Description

The VBC’s Jim Roberts has written a wonderful memoir of Vietnam titled MAT 111 Dong Xoai, Vietnam 1971: Stories from 33 Quebec’s Tour of Duty. The book offers a rare and deeply personal glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of the Vietnam War—one that is often overshadowed by large-scale battles and high-level strategy. Through gripping, first-hand accounts, Roberts brings to life the experiences of 33 Quebec, a young infantry lieutenant, and 33 Tango, a seasoned sergeant, as they operated within a five-man Mobile Advisory Team (MAT). Their mission was to support and train South Vietnamese Regional Forces, working in the dense jungles and volatile hamlets of Phuoc Long Province along the Cambodian border during the Vietnamization phase of the war. These stories, rich in detail and authenticity, provide an unfiltered look at the daily realities of American advisors—men who lived alongside their Vietnamese counterparts, navigating the dangers, frustrations, and complexities of a war that was increasingly shifting into local hands.

Unlike many Vietnam War narratives, MAT 111 doesn’t focus on massive troop movements or political debates. Instead, it delivers an intimate and often harrowing account of small-unit advisory operations, where survival depended on trust, adaptability, and sheer perseverance. Roberts vividly captures the exhausting heat, the tension of jungle patrols, the unpredictable encounters with the enemy, and the bonds forged between American advisors and their Vietnamese allies. At times darkly humorous, at others deeply sobering, these stories shed light on the unsung role of the MAT teams and the sacrifices they made in a war that was winding down for America but still raging for those on the ground. MAT 111 is a crucial addition to Vietnam War literature—one that should be read by veterans, historians, and policymakers alike, reminding us of the complex and often overlooked realities of advisory missions in conflict zones.

  • DESCRIPTION

    ASIN ‏ : ‎ B092KCS835

    Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (April 14, 2021)

    Language ‏ : ‎ English

    Paperback ‏ : ‎ 366 pages

    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8727959213

    Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.08 pounds

    Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.83 x 9 inches