User Reviews

Very touching. Make u realize how sad it is, that these brave men got caught in between the military and the public.

Misdirected Anger

One-hundred sixty men, Charlie Company trained up in 1966 and deployed in 1967 for 12 months in Viet Nam.

The missing word was "why"?

Protestors met the Pan Am flight when Charlie Company came home. The anger, the judgements, the assaults were misdirected. A soldier is not in charge of "why". The soldiers' grief was prohibited. The first Charlie Company reunion was 23 years later.

Willie McTear: "I was so disappointed and hurt, I went into the bathroom, took my uniform off and stuffed it in my duffle bag and put on some civilians."

Talented documentary film-makers have provided a tight account of chaos. Clarity was served by the decision to contain the scope to one company, 18 months months including training.

As a member of Charlie Company and one of "The Boy's of '67", watching this documentary with my beautiful at my side was one of the most emotional experiences I've had since serving in Vietnam. Lou Reda Productions, with Scott Reda and Liz Reph's outstanding creativity, went above and beyond the call of duty to illustrate the God awful conditions that we young troopers dealt with in an extraordinarily nasty terrain and climate. If the Viet Cong didn't get you, surely the extreme heat, mud, leeches, snakes, rice paddies, jungle, and swamps would. Scott and Liz, with their excellent staff, pulled together a collection of Charlie Company home videos and archival footage that tells a powerful story of combat and our unbelievable return home to harsh treatment by ungrateful Americans.

This exceptional documentary rattled me to my bones.

Quite a lot of my personal interview for the Book "Boys of 67" and subsequently "Brothers in War had to be edited and dropped because I cried through most of it,(the interview).I am a real man grandfather and husband, I cry about nothing, but the emotional wounds of that war Vietnam are still fresh inside me 47 years later, Lou Reda productions really captured the essence of what the author Andrew Weist wanted to convey and it really hits at the gut of what Charlie Company's war in Vietnam was all about, not pretty but the whole ugly truth. As John Young a Squad leader so well stated at the end of the special, what ever your views are on the war don't judge me if you weren't there. We are proud to have severed our country and we honor our fallen brothers and sister in war.

John H Bradfield Jr. 3rd Platoon C/Co 4th/47th Inf 9th Infantry Div (pointman).

This film was extremely well done and wrought with emotion. It brings to life a time many of us have long forgotten or chose to forget. I have heard stories from friends and loved ones about their experience in Vietnam, but nothing affected me as much as watching this film. Hearing the stories of these men along with their home movies and archival war footage makes it that much more real to the viewer and something that cannot be denied. It doesn't paint a pretty picture of war. The men confess their fears and doubts of readiness going into combat. They express the depth of their feelings about doing things they could never imagine possible. I consider myself fortunate to have seen this film, and only found out about it through one of the survivors in the film posting an announcement on his class reunion Facebook page. I hope the film will be shown again on major networks with some promotion ahead of time. People…of all ages…need to see it! Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this film, especially the survivors! I hope this film is submitted to the Sundance Film Festival in June to gain the recognition it so well deserves.

Dear Remaining 4th Platoon Members, I liked the movie and rated it very high, but I really don't understand why everything was about the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd platoons. I understand they took the heaviest fire but the 4th was the first platoon hit. Maybe 7 guys in a plastic boat from the 4th platoon aren't worth mentioning? Although mentioned in the book, this important detail was omitted in the movie. Captain Lind mentioned his 1st, 2nd, & 3rd platoons, but the 4th platoon was also there. Kenny Frakes (4th platoon) was the only one mentioned, but we lost many other brothers from our platoon. I was FDC replacement from 4th division (June 1967) my friend Kenny Frakes and I worked together plotting until he got killed. Paris Fadden

This is a stunning and highly moving personal account of the lives of this one unit, one unit out of many, in the Vietnam War, told in such personal and gripping detail. One of the best high quality pieces I have seen on the accounts of young brave men, serving their country at a time when not only the war challenged their lives, but did the political and social climate facing them upon their return home, shameful as we now look back on it. The film brought truth and honor to the men who's lives were taken, and respect and admiration to those men, lucky enough to survive such odds, who lived to tell this story. The quality and content of this piece made watching it gripping, revealing, powerful and historic. It was my honor to see these men tell it and my recommendation for everyone to take the time to learn and respect what they sacrificed for our great nation.

