Grid (The Story Of Communication And Language Line) Paperback – September 23, 2013

Mike McFerrin went from a green private to a squad leader in 3rd Platoon Mike Company Third Battalion Fifth Marines.in less than six months. His account is factual and detailed. I know because I was with him. His field craft and powers of observation were outstanding in the bush. He doubtless saved my life and the lives of many other Marines by his talent.He rose to the position of platoon sergeant at the age of eighteen before he was drafted by regiment to be an instructor in the regimental combat skills refresher course. This says volumes about his success as a combat Marine 1968-1969 in the lowlands of the Arizona Territory, Gonoi Island, and the triple canopied jungle of the Laotian border. Operations Mameluke Thrust , Maui Peak, Taylor Common, Meade River, Pipestone Canyon and others are all adventures told in vivid detail by McFerrin in highly readable prose. As a footnote, McFerrin does not find it necessary to relate Marine dialogue with salty or profane language and nothing is lost. I would recommend this book for high school students and all others interested in military history. I look forward to the next three booksDavid J. Moore Former 3rd Plt. Commander Mike 3/5.Lt.Col. USMCR (Ret'd)

I was a sergeant in the Marine Corps during peacetime and always wondered about the what-ifs had I gone to war and whether I would be able to handle the psychological aspects of such duty. This book enabled me visualize in my mind the horrors of war and all that which my mind would have had to deal with. It is terrible, but, thankfully, as the author points out, the rigorous training in the Marines goes a long way in preparing the body and the mind for the challenges. A very good book. Glad I was turned on to it.

never received it

I've spoken with other Vietnam Vetrans about being put into fire fights the second day of arriving to The Vietnam War. Michael confirms that in book one. We can not imagine the Horror that our young boys went through so far from the safety of our Sonoran Desert!

A well written true story of a young man's journey from the bright days of childhood in a small Arizona desert town, to the darkness of becoming a man in midst of war. The book is his journey, but reflects the journeys of a lot of young men of that time. Kudos to Mr. McFerrin and all who fought in that (and other) war.

I am a Vietnam veteran and operated in the Arizona Territory in 1967 as did McFerrin. His blood curling recollections of operations in the field brought back many memories. I can testify that he is not taking literary license when he describes the horrors of that battlefield area. Great book and I am looking forward to any sequels.

great book, if you were a marine in Vietnam , you will not put it down.

I have read many books about the wars our country has fought. GRID ranks with the best of them. McFerrin pulls you into the story and lets you experience the fear, the sorrow, and the horror of jungle warfare in a far corner of the globe. Along the way, he'll help you understand the uncommon bond between common men that marks the souls of those who have risked life and limb for each other. A very, very good read.