Through the Valley

My Captivity in Vietnam

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 15 Oct 2020 | Archive Date 31 May 2020

Talking about this book? Use #ThroughtheValley #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Through the Valley is the captivating memoir of the last U.S. Army soldier taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. A narrative of courage, hope, and survival, Through the Valley is more than just a war story. It also portrays the thrill and horror of combat, the fear and anxiety of captivity, and the stories of friendships forged and friends lost.

In 1971 William Reeder was a senior captain on his second tour in Vietnam. He had flown armed, fixed-wing OV-1 Mohawks on secret missions deep into enemy territory in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam on his first tour. He returned as a helicopter pilot eager to experience a whole new perspective as a Cobra gunship pilot. Believing that Nixon’s Vietnamization would soon end the war, Reeder was anxious to see combat action. To him, it appeared that the Americans had prevailed, beaten the Viet Cong, and were passing everything over to the South Vietnamese Army so that Americans could leave.

Less than a year later, while providing support to forces at the besieged base of Ben Het, Reeder’s chopper went down in a flaming corkscrew. Though Reeder survived the crash, he was captured after evading the enemy for three days. He was held for weeks in jungle cages before enduring a grueling forced march on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, costing the lives of seven of his group of twenty-seven POWs. Imprisoned in the notorious prisons of Hanoi, Reeder’s tenacity in the face of unimaginable hardship is not only a captivating story, but serves as an inspiration to all.


In Through the Valley William Reeder shares the torment and pain of his ordeal, but does so in the light of the hope that he never lost. His memoir reinforces the themes of courage and sacrifice, undying faith, strength of family, love of country, loyalty among comrades, and a realization of how precious is the freedom all too often taken for granted. Sure to resonate with those serving in the armed forces who continue to face the demands of combat, Through the Valley will also appeal especially to readers looking for a powerful, riveting story.

Through the Valley is the captivating memoir of the last U.S. Army soldier taken prisoner during the Vietnam War. A narrative of courage, hope, and survival, Through the Valley is more than just a...


Advance Praise

Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam is a well-written chronicle of Army Col. Bill Reeder's time as a POW and his struggles adapting back in the 'real world.'” —The VVA Veteran

“This is a powerful book and highly recommended for readers who want a riveting account of survival against the odds.” —Military Review

“Reeder tells a harrowing yet ultimately uplifting story of survival against strong odds. With the exception of some reconstructed dialogue, the tale rings true. Even though we know Reeder will survive, this account still keeps the reader engaged until the end.” —The VVA Veteran

“Colonel Reeder's story of how he became the last soldier captured by the enemy in South Vietnam and how he endured captivity and then a forced march north up the Ho Chi Minh Trail is awe-inspiring. His will to survive, and the courage and sacrifice demanded of him, make this book hard to put down.” —Joseph L. Galloway co-author of We Were Soldiers Once...and Young and We Are Soldiers Still

“I believe this is a work intended for a general audience interested in the POW experience in general and the Vietnam POW experience in particular. It should also appeal to anyone interested in combat aviation as well. This is a work that has it all.” —Robert C. Doyle, author of A Prisoner's Duty: Great Escapes in U.S. Military History

“This book's greatest value, however, is not simply as a straightforward historical account detailing one man's journey into and out of captivity. Through the Valley poignantly captures the profound cost of the conflict experienced not just by one observer, but by all those around him. Throughout his journey north, Reeder encountered dozens of South Vietnamese prisoners who suffered through the same captivity he did. Indeed, during the missions he flew prior to his capture, Reeder provided cover for the evacuation of American advisors from doomed South Vietnamese outposts. It is this that is perhaps the most worthwhile part of this autobiographical account. Reeder, in heartfelt detail, captures the pain and perseverance that permeates his experience in a way that is profoundly accessible to those reading it. In this respect, Through the Valley contributes to a rich body of writing that has helped leaders and policymakers for centuries understand the human cost associated with deciding to go to war, a cost that those they choose to send to fight will carry home with them. Costs that will influence how those people reintegrate into society, and how society changes as a result.” —The Strategy Bridge

“The way that he (Reeder) and his fellow prisoners maintained their dignity and courage under horrendous circumstances is inspiring. The well-written autobiography is a stirring look at the trials of a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.” —Military Heritage

Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam by William Reeder Jr. is a harrowing account of courage and bravery by a Cobra gunship pilot shot down and captured by the enemy. Suffering a broken back and horribly festering wounds, Reeder barely survived a nearly 400-mile death march to Hanoi.” —Robert Mason, author of Chickenhawk

“Reeder has a good story to tell and knows how to tell it. A forty-year delay in writing his memoir did not diminish its impact. He served two tours in Vietnamùhis second mostly as a prisoner. One ordeal he survived ranks alongside the Bataan Death March.” —Air Power History

“He wants to be there, 'preserving the South against communist aggression and wanting to be in a tactical unit that's still in the fight.' Instead he survives a crash, lands in prison as a 'criminal,' and contracts malaria. His treatment and his memoir document why any nation ought to treat an enemy POW–in this case an American–with dignity.” —Military Times

“It is a book, at times, not for the squeamish or faint of heart. It is a revealing story of how our fighting men, and now women, can find themselves in harm's way at multiple levels. It is also a story of how one can adapt, survive, and overcome the worst trials and tribulations–with faith and belief in oneself and country. The book is recommended.” —Journal of America's Military Past

