Praise for 100 Days In Vietnam
“100 Days in Vietnam is a story of selflessness and self sacrifice, qualities that have been and remain essential to the strength of our nation and our Army. Joe Tallon’s story is important because it will help readers appreciate the importance of the warrior ethos, the covenant between fellow soldiers…”
H. R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam (1997) and most recently Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World (Sept 2020)
“For all of us coming of age in the class of 1969, the Vietnam War was always looming. After receiving a draft notice post-graduation, Joe Tallon scratched and clawed his way through Army training, ultimately finding himself in Vietnam by 1972. His resiliency and strength to overcome shine through in this poignant survival story told in tandem by father and son.”
Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University, West Point Class of ‘69
“Joseph Tallon’s story, told through his wartime letters, recollections, and the words of his son, is a moving account of an American family’s experience with war, loss, and remembrance. 100 Days in Vietnam offers readers both a rare window on the final days of our painful national odyssey in Vietnam and a remarkable record of an individual’s determined quest to honor a fallen comrade.”
Ken Burns, Filmmaker and Director of The Vietnam War, The Civil War, and many other films
“Father and son army veterans, Joseph and Matthew, sing a soulful duet of remembrance and revelation in this evocative narrative of love and war, suffering and struggle, resilience and healing. 100 Days in Vietnam, a cross-generational memoir, offers us rare insights into the deep bonds of friendship, the ravages and gifts of survival, and the complex meanings of a true patriotism.”
Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot is the Emily Hargroves Fisher Research Professor of Education, Harvard University, and the author of Balm in Gilead: Journey of a Healer and Exit: The Endings That Set Us Free among other books
“100 Days in Vietnam is a remarkable firsthand account of one man's experience of war. Framed by stories of his own father and son, it is a moving tribute to the traditions of honor, respect, affection, and sacrifice shared by three generations of a single family. In gifting this story to the public, Matthew Tallon has taken a little piece of history, made it personal, and brought it home.”
Christina Thompson, PhD, Editor of Harvard Review and author of Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia
“A father-son team tells a great story about Vietnam combat service in the Army's air force. Joseph Tallon's time was spent as a Mohawk pilot flying recon missions into North Vietnam. His story is sandwiched between daily letters exchanged with his wife back home. His tour of duty ends with an engine shot out by enemy fire and a crash landing and fire that killed his observer and severely burned Tallon. Highly recommend this book!"
Joseph L. Galloway, co-author of We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, We Are Soldiers Still, and They Were Soldiers: The Sacrifices and Contributions of our Vietnam Veterans
“Superbly written, rife with humility, heart, and a relentless sense of hope and longing, 100 Days in Vietnam is a tale of love, war, recovery, remembrance, and the pursuit to honor those who don’t always get recognized in the after-action reports, the homecoming parades, or the headlines featuring hometown heroes. Former Army pilot Joseph F. Tallon’s day-to-day musings and letters home are at times reminiscent of Joseph Heller’s novel, Catch-22. Joe Tallon does a great job capturing both the mundane and those life altering moments when mayhem and tragedy strikes. His eldest son, Matthew A. Tallon, a gifted writer and former Army officer, opens and closes the story with prose so beautifully rendered you are compelled to keep reading. Matt writes lovingly of his grandfather, a WWII veteran, whose death is the catalyst that starts the journey to bring this book into the world. With empathy and compassion, both father and son weave a story you will not soon forget.”
Kathleen M. Rodgers, 2020 MWSA Founder’s Award and author of The Flying Cutterbucks
“In this beautifully rendered portrait of a great hero fighting the tragic Vietnam War, and then explaining what he had to cope with afterward, Matthew Tallon provides deep insights into the lives of those who fight our wars when ordered to, and what they suffer when it's over."
George C. Daughan, author of Revolution on the Hudson and Lexington and Concord
“A book about an American journey of one of the few who served and sacrificed. A must read to understand the personal feelings of the soldier and those who loved him and in many ways shared in that sacrifice. Every time you see someone who has worn the cloth of this nation remember the freedoms you enjoy are not free. Joe Tallon was a special American soldier. Semper Fi.”
James E. Livingston, Major General, U.S.M.C. (Retired), Medal of Honor Recipient
“Every now and again, we have the opportunity to set the wrongs of life right. 100 Days in Vietnam tells the story of Lt. Col. Joseph Tallon's quest to right the wrongs. It is a story of devotion between brothers, between husband and wife, and between father and son. If only we were all so willing to sacrifice in order to lift up others."
