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Daniel Ford
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Incident at Muc Wa (Go Tell the Spartans): A Story of the Vietnam War Kindle Edition

by Daniel Ford (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 89 ratings
They came to Muc Wa for different reasons. All of them dangerous. STEPHEN was looking for something a man could believe in, if only a crazy war. REBECCA, wealthy, admired, was looking for Stephen. The GENERAL was apple-polishing for the stateside brass. The LIEUTENANT burned for glory, but everyone thought he was just burned-out. The CAPTAIN needed a little combat time to snag a promotion, and he knew just how to get it. The ENEMY didn't know why Muc Wa was important, but with so many Americans there, it had to be.
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  1. Print length
    186 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    August 4, 2012
  5. Grade level
    12 and up
  6. File size
    425 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A superb book about the opening moments of the Vietnam War. Daniel Ford was there and he saw what was happening and he wrote about it. Eloquently. Efficiently. Stylishly."--Curled Up With a Good Book

"A fine novel. Recommended."--Library Journal

From the Author

In 1964 I took a few months' leave from my job as an editor in a university publications office, and I bought a ticket to Saigon, to see for myself what was going on there. (Oh, okay, and also to get material for a book if I could. I had visions of becoming the Ernie Pyle of Vietnam, not knowing that Mr. Pyle had been killed by a sniper on a jungle trail.) I hitchhiked all over the country on military aircraft, but the unforgettable event was the trek to a village called Tan Hoa, pronounced tan wa. We were supposed to evacuate the residents so the area could become a free-fire zone. But when we reached Tan Hoa after three days of minor league skirmishing and pillage, we found it empty except for a few fighting holes and some splendid French graves, relicts of the first Indochina War.

That operation continued to bug me after I was home in New Hampshire that fall. What would have happened, I wondered, if instead of merely evacuating the village, we'd been sent to garrison it? So I renamed the place Muc Wa (picture Jack Kennedy saying "muck war") and gave it a garrison of U.S. Army Raiders (a simplified version of Special Forces) and Montagnard tribesmen. What would happen? Well, obviously the Viet Cong would attack. Then what? The Americans would reinforce. And then? Well, obviously the Viet Cong would move a reinforced battalion into the area. And then....

Incident at Muc Wa was published in hardcover, in paperback, and in Dutch and British editions. Then it was made into a splendid movie with Burt Lancaster, Mark Singer, and Craig Wasson: Go Tell the Spartans. (When the young American corporal first sees the graves at Muc Wa, he thinks of Simonides's epitaph to the Spartans who died at Thermopylae: "Go, stranger, and tell the Spartans that we lie here in obedience to their laws.") I am delighted that the story continues to be available, thanks to print-on-demand and digital published. Blue skies! -- Dan Ford

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0010ADGMI
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Warbird Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 4, 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2021st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 425 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 186 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 89 ratings

About the author

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Daniel Ford

Daniel Ford

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Daniel Ford has spent a lifetime studying and writing about the wars of the past hundred years, from Ireland's war of liberation to America's invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. A U.S. Army veteran and a reporter in Vietnam, he wrote the novel that was filmed as 'Go Tell the Spartans', starring Burt Lancaster. As a historian, he is best known for his prize-winning study of the American Volunteer Group--the gallant 'Flying Tigers' of the Second World War. Most recently, he has written a memoir of his life so far: "Looking Back From Ninety: The Depression, the War, and the Good Life that Followed." Visit www.DanFordBooks.com and sign up for a monthly newsletter about war, flying, and less important subjects.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
89 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with characters that are true to form. Moreover, they appreciate its historical accuracy, with one customer noting it provides a good view of the war's early years. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its pacing, with one customer describing it as well-researched.

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Historical accuracyWriting qualityCharacter developmentPacingReadability
6 customers mention "Historical accuracy"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, describing it as a well-developed novel that provides insight into the early days of the Vietnam War.

"I though the book was written and fairly accurate for a work of fiction...." Read more

"Nuthin' to like 'bout the book. It is a work of fiction by a young man who's brain hadn't yet fully formed. Not his fault...." Read more

"...It just seemed more real...." Read more

"Well developed historical Novel, interesting for me due to my frequent visits to Hong Kong in the 60's and 70's." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"I though the book was written and fairly accurate for a work of fiction...." Read more

"Very well written and entertaining." Read more

"Easy read, good view of the war early years!" Read more

"Well researched and written...." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...The novel moves quickly and flows nicely. The characters are strong...." Read more

"...I could definitely sympathize with the main character and the situations he found himself in...." Read more

"...The characters were true to form and even some were like soldiers I met in Vietnam in 1969 when I served as an infantry grunt in the 4th division in..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one noting its well-researched content.

