3 out of 4 stars
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A U.S. military plane bound for Vietnam sets off from the California coast; effortlessly dodging the precocious flirtations of the young recruits bound for war, the stewardess smiles behind the drinks and politely eschews their advances. Inside her smile, she hides the truth known only to her and the pilots that service both the outgoing and return flight; these naive servicemen will soon return broken, sullen, and noiseless-if they return at all. Ralph Harris is one of these men. An African-American, nineteen-year-old from Cleveland, drafted away from the parody of wealth offered by the pimps and hustlers of his neighborhood back home, Ralph has no idea what to expect. Expendable and Necessary is his firsthand account of twelve months “touring” as a grunt in the deadly Vietnam War.
Harris’s wide-eyed arrival introduces readers to a world of blistering heat, ceaseless rain, smoking-hot lead, eye-piercing sweat, and rivers of blood. He details his inclusion in the Meed River, Taylor Common, Pipestone Canyon, Durham Peak and Liberty Road operations. The bitterly transient troops made it hard to build any lasting friendships, but much is discussed and discovered during his time on the ground. Curiosity allowed the men to openly consider topics that were taboo at home. In this, many stereotypes were shattered; they were all brothers in green.
Amidst the horrors of the Arizona Territory, Harris recounts cherished laughable times. Times like the night he woke to rats climbing on him while his buddies stood by laughing, the day his platoon created their own Rumble in the Jungle to ease tensions, and his failed attempt to break his own arm looking for a discharge. These events showed readers how heart and hope could stay alive in the direst of situations.
Although Harris received a bit of notoriety while he was there, eventually growing to be known as “the O-H-Ten brother from Gulf Company,” his story shone a light on the soldiers’ awareness that lives were often valued according to racial identity. From being constantly sent to point for the most traumatic missions to being denied promotions for voicing his concerns, Harris got the distinct feeling that he and his “soul brothers” were nothing more than expendables being used as a means to an end.
His open-minded commentary on the race war within the political conflict, however, was refreshing and revealing. The book’s conversational tone made this otherwise battle-ridden war epic an introspective and engaging read. His non-reactionary mind provided a balanced playing field for the topics of racism and conformity to be scrutinized.
Among the many things I loved were his descriptions of military slang and daily routine. As a civilian, these were particularly enlightening. I did find eleven errors while reading, but in a book of this length, the number suggests some level of editing must have occurred. I have repeatedly wavered on whether or not these errors warrant losing a star because the book was altogether humbling otherwise. In the end, I have decided to rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. With the errors corrected, I find no fault in this book. I certainly recommend Expendable and Necessary to any veteran who wants to find healing through the eyes of another or any civilian who wants to understand the sacrifices made during this war. Through his experiences, Lance Corporal Ralph Harris came away with a newfound appreciation for life, laughter, tears, and pain. I hope that all who read this book come away with the same. I certainly did.
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Expendable and Necessary
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