Review of One February Morning

Mayang Bature · Post by **Mayang Bature** » 19 Oct 2023, 12:06

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "One February Morning" by John Gachich.]

5 out of 5 stars

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On the morning of February 28, 1968, 20-year-old John Gachich and other “green” soldiers boarded the flight that took them to Vietnam. Even after months of the necessary preparations, this morning was still different. Most of them will not return from this journey alive, and it was all for political reasons. Vietnam was filled with horrors and unimaginable experiences that have taken a toll on the minds of the witnesses. This book is a recollection of the author's experiences as a person who maintained aircraft armor.

The fact that many people will not understand military jargon will not come as a surprise to anyone—I know I don't. The author took that into consideration as he effectively dumbed down some terms for us. As a result, I got to fully understand what he did during his tour and learned some abbreviations for groups of people like LRRPs (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) and FNGs (F*** New Guys). I also liked the way he inserted jokes to lighten the mood. These contained a lot of not-so-smart moments and were necessary to give the narrative much-needed levity.

The 281st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC), to which Gachich belonged, was in charge of extracting the LRRPs whenever they required assistance. From above, the AHC admired the LRRPs' bravery for venturing into unknown territory, and the LRRPs in turn were astounded by how the AHC could hang off the helicopters and fire in style. One could tell from this how much respect they had for one another, which in turn boosted their comradery.

I was able to comprehend their way of life as best I could thanks to the book's straightforward language. I enjoyed learning about how they were constantly alert with their sixth sense, even though their daily lives were largely uneventful. This state of mind, in constant alertness, was one of the psychological effects of this experience, knowing that you or someone around you could expire just like that in an instant. The expression of emotion was done well and served as a way for the author to show his feelings.

John Gachich succeeded in his goal of telling his story and expressing support for his brothers. "One February Morning" receives a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars because I can't think of anything I dislike about it. Veterans of war would most likely relate to this story, so I think it was written with them in mind.

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One February Morning
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Alexander Victoria · Post by **Alexander Victoria** » 21 Oct 2023, 04:51

John Gachich's narrative is a poignant journey through the harrowing landscape of the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective as an aircraft armor maintainer. His ability to make the military experience accessible to those unfamiliar with the jargon is commendable, allowing readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of his service and the camaraderie forged amidst unimaginable challenges. The insertion of humor provides a much-needed respite in the midst of intense moments, showcasing the human spirit's resilience even in the darkest of times. Gachich's account not only highlights the dedication of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company but also the profound respect and camaraderie that defined their service, making this a compelling and emotionally resonant read for all.

Marina Flisvou · Post by **Marina Flisvou** » 23 Oct 2023, 08:41

It's great that you mentioned the funny parts in the book, which lightened the mood. I can see how the soldiers from different groups respected each other, and that's nice.
Your review also helped me see how the soldiers were always on edge, even in their everyday lives. It's clear that the author did a good job expressing his feelings.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and bringing this book to my attention!