"Well developed historical Novel, interesting for me due to my frequent visits to Hong Kong in the 60's and 70's." Read more

"What Go Tell the Spartans was based on terrific , thanks Army Nam vet, Daniel Ford" Read more

"Well researched and written...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and entertaining, with one mentioning it is particularly interesting for a Vietnam War veteran to read.

"...On the whole, a worthwhile and enjoyable read." Read more

"Very well written and entertaining." Read more

"Interesting for a 'Nam vet to read..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Brian J. Reiss
    5.0 out of 5 stars I KNEW WHERE MUC WA WAS LOCATED!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Contrary to popular thought there really was a Muc Wa. Why do I make this bold statement? Because I was one of the gunship fireteams that flew in support of Muc WA many times. We were the last airfield in the Delta and the closest support to Muc Wa. The men of Muc Wa were a special breed of warrior, in that they were in the middle of the VC and NVA infilltration routes. Nights were routinely broken up into mortar rounds and enemy troop probes. Many nights we would arrive to find the VC in the wire and we had to place fire dead close, that is 25 meters. The VC and NVA were determined to take Muc Wa at any costs. And Saigon was determined to not let that happen. Only problem was, Saigon never bothered to supply them when they needed help. Between my fire teams of Viking Gunships, and Spooky, we lite up the night many times. The author described the fight for Muc Wa in chilling detail as the men fought a cat and mouse battle with the VC and NVA regulars. The compound was supported with Yards rangers who fought boldly with their American counterparts. I fly into Muc Wa one mission and was told to land at the CP. Asking where that was I was instructed it was the conex in the clearing! I was warmly welcomed with my load of ammo, food, water, and fuel. Never saw a bunch of guys more happy to see a chopper anytime! Always asked if we had room to take the wounded out and we always tried to help. Even at the best flight time we were still over30 minutes away and I always hoped they would still be there when I arrive on station! The author was able to show the daily lives of the troops at Muc Wa and how it went, day by day, always wondering what Charlie would do at sundown! Muc Wa was easy to find at night because it was the outpost with the flares over it!His details of the history of the area was true as I knew it.This small band of rag tag warriors were able to hold off the enemy battalion surrounding them, that had wiped out a French fighting force that had held the area before them.I highly recommend this book for the history of the area and the battle that was fought there. And yes, there really was a place called MucWa.
    Brian Reiss,1LT,121 Asslt. Helicopter Co., Viking Gunships.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • The Swan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Bittersweet; Prophetic
    Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2002
    Verified Purchase
    Daniel Ford's novel served as the basis for the excellent Vietnam war film, "Go Tell the Spartans". The movie was generally faithful to the novel, with just a bit of Hollywood added. The story follows draftee Stephen Courcey through special forces training and finally into the jungle of the Central Highlands of the Republic of South Vietnam. There, the experience of his military advisory team seems to be an allegory to the American involvement in Vietnam. One of the characters, a number crunching junior officer, allows that it will take 50,000 American combat deaths to "stabilize" the situation in Southeast Asia. This statement in this work of fiction written in 1967 is pretty amazing when you consider that the final American death count in Vietnam was 58,000 and change.
    The novel moves quickly and flows nicely. The characters are strong. You find yourself somehow inside Corporal Courcey's head and laughing at Captain Olivetti's obsession with his CIB, his combat infantry badge. The role of Major Barker in the book is much less central than it is in the movie. But then, Burt Lancaster played the ... out of Major Barker in the film, so they may have made certain adjustments for the star.
    There is a sadness and fatalism about the book that may bother some. However, the topic is not exactly uplifting. On the whole, a worthwhile and enjoyable read.
    26 people found this helpful
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  • kenneth louk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched and written.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2019
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    I served as a VN Ranger advisor with a four man team (1967-68) and it brought back memories of many of the hardships we had as advisors including the hated idiots at basecamp. A great follow-up is the video "Go Tell The Spartans."
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Chuck
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting for a 'Nam vet to read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I happened to watch the movie "Go Tell the Spartans" with Burt Lancaster which was based on the book "Incident at Muc Wa". I decided to read the book. Books are most often better than the movies they're based on.
    This book doesn't read like a book by Jack Carr. Sorta amateurish, in its presentation. If you are not a 'Nam veteran, you'll probably give it 1 or 2 stars. As a vet ('67 to '68) you'll overlook the writing style and instead relive some of your time in country and what you went through. I could definitely sympathize with the main character and the situations he found himself in. A case of "been there, done that" and for that I'd give it 5 stars.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Arthur W. Salmons
    4.0 out of 5 stars Incident at Muc Wa (Go Tell the Spartans)
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2011
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I though the book was written and fairly accurate for a work of fiction. The characters were true to form and even some were like soldiers I met in Vietnam in 1969 when I served as an infantry grunt in the 4th division in the Central Highlands. The action was well paced and honest and it was a quick easy read. I didn't particularly like the way it ended as the major character of the book was to smart and well trained for it to end like it did. He was excellent in every situation until the end and then he basically committed suicide by going back to the village alone and unarmed. Other than that it's a very good book and would be on my recommended list.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • skeptic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Back to where I should not have gone.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is too close to the way it was even for my much later and much less dangerous experience. It reminded me of things I would rather forget.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Rhomyn E.
    1.0 out of 5 stars A Poorly Written Fantasy
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Nuthin' to like 'bout the book. It is a work of fiction by a young man who's brain hadn't yet fully formed. Not his fault. He had a market and a publisher. Lucky guy. When he renewed his copyright in 1999 he should of spent a year and cleaned up the story. Same same for the freakin' movie with Burt Lancaster. Terrible. Those movie reviews were garbage too. Typical of the times. Stay way from the book and movie.
    One person found this helpful
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  • manuel morales
    5.0 out of 5 stars To have the book and the Movie.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I saw the movie in 1978. This book is better than the movie, it has more good sense of humor than the movie. The movie is good thou.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • AK
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best short stories on the Vietnam war, and fairly prescient to boot
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    'Incident at Muc Wa' is a short story about the early US engagement in Vietnam in 1964 - where the troops on the ground were largely labelled instructors and the full committment of the US military was not yet there. Based around a former French security outpost that a US Army Raider team (4 US army Raiders helped by hundred tribal militia, and supporting an equally large refugee group) is supposed to occupy and hold and then surrender, the book portrays a hauntingly accurate description of the war as a whole, even if it was published in 1967, years before the 'writing was officially on the wall'.