Karen Spears Zacharias, author of After the Flag has Been Folded (Wm. Morrow)
“In 1972, it was a privilege to share a rare moment with Lt. Joseph Tallon. This "must-read" book brought back a flood of memories and profound perspectives. Our forgotten warriors deserve respect and honor for their dedication, sacrifice, and service to our nation. I’m proud to be associated with these patriots!”
Laurel Lea Schaefer, Miss America 1972
“From the Greatest Generation to the Vietnam War and beyond, the Warrior Ethos is the thread that bonds and shows itself as we look back through the lens of battle staff rides like the one Matt describes in his introduction, and further illuminates so poignantly…always remembered and never forgotten.”
Stephen E. Farmen, Major General, U.S. Army (Retired)
“So powerful is the story of one person fighting not only for his life but for all America. This is a most vivid and gut wrenching actual report of one man's struggle for not only his life but the lives of so many he never met or knew. How can we as Americans ever forget those who placed our country above themselves? I know there were protesters and marchers but the fact of his focus on mission tells the story of a hero who sacrificed everything to the limits of life. I look forward to this publication being shared with those of us who went and served America as well as our next generation who today are preparing to be tomorrow's warriors.”
George Patton (Pat) Waters, grandson of General George S. Patton, Jr.
“Starting with a childhood on Charleston’s Bull Street and culminating with a Purple Heart quest in Summerville some 66 years later, Joe’s story is steeped in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Whether he’s surviving a plane crash on the last day of the American ground war, meeting Miss America in the China Beach hospital, getting the attentive support of Betty Ford at a White House visit, or surviving a horrible storm off Morris Island on a shrimpboat with his cousin Bubba, Joe’s serendipitous adventures would bring a smile to the face of any Forrest Gump fan. The beautiful love story with his wife sustains him on a long, winding road of recovery. Joe’s story is a magnificent one told quite well in concert by father and son.”
Joseph P. Riley, Jr, Former Mayor of Charleston (1975-2016) and current Professor of American Government & Public Policy at The Citadel
“100 Days in Vietnam grounds the story of Joe Tallon’s military service not only in the act of heroism and survival that defined his career, but also in the common soldier’s everyday sacrifice and humanity. Joe’s quest to honor his fallen compatriot, as told by his son, Matt, mirrors America’s continued efforts to fully honor this generation of soldiers and their families.”
Ronald J. Mariano, Speaker of the House, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
“The Vietnam era was a historical anomaly, most notably because that war occurred in the sad era when too few Americans had the decency to thank those who fought in their place. Generations of warfighters before and now two generations of warfighters since Vietnam were welcomed home by the ticker tape and yellow ribbons of a grateful Nation, an honor deserved by but denied to most Vietnam vets. 100 Days in Vietnam is a compelling reminder of why such displays of gratitude are commonsense and should be commonplace when fellow citizens stand in the gap like they did in Southeast Asia. At its core, this page-turner is a love story. It’s a story of how three generations of Tallons loved their country enough to deny themselves for others—before, during, and after combat. It’s a story of how a family loved each other through the perils of war again and again and again. It’s a story of how an aviator loved his battle buddy so much that he refused to give up until his wingman received the recognition he was due. Most importantly, it’s a story that should be devoured by anyone willing to be inspired and ready to make a difference. Readers will love this story!”
Dondi E. Costin, PhD, Major General, U.S. Air Force (Retired) and President, Charleston Southern University
“Joe Tallon is a rare breed. Patriot, leader, soldier, husband, father, and grandfather whose love and service for his Nation is amplified through 100 Days in Vietnam, a masterfully written first-hand account of a turbulent time in American history. Lieutenant Colonel Tallon’s tenacious pursuit of a Purple Heart for his fallen comrade, Daniel Richards, is a reminder of the heart and soul of the American Soldier exemplifying brotherhood and service. Every student of leadership must read this book!”
Rick Brewer, PhD, MBA is the President & CEO and Professor of Management at Louisiana College
“100 Days in Vietnam is a distinguished tale of Joe Tallon, a Lowcountry war hero, illuminating his distinctive Vietnam experience, adversities that followed, and endeavors of remembrance for the fallen. Joe’s riveting journey as a soldier and veteran exudes valor and displays the true meaning of sacrifice and love for country, family, and fellow warfighter.”
