and I’m sure I’ll read it again.

Wow! I have no connection with the military, so almost every page of Redcon 1 is a revelation to me. I felt like the author, a Marine Scout in Iraq, put boots on me and took me along in his HMMWV (NOT to be confused with the cheap knock-off humvee, I learned!) right into the battle for Fallujah. This book needs more rigorous editing, especially in the first few chapters, which can get bogged down, but the persistent reader is greatly rewarded as the book gradually takes hold of you and you can't put it down. We all know that Marines are heroic in battle, but I learned they are also heroic in daily life in a combat zone. Wow-- such misery! I never knew about the constant and excruciating lower GI distress that is inevitable, the frequent lack of sleep for days at a time and no clean clothes for a week ,drinking water that is always hotter than the Scouts are, the awful MRE's-- just to name a few of the relentless (and dangerous) irritants each combatant experiences daily in and out of combat. There really are no words that can describe the bravery of Mike Smith and his buddies in tackling what appear to be even mundane tasks, like struggling to hitch a towbar to a damaged vehicle, which are anything but routine when bullets are whizzing around. And sometimes the heroic actions just pile up. Like in the author's treacherous run through a mine field to convey messages to the front of a long line of military vehicles when radios don't work and the battle rages around him! But this book is not grim; it is justifiably proud-- and funny! The author recounts some of the gross but hilarious pranks he and his gun truck buddies "Goat" and "Monkey" play on each other, adding irony and comic relief. I highly recommend this book, which even a civilian like me can understand!

Excellent book! The story telling within is compelling and pulls you in from page 1. As a non-veteran, I will never know what it is like to be in a combat situation. However, the author does an outstanding job of describing it in such a way that you get a strong sense of what it is like. From the stress and emotional side, to the dark humor found there, to the emotional toll, all of it is presented in a way that draws you in and connects you with the men that were there. While I didn't know it when I got the book, I found out during my reading of it, that I actually know one of the men that is protrayed in it. It gave me an interesting insight to what kind of man he is, what kind of leader he is and it makes me proud to know him.To Michael Smith and all the other men and women who have served our great nation, I say THANK YOU for your service.

This book is an excellent must-read for everyone who cares about our Marines, has served themselves, or is interested in the reality of life in a war zone. The author, Smith, portrays his personal experiences in and out of battle and after returning home with vivid accounts and a wicked awesome sense of humor! As a civilian I learned so much about what really goes on in that sand pit over there. I feel better informed as more people should be. On another note, I loved reading about the special brotherhood of Smith and his boys! Their antics are hilarious and quite entertaining! The included personal photos are a bonus to put the faces to their nicknames. Near the end of the book the author gives his personal touch on the effects of PTSD. Ok, that's not a humorous subject, but Smith had me laughing hysterically at his example of living with these effects every day. This fantastic author's frankness and humor made this story of real life Marines on the line an absolute MUST READ!

This book is an interesting read that chronicles the day to day experiences of U.S Marines during the battle for Fallujah. It accurately documents their bravery and humor as they face the horror, boredom and physical deprivations of their day. Every American should read this book to see what we are asking our service men and women to endure.

Well done Smith - It seems so long ago that I was sending you mail at MCRD Parris Island to get you in trouble and now here we are. The book, red ink aside, was a really satisfying look into you and what shaped your life during those months of both dread and dullness. The imagery really took me on a trip into your world, with the zoo animals by your side, and it pleased me greatly to be with you. I wet myself a bit with the "don't kill your wife" presentation and drilling flies, bloated with corpse meat, must have been a mind scramble. I've been giving these books as gifts and signing them myself because, let's be honest, it's all about me. Overall, a great book about OPF and the keen focus on comrades, corps, and country. Love you brother and i'm incredibly proud of you.Sgt SlayerHQ Btry - 14th MarinesCommz till it hertz