I'm glad that I happened to stumble across this program this week, I was able to catch the last hour or so and thank God I was able to DVR the entire program and watch it from start to finish. What I liked best of the film was the interviews with the surviving members of the platoon, the way they told their stories made you feel like you were with them in the battle field. How these heroes made it out alive after spending 18 months in Vietnam is beyond me. The 2 hour film kept me on the edge of my seat and I really look forward to more episodes. I also want to say Thanks to the men who fought this war and wish Americans would not take their freedom for granted. So the next time you see a Vet, tell them how much you appreciate what they went through because they deserve it.

I watched the movie, saw the TRUENESS of the events, the action, the bravery, and the Heartache and pain of those soldiers.

To hear the story's, i got to know them as well (to some degree) and it pained me when they were killed.

I was in Vietnam in 67-68, and know first hand of the lay of the land, and the VC activity. I was not in the infantry, and can only THANK THOSE WHO WERE, for their Bravery everyday.............The film showed that side as well.

What the soldiers did when faced with over whelming odds..............GREAT LEADERS, Both in Officers and NCO, and those not NCO's.

A movie to watch. Many THANKS AS WELL TO CHARLIE SHEEN.

Thank You Charlie for supporting our MILITARY..............

Dan

From the very start you will realize that this is real. Every Vietnam veteran should sit down with his family and watch this documentary. You will feel the emotions as the stories are told by those that were there. This is a tribute to all combat veterans that did not get a welcome home. You will feel the love for fellow man and the courage under the worse conditions. Our Country seemed to turn their backs on us but with the Grace of God we never turned our backs on one another. This is not a Hollywood movie as actual footage tells a more dramatic story. The entire 9th Infantry Division will be remembered as being unique in that they were trained from the very start as a combat unit and they served this Country with honor. It is sad that it took 47 years for this story to be told. Hats off to the production company for a job well done. 10 stars plus.

Wow, this was amazing. What a wake-up call for all of us. I am buying the DVD for all five of my adult children and their families for Christmas. Be prepared it's real and does not leave anything to the imagination. Thank you for telling the world what it should have known years ago. I am just sorry that our troops were treated the way they were when they came home. I wanted to jump through the screen and yell and scream at the protesters......idiots. Just how do you think you get to have "Peace, Love, and Surf Naked".....May God Bless our troops and may we all remember those that gave their lives for our freedom. I visited the wall in D.C. and it was the most emotional experience of my life.....everyone should visit the "Wall".

This documentary brought to life the experiences and tremendous hardships our Vietnam vets endured during the Vietnam War, and the despicable Jane Fonda groupies they came home to. Being married to a Vietnam vet who would never talk about the war to me, left me in the dark, so to speak. This movie spoke volumes and helped me understand what I needed to understand; why he came back like he did, and why I, too, and his children, were now also victims of this war. To have the vets from Charlie Company actually give their 1st hand accounts of what they lived, and how, was incredibly moving and educational for me. I don't think I've ever seen another movie that captured this as well as hearing it from the mouths of the vets who were actually there.

I was in Alpha Company 4/47th from the time of the reactivation of the 9th Infantry Division in Ft Riley Kansas,(May 1966) through August of 1967. We trained together and went into Combat as fine tuned Combat Unit. I was in Alpha Company 1st platoon in the June 19th Battle. I was transferred to 2/60th after the June 19th Battle. Charley Company was our Sister Company and I got to know many of the Charley Company guys during our 14 Months together as a Battalion. This Documentary was an excellent recount of our Journey from the time of being drafted through our Viet Nam experiences. I am proud to call the men of Charley Company Brothers, and admire each and every one of them. Billy Terrill

This was one of the best Documentary movies that I have ever seen depicting what really went on in South Viet Nam in the Delta Region. Having known Bill Reynolds and Phil Ferro as my classmates from Cleveland High School and Phil from Northridge JHS I can tell you how proud I am to have known Phil and know Bill all these years. This movie needs to be shown in all college history classes as well as all the military academies to include: West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academies. I served 36 years in the Army in Armor, Infantry, and Artillery from 1970 - 2006. I am now volunteering as an Admissions Officer in Southern California for West Point. I intend to recommend this to West Point for their review and possible viewings in their Military History courses.

LTC (Ret.) Joe Patrick O'Doul

There have essentially always been three basic views of the conflict in Vietnam, one being the more commonly accepted perspective that was simply an outgrowth of the Cronkitian news era, the second being the actual geo-strategic picture within the framework of the Cold War, and the third being the viewpoint of the soldiers that were there.

The first two views are, and will be, debated ad infinitum, but the experiences of the men that fought in Vietnam is inarguable.