R. Keith Summey, Mayor of North Charleston (1994 - present)
“Whether in uniform or civilian clothes, I’ve never seen Joe Tallon when he didn’t appear to be standing at attention. He was a proud American soldier through and through. This book, 100 Days in Vietnam, is a riveting read that includes uncanny detail about his experiences as an Army pilot. The love letters he exchanges with his wife, Martha Anne, add an additional human texture to an otherwise chaotic existence. It’s in those same letters, though, that Charlestonians will appreciate his memories of fishing in Colonial Lake and eating shrimp at the Sand Bar restaurant on Folly Beach. There are moments of turmoil, danger, angst, heroism and homesickness as Tallon counts the days to his return to his new bride. It’s a compelling story told in a first person narrative sure to grab your attention and maybe, even, make you stand a little taller as an American.”
Warren Peper, Television and Print Media Award-Winning Journalist
“100 Days in Vietnam is not just the story of a young officer’s service at the conclusion of the Vietnam War; it is also a testament to the primacy of character in one’s life. Having commanded First Lieutenant Matt Tallon (Joe’s son) while serving in Germany, I have a unique appreciation for this book. Matt was an exceptional officer and perhaps the hardest working Soldier I have had the privilege of leading. It is clear to me now that Joe’s love and sense of service were ingrained in his son Matt. Deeply personal and surprisingly candid, 100 Days in Vietnam is a valuable addition to literature on the Vietnam War and an honest account of the American experience.”
Mark D. Wolf, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, Instructor, Command & General Staff Course, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
“I have always been interested in the U.S. involvement in Vietnam and the brave souls that were required to go fight in that war. The timeline of your stories were amazing. This book was an excellent read. Thank you both for sharing your experiences through your stories.”
Thomas Rouse, Jr., Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Retired)
“100 Days in Vietnam is an honest recollection of an unpopular war that divided the country, from the point of view of a truly humble, quiet, professional, and compassionate leader. As I read this book it reminded me of my love for my fellow Soldiers during my own 22-year career and combat deployment. The admiration and desire to honor a brother in arms can only truly be understood by one who has walked in those same boots and has shared the sights, sounds, smells, heat, cold, and discomforts while putting the mission before your own life in some cases. Sadly, America checked out on our Vietnam veterans even before they returned from mandatory deployments and turned its back on these warriors who did only what was asked and required of them. This recollection of then Lieutenant Joe Tallon and SPC-5 Daniel Richards brings some much-needed awareness to current generations of the sacrifices and losses experienced by a generation of young Americans who made incredible personal sacrifices for our country, but more so they did it for the men and women to their left and right who shared their common suffering while they were simultaneously scorned by the citizens they served for. John 15:13 captures the true spirit of this book and for Joe, it is a truth that he has carried for 49 years.”
Charles Shank, First Sergeant, U.S. Army (Retired)
“I was inspired when I read the book, 100 Days in Vietnam, which is a story of heroism and sacrifice of brave Americans during the Vietnam War. Lieutenant Joe Tallon was ejected from his airplane and miraculously survived as his OV-1 Mohawk crashed. Unfortunately, Specialist-5 Daniel Richards did not survive the wreckage. Following the tragedy, Joe worked tirelessly to ensure that Specialist Richards received the Purple Heart posthumously. This book, written by Joe and his Army Veteran son Matt, highlights the dedication and sacrifice that our service members endure for freedom. Joe Tallon, along with other brave soldiers, has unselfishly served his country with honor and distinction. This dynamic book is a must read for every person who has served in the armed forces.”
Jairy Hunter, President Emeritus and Professor of Business at Charleston Southern University
“It’s gripping, sad yet happy, ripe with irony, and overall a testament to the human spirit.”
Jeff Walker, Book Reviews at HolyCitySinner.com
“The book is nevertheless a powerful reminder of sacrifices made by members of the much maligned baby boomer generation whose wartime experiences are often lost in the “long shadows” of their parents’ “greatest generation.” - Kirkus Reviews
“From the lush South Carolina Lowcountry to the jungles of Vietnam and beyond, this veteran and son of a veteran salutes Matthew A. Tallon and his father, Lt. Col. (retired) Joseph F. Tallon for their missions accomplished.”
Lynn Seldon, Army veteran and author of Virginia’s Ring, a coming-of-age military school novel, as well as co-author of 100 Things to Do in Charleston Before You Die and Our Vanishing Americana: A South Carolina Portrait
“The full picture of history becomes clearer every time a story like 100 Days in Vietnam is read and remembered.”
Terri Barnes, Book Reviews in Army Magazine, April 2022