    The author does an excellent job of building fairly interesting characters and integrating them into the story, which at times displays elements of Catch 22., Cross of Iron (CASSELL MILITARY PAPERBACKS) and Toploader and is generally none too complimentary about the fickleness of military command (nor politics).

    The book was later turned into a movie - Go Tell the Spartans - with Burt Lancaster, which is worth watching in its own right (even if the story is slightly altered).

    The cynical elements may shock some readers but the book is certainly one of better short fiction works to come out of the conflict, even if it is largely fictional.
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  • Barton Keyes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Equal to the best on any war
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Leavened with black humour , this sad, prescient story is the equal of almost any war book I have read.

    Style and vintage apart it is as poignant as "All Quiet on the Western Front"; as punchy as The Quiet American: Centenary Celebration 2004; as provocative as A River in May". and as sad as "Chickenhawk". Like all of those it has the authenticity that comes from being written by someone who was there. The storyline is covered by the synopsis and needs no amplification if the plot is not to be spoiled. As a novella it works perfectly; it could have been easily expanded into something more substantial without losing its force or its value. If it had then maybe it would have met the initial hopes of its author and publisher. As it is though, it is a book that stays long in the memory.
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  • Richard Newbold
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nightmarishishly Authentic Novel of the Vietnam War
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This story (the basis of the Burt Lancaster film "Go Tell the Spartans") tells the story of a group of American soldiers (euphemistically called advisors) who are drawn into bloody combat in a much fought over hellhole called Muc Wa, in 1964. The story is very strong in charting the growing awareness of the hero, who progresses from a happy go lucky young man with a sense of bravado into a cynical veteran, all the time realising the deadly trap is closing around him. Rightly acclaimed, as a chilling allegorical prediction for the US involvement in the Vietnam War.
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  • andy henderson
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book is great
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A very informative and enjoyable read.Daniel Ford tells this series of incidents well. A book I will always remember with enjoyment.
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  • rees.d9
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    very good
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