To that end, Brothers in War is a refreshing look at Vietnam from a personal perspective that is free of the clichéd irony that has pervaded most documentaries and movies about Vietnam in the last 40 years. Rising above any political epiphenomena that is usually associated with the Vietnam War, Brothers in War simply tells the story of young men that forged a brotherhood and demonstrated that they possessed all of the valor and camaraderie of their forebears...quite regardless of the backdrop of the war itself. As you watch the documentary, you can do nothing other than relate to the men being interviewed, and also understand the Vietnam War a little more than you did before.

The production was well done and the transliteration of the officers' sketch maps into graphical presentations was really exceptional, giving the viewer a situational and tactical understanding of what was going on along the Mekong Delta. My advice to the producers would be to give future documentaries this same treatment. Well-rendered maps gives the viewer a situational comprehension that is hard to convey with the spoken word alone.

Because the men of Charlie Company 4/47 came from all walks of life, and because they embodied a deep brotherhood (which is exemplified by their annual reunions to this day), their story is one that should be told, particularly because it is quite removed from the typical political negativity about a war and an era that is long over.

My only criticism would be that I would have liked to have seen more about the so-called Battle of May 15th (1967) when Specialist Don "bug" Peterson was killed (this was Charlie Company's first major firefight), because I think it says something remarkable about the emergence of character in men who had never seen combat before. But this criticism is actually more of praise than critique because I am fundamentally saying that I wanted more than what could be aired in a mere two hours.

To Hollywood, I would say, there is much potential for a detailed story here.

And, by the way, Charlie Sheen did a fine job narrating, and I have no complaints on that score. It is in this capacity where Mr. Sheen is really "winning".

Eric Harvey Senior Developer, S&T Press

This film was incredible. The interviews were stunning. The blend of home video and archival shots managed to capture the reality of the story lines perfectly. Thanks to all for doing such a wonderful job creating this program. It achieves the highest standard of visual storytelling.

It is a bold history lesson about Vietnam.

It is told through the eyes of those who experienced the events depicted.

It captures Vietnam and its aftermath like no other film before it.

Bill Lord, Charlie Company 4th/47th Sept '67-June '68

As I watched these brave young men fight, suffer and die, I realized how truly horrible this war was. I'd heard all the stats, listened to news coverage, but seeing it like this really brought the ugly truth home for me. Here are young men, some barely out of high school and not even old enough to vote, drafted into a war that was highly controversial. These boys had no choice. But they bravely served and fought to help those who could not help themselves. That's what Americans do. Then after a year long struggle, they return to a nation that has the audacity to spit on them! My heart broke as I watched the men tell of their return to the US...NO loving welcome home and thank you for your service (as in WWII), but shouts of anger and ridicule. As a nation we should be ashamed of the treatment of our NAM vets. They deserved better for giving us their all!!

This is by far the best firsthand account of what had happen in the delta of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Told by those who lived to tell about it. Through the interviews and movie footage it tells a story so real it seems hard to believe. So profound that it moves you to beyond words. A Vietnam Band of Brothers. They are the children of that Greatest Generation who went above and beyond the call of duty. This movie will be with you for a long time. We need to know what truthfully happen here for in the years to come, it could get lost forever. The boys of '67 are those who make me proud to say I'm an American. God bless them and God bless the families of their lost brothers.

I hope I can do the men of Charlie Company, Dr. Weist, and Lou Reda Productions justice here. I know putting this together on film had to be an emotional and monumental undertaking.

My wife and I watched this from DVR this past Sunday and were spellbound for the entire two hours. When it was over we each felt like we did leaving the theater after seeing "Saving Private Ryan" years ago or after re-watching a segment of "Band of Brothers" here at home. To me this is on the same level as those two; possibly more as these guys are my age and from "my" time. I hope "Brothers in War" continues to gain momentum and at least earns a sequel or becomes a movie. I would hope that any sequel or movies would tell the story of Kenny Frakes...I can't turn loose of what he did...I will be buying the DVD for my home collection and will give copies to all of my friends I loaned "Boys of '67" to. It's that good and for me made the book come alive.

I bought and read the book about a year ago and have revisited it many times to look at the pictures and re-read certain passages. I know that having done this just made me feel a little more connected and emotionally attached. As I listened to the personal narratives I picked up some perspectives that had never crossed my mind…...such as how quiet it is after the last shot is fired in an engagement and such a hard stop going from full-speed ahead to all-stop. When I heard Willie McTear tell about the hostile protesters they ran into on the homecoming and him changing from a uniform to civvies in the men's room…well, you just want to apologize and fix that somehow. But you cant. I don't see how the men of Charlie Company and many other unmentioned companies endured these hardships, physical and mental trials, and losses of friends day after day. I mean to get ambushed, extract and mount up and re-insert again takes more than just grit. Don't know if I could do it.

