Book: "We Never Wanted A Parade"

By Donald Tackett

Publisher: BookLogix

Autobiography/Memoir

300 pages

$19.95

Paperback

About the Book:

Imagine growing up in a small town, leading a normal life and hoping to become a journalist. Then one day you make a decision that changes your whole life -- to become more than a man -- to become a US Marine.

"We Never Wanted a Parade" is a coming-of-age memoir by Don "Tack" Tackett. He discovered loss, respect, and became a man in the steam-filled jungles of Vietnam.

With his unit all but gone, Tack was re-assigned and began the process of making friends and earning respect all over again with sound judgment and good leadership.

"I thought every day in the bush would be my last. I just knew that day was the day I would get hit. When I turned every corner, I could visualize confronting the little bastard that would end my life. It was a very scary thought.

As if that wasn't enough, we had to deal with the booby traps. Then the night would come. It was so dark we couldn't see the guy next to us, let alone see out into the bush where we just knew a sapper was going to sneak up and cut our throats.

Then daybreak would come. Thank God for daybreak. We'd lived another day, and it was another day closer to going home."

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Reviews:

“This book was a great read from start to finish. Really goes in depth from basic training to combat patrols in Vietnam. As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, You really make a connection with the author and the friends he had and some he lost while in country. Even if you’re not in the Military this is a 'lessons of life' book and should not be passed up.” ~Sniper762m

“Sgt Tackett served in the same unit as myself Kilo 3/7, the only difference is he arrived, in country, a couple of months after I was wounded and returned back home. He has written a true and honest account of what life was like in Vietnam, especially Kilo 3/7.” ~joesasnit

“Very easy to read, hard to put down. Don tells HIS story without getting into the politics of the war. Just his experiences. The good, the bad and the sometimes humorous. GREAT BOOK.” ~Rob

“Very well written, true account of a young soldier's life at war. I would recommend this one for anyone who loves a VietNam vet-it will help you to understand what they endured and how they were treated upon returning home.” ~battchief53

“A must read! I couldn't put it down, as a matter of fact I loved it so much I bought copies for my friends and family. You did an amazing job not only writing this book but in life and war!”~Sgravitt

“This is a very good read. I've read many books about Viet Nam from former service members but this is by far the best. I read it from start to finish the day that I received it.

I felt like Don was sitting at the kitchen table and we were just having our own private conversation. It's just one of those books that grab you in the first few pages. I wish everyone could read this book and think it should be required reading in English and History classes. If you get the chance to read this book please do not pass it up,because you will be passing up a very good read and a great writer.” ~Roberta Myers

“I served in the U. S. Army in Vietnam Nam at the same time as the author. This story brought to my memory many of the events I had forget. I have known Don for several years, we have talked many hours about our service, but "We Never Wanted a Parade" hit it out of the park. The only thing missing was the sounds and smell of actual combat.” ~Warren Pennington


"Vietnam was the unspoken war of my youth. I had friends who went to Vietnam right out of high school and didn't come back. The ones who did return did not talk about their experiences, at least not to me. This book caught me from the first page and I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. Don wrote in a manner that was like he was talking just to me. It brought tears and smiles as I read it. I also felt sadness for all those who were in Vietnam because they deserved our love, support and our thanks for serving our country. I cannot imagine the horror they lived and to come home to people who didn't even recognize their service -- we certainly need to at least say thank you and support them as they are still fighting to let go of those memories. Thank you Don for sharing your story and for serving our country." ~Gaynell Dillon

About the Author:

Donald “Tack” Tackett was born on July 13, 1949 in North Bend, OR, but grew up in Zanesville OH from the age of three.  He graduated high school in 1967 and joined the Marine Corps immediately after.

After boot camp at MCRD San Diego, he was sent to Vietnam (December ’67-December ’68), where he was assigned to Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Div.  He was wounded once.

In ’72, he joined the Army and, like the Marines, he spent his time as an infantryman.  He retired in May of ’98 as a Sergeant Major.

“I served in every leadership position available to an enlisted soldier.  In the end, I was a much better soldier than I was ever a Marine.” ~Donald Tackett

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“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale