“I was a marine with Charlie Co. I was in the firefight that Patrick describes on January 19, 1968. A day in my life I will never forget.”
“Somehow I survived my time in Nam. This book is a reminder to me of all my brothers that did not. Patrick, I would like to thank you my friend for writing this book and sharing some of what happened so many years ago.”
By John Kaufman on September 1, 2017
“There are many books that recount moving personal stories of wartime gallantry. There are also many books that have analyzed the Vietnam War strategy. This book succeeds brilliantly in juxtaposing both.”
By Ray Don August 25, 2017
“Spellbinding!! Absolutely riveting!! This book has its place with other great books about war from soldier’s perspective, Das Boot (Buchheim), All Quiet on the Western Front (Remarque).”
By Jon August 2, 2017
“The Cross of Gallantry is the best Vietnam novel since Fields of Fire.”
By Mary Sully on September 18, 2017
By Mark J. McMahon on August 14, 2017
“This book should be read in conjunction with H.R. McMaster’s Dereliction of Duty. What Mr. Blake describes is the awful price the grunts had to pay because Kennedy, Johnson, McNamara, and the Joint Chiefs committed us to a halfhearted war of attrition because of political considerations. Well done Mr. Blake.”
By Pat on August 10, 2017
“Amazing work from beginning to end. The descriptions are superb.”
“Mr. Blake wrote a first class war novel. I’m looking forward to his next works!”
By Sapper08 on November 2, 2017
“The combat scenes are full of detail that transports you to the DMZ. I would love to see this on the big screen…”
By Heng-Jin Park on October 31, 2017
“As a former Marine, I am hopeful that our political leaders will read this book to gain insight and perspective, and to appreciate the gravity of committing men to combat.”
By Jeff Johnson on September 25, 2017
“Hello, my name is Brian and I was a combat Marine in I corps from 1968 to 1969. Thank you Patrick for helping me to remain proud of being a Marine but also to clarify some of my confused feelings.”
By Amazon Customer on August 7, 2017
“Through Pat’s detailed accounts of the hell of war, I could, in some ways, experience why the words “semper fi” are so special to those who have served our country as marines.”
By Ken Millen on September 19, 2017
.”I highly recommend the Cross of Gallantry for those who desire to gain some understanding of what our U.S. combat forces in Vietnam experienced and its effect on them and us.”
By James Schwarz on September 19, 2017
“The work, when proposed as a writing project, would seem an impossible lift. Blake pulls it off with incredible deftness in a style that is at once personable and authoritative–he speaks from bitter and loving experience. The Cross of Gallantry is a riveting read.”
“Blake is a first-class spokesman for the uncommon, common Marine, among them. I found the detail of the training experience meticulous. The prospect of eventual battle service as Frank Obrien and his colleagues prepared to leave the US was rendered in a heartfelt and bittersweet manner.”
“The Cross of Gallantry is a must read.”
By Robert E. Donohue on September 8, 2017
“Every Vietnam veteran should stand tall. Excerpts of the stories of Vietnam warriors should be studied at all Military Academies. Excellent read.”
By B. Fahnestock on September 7, 2017
“Outstanding read. I was so engrossed in the characters of Charlie Company I didn’t sleep at all on my redeye.”
By Amazon Customer on September 7, 2017
“The book is realistic about the Marine Corps training and what we went through in Nam.”
By Jerry Willis on September 6, 2017
“This book describes what combat troops deal with on a constant basis, hour to hour survival and looking out for your buddies around you. You feel the intense reality as Pat tells the story, reflecting his own experiences in Vietnam.”
By Don H. on September 4, 2017
“On balance compared to several other Vietnam works the Cross of Gallantry was a perfect story of a young man’s Human experience in life and war, the others I read were tilted more to the horror of war.”
By Gordon Brewer on August 30, 2017
“The Cross of Gallantry is one of the best “soldier’s perspective” books I’ve read. I highly recommend it.”
By Brian Cohen on August 27, 2017
“The reality of war and the love of country is on full display in The Cross of Gallantry…”
By LHon on August 24, 2017
“The book is a “must read” for anyone that wants to learn what it was like getting onto the Vietnam War, the hardships that the Warfighter puts up with, and that freedom come at a heavy price. The next time you see a Veteran, thank him/her for their service that gives us the liberties we enjoy.”
By Ron P on August 18, 2017
“Excellently written and a must read by all so they can understand and appreciate what some Americans sacrifice for their country. I have bought 6 copies to pass out.”
By William R. Bates on August 16, 2017