Lou Reda Productions, thanks for taking this story and these men and making the documentary happen.

Brothers of Charlie Company I am happy to see you guys are having reunions and getting together to reconnect and stay in touch. I appreciate you guys sitting down in front of the camera and sharing your story and the stories of some left behind. I feel like you bared your souls to us and that's hard to do.

Thank you for your service,

Spud Woods

As a replacement in Oct 1967 for these men this documentary is special for me. It brought back so many memories both good and bad. Watching this documentary brought back the sounds of choppers, tango boats, jets, helicopters and the sound of gunfire and rockets. It brought back the smells of the nasty rice paddies, the stinking canals and the stench of death. I have never been so moved by a Vietnam movie or documentary as much as I was by Brothers at War. I felt the pain of battle and know what these men went through. I think it would benefit everyone that was in Vietnam and those that were not to watch this documentary. There is no way to describe what we and others went through but Brothers at War comes as close as any. Roy Moseman 2nd platoon C 4/47th 9th Inf. Div.

It has been a long time coming, but thanks to Charlie 4/47th, Scott and Lou Reda, Andrew Wiest, and National Geographic, I feel the truth of the Vietnam War I knew and hated, is finely being shown to America. It was simply the best Vietnam Doc I have ever seen and represented the fear, pride and feelings I have always felt. And although I am sure there will be some negative press from somebody including the protesters and people that did not support us, it was very brave of the guys and Reda production to finely tell the truth of our war and how we Vets felt and still feel today when we returned home from that terrible place.

Normally, Nam docs give the protesters way too much credit yet Scott and Nation Geographic told the truth and reported our story without taking sides and expressed how we vets felt. Although I am sure the overwhelming majority of the protesters were exercising their right to not support the war, they did not assault us calling us names. However, there was that other group, like the Berkeley students, that hurt many of us deeply with their insults and this Doc reports that correctly. My hat is off to all that stood up in support of us Nam Vets. And thank you guys for telling the truth of the war we served in. Charlie Company was just one of many that fought in that far off place in firefights and unnamed battles, honorably, that we few Vets still carry in our hearts and minds. I am sure it will go a long way in helping in the healing process that still goes on today. Charlie Company and the entire 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry River Raiders along with the River Patrol Force and Brown Water Navy, you are all heroes in my books.

Brothers in War, Ralph Christopher Not all wounds are visible

This Nat Geo doc. was put together very well, and told a story that people need to hear.

It is a story "from the inside" about the people who served, documenting and describing their emotions and everyday life in Vietnam.

The background of these men was from all walks of life. It's fascinating how they all come from different parts of the USA, and make friends for life. The bonding is especially poignant when one of their own makes the ultimate sacrifice.

I found it to be a valuable and important account of those people, at that time. The use of stories and footage, and the interviews of the people involved (what they think now) was remarkable and first-rate.

I was moved and riveted. I highly recommend it!

I have seen every documentary and nearly every movie made about the Vietnam War and can tell you that "Brothers In War" is, by far, the best account ever produced. The production staff has done a masterful job of placing the viewers into the lives of the men in Charley Company. After watching "Brothers In War", I feel a very personal sense of attachment to each of these 160 men and what they endured--both during and after the war. The mark of a great film is one in which the viewers can fully identify with its characters. From the beginning of "Brothers In War" to its end, I identified with the teamwork and brotherhood that form the spine of this documentary.

From 1975-1980, I served this great country as a member of the Air Force in the newly-formed, all-voluntary military. Although I grew up in an Army family, it wasn't until I was an active member that I experienced the camaraderie that exits within (which was spoken of by John Young). Should the opportunity arise, I would like to personally shake the hand of each surviving member of Charley Company and thank them for a job well done. Their contributions and this extraordinary account can best be summed up by my saying: Mission accomplished!

This is the best film I have seen about the Vietnam War! It is the real deal. At times I felt as if I was right there fighting with them. All of the interviews were the real people from Charlie Company. I loved the non Hollywood look of this film. I think this film should garnish a lot of awards! It should also be rerun more than it has. When you watch it you realize the life long bond these shoulders have. It revealed things never reported to the civilians back home. I loved it! "Platoon" best movie "Brothers In War" the best documentary on the Vietnam War. A very good Idea having the voice of "Platoon", Charlie Sheen as the narrator. Needless to say, I loved "Brothers In War". Ted Kuskulis