“Reeder, a former U.S. Army colonel, shares his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war after his Cobra helicopter was shot down on May 9, 1972, near Ben Het, Vietnam. Reeder was incredibly fortunate to survive the crash, as his copilot was killed and he was severely injured: 'hanging out the side of the Cobra, head down with my feet stuck in the cockpit, the helicopter burning.' Nearly paralyzed and without a weapon, Reeder survived for three days in the jungle before being captured. Then he somehow made it through several weeks penned up in a tortuous jungle prison camp in South Vietnam, an excruciating forced march to Hanoi, and imprisonment in the infamous North Vietnamese prison known as the 'Hanoi Hilton.' With the exception of some reconstructed dialogue, the tale rings true. Reeder evocatively shares his distressing, yet ultimately uplifting, story of survival against the odds, and even though readers know Reeder will make it through, this account will keep them engaged until the end.” —Publishers Weekly

Through the Valley unquestionably possesses the characteristics of a superb story and a story which is superbly told. This is a book which will benefit and be remembered by readers of a wide variety of interests. William Reeder has a special story which must be read.” —INFANTRY

Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam is a well-written chronicle of Army Col. Bill Reeder's time as a POW and his struggles adapting back in the 'real world.'” —The VVA Veteran


Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam is a well-written chronicle of Army Col. Bill Reeder's time as a POW and his struggles adapting back in the 'real world.'” —The VVA Veteran

“This is a...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781682473832
PRICE $21.95 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

Send to Kindle (PDF)

Average rating from 10 members


Featured Reviews

Free ARC from Net Galley

A Vietnam version of "Unbroken" if you will, no disrespect

When a helicopter crash is the GOOD thing you know this will be hard

The spirit of man, when left intact is truly the most glorious, amazing, and dangerous thing on the earth

Bravo Mr. Reeder!!

Was this review helpful?

This book was very compelling. It managed to tell a story that was harrowing, yet easy to follow, and didn't get bogged down in military acronyms/terms. I think anyone interested in learning more about life in the US miitary or about Vietnam would find Through The Valley quite valuable. The only real problem I saw was that the dialogue seemed a little stilted at times. Still, I learned a lot from this and would recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

This one stepped a little outside my predominate range of what I read for pleasure, but is certainly a topic I am passionate about.

As a former attack pilot myself, and a student of some of the training that was implemented as a result of the experiences of COL (ret) Reeder and others, I always seek out opportunities to hear the stories of men like him. One can't help but wonder how they would fare if placed in the same positions.

I have read other accounts, first hand and otherwise, in addition to having had opportunities to speak face to face with the men that have lived through similar experiences and I can only imagine the mental/emotional aspect of facing and capturing all those memories to share.

That being said, I found the personal narrative approach a smooth vehicle to tell this tale. It is a compelling story and I am glad to have been able to share in it.

It may not be for everyone, but for the right reader it is absolutely worth the time.

Was this review helpful?

Through the Valley is an impossible tale to rate.
Is it perfect? No, it's not perfect - there are a few grammatical errors and some of the reconstructed dialogue feels forced - but that's not what is important in this story.

This is the true story of the the last American Army POW's capture and struggle to survive his imprisonment during the Vietnam War. There are no word to describe the prisoners loyalty to each other and their countey.

For me this raises a lot of the same emotions as Man's Search for Meaning. What do you do when all outside hope is gone?

A must read but have your tissues handy. Thanks to the Naval Institute Press and Net Galley for my copy to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

Never Give Up

William Reeder Jr. Has shared in his book the incredible story of his life, before, during, and after his capture by the North Vietnamese in Vietnam. It must have been hard to tell and even harder to remember. Thank you Mr. Reeder for sharing your story with us.

This story is very personal, laying out his feelings, his failings, his challenges and his successes. It is a very realistic account. It tugged at my heart to read of the horrible treatment he received in captivity. It is well written and tells the story of those also in captivity with him. You might just need a few Kleenex to read those parts, especially the march to North Korea.

His story tells how brave and patriotic our soldiers were even amid the public war protests. He even tells the story of the few that collaborated with the enemy, received special treatment and were never punished for it .

The statistics about the divorces among the POW'S is sad as are the physical and mental problems of many returning from the war. I really liked that at the end of the book he told a little about each of the group of POW'S and their lives after returning.

The book was interesting, and it was historical. It told a story that kept you turning the pages, but in doing so you were learning about the war, the country and the people. Even in Captivity he wrote about the natural wonders of the country and the beauty he saw.

This is a book that all should read. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to William Reeder Jr., The Naval Institute Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of the book for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

There have been a great history and documented writing on Vietnam. Reeder continues the story of a dark time and the horror of Vietnam. Than you writing a fine story that holds you tight. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Trough the Valley – My Captivity in Vietnam By William Reeder Jr, is an enchanting book were the Colonel and US war veteran shares his captivating memoir about Americas war with Vietnam. It aptly reflects that war is not good for anyone and both sides pay a heavy penalty for the conflict. The wounds inflicted during the war on the soldiers are gruesome and remain in their mind as flashback and often haunt for life. Their friends and families are also are gripped with fear and frenzy and suffer the same anxiety and pain during the war and at times after that. William Reeder shares the tormenting tale of his miraculous survival in the helicopter crash, in the dense jungle, as a captured prisoner of war and time spent at the torturous jungle prison camps in Vietnam. He outpours his heart and tough resolve during his times of distress and upliftment. His story outlines to be strong during deficit, have hope and how to survive despite all the odds. A story of blood, wounds and recuperation mixed with true grit and determination. Being from an Army Family, I can fully relate to him and his feelings. I congratulate him for sharing such a gripping story and inspiring many like me. The cover of the book looks so apt and gives a green and gloomy look, reflecting the background of the story. Kudos to Naval Institute Press for publishing this wonderful book.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: