The Greatest Beer Run Ever. A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and
War. John “Chick” Donohue & J.T.
Malloy.
John "Chick" Donohue penned a story that includes
adventure, danger and history. It was
an interesting idea for a book (and a movie) that needed to be told. Simply put Donohue, who is the main
character of this excursion, writes about his experiences while casually taking
on a challenge among his peers in a local upper Manhattan bar.
Donohue, who happened to be a licensed mariner, was able
to gain employment on a large cargo ship ultimately bound the ports of Vietnam. Armed with a list of familiar names of
neighborhood soldiers stationed at various fronts in South Vietnam and a few
cases of local beer, the author sets out to meet each of the enlisted and share
a beverage simply to check on their wellbeing and provide a small slice of
support.
According to his story, the first two encounters go off
without too much trouble. However, upon
returning to his quarters from the 2nd visit, Donohue, his neighborhood
friends on the list along with the entire Vietnamese nation, had the misfortune
of getting mixed up in the January 1968 Tet offensive in and around Saigon. This is where the manuscript takes a turn
from the title. Donohue reports witnessing
aggression, famine and wide uncertainty of day to day living. Indeed, the story is no longer about a “beer
run” but a struggle for survival. Complicating
matters Donohue had limited options to depart the mainland and head back to the
states.
While the tone of the story changes from interesting
adventure which the title clearly emphasizes to a more harrowing experience due
to unexpected circumstances, the reader is introduced to many pieces of
history, information and demographics that are worthwhile.
Early in the book, the author discusses the prevailing
attitude and ethos of the community, region and nation. Donohue and his close friends bemoan the protest
of the war and the anti-bellum sentiment among many others including young and
old around the country. In fact, this
discussion is what contributed to the challenge for somebody to check in on
their buddies from the Inwood neighborhood who were all risking their lives
fighting for a freedom that at least those in the bar thought was still a worthy
cause.
Donohue writes about his experiences of serving as a
mariner on these big ocean liner ships that lasted for weeks and months at a
time. Just getting to Vietnam was an accomplishment. The authors account of the Vietnamese Lunar
New Year holiday of January 31, 1968, otherwise known as the Tet, was very edifying
for the reader, especially those not familiar with the war. The author’s ability to survive is impressive
and his documentation of considering others including animals by helping
provide food during a time when it was scarcely available was commendable and
shows great empathy and character.
Towards the end of the book, the author explains the
ethos, pathos and logos of his upper Manhattan community, Inwood, in some
detail. Some may find it interesting
how he described a childhood and community from an earlier, perhaps more innocent,
time in the 20th century when its citizens looked out for one another
and took care of their own. Perhaps
due to his upbringing and close-knit community, Donohue was more likely to
attempt, and hopefully, complete this proverbial well intended road trip.
That the adventure was brazenly interrupted takes away
from the story a bit. Perhaps to the point
where the reader may deem this opus as incomplete even though Donohue returns
to the states and his hometown safely and goes on to lead a productive life in
public service. While the author does
not seem to concede this in any of the chapters, this tale was likely more
dangerous, and likely irresponsible, than what was led on initially.
One could easily argue that the travails were not the best use of time spent to supporting the troops despite the early breakthrough upon arriving at the war scenes.
Nevertheless, it is a touching story worth documenting
and sharing via print and on the silver screen. There is clear evidence of loyalty,
community spirit and national pride pervading through the book of about two
hundred and thirty pages. There is much
to glean including how attitudes about taking sides may change over time, visceral
turning points in an untenable war, and the unlimited depths of the human
spirit in troubled times.
· You
might like to read this book if you enjoy reading about road trips or oversea
adventures.
· You
might like to read this book if you seek stories about the Vietnam war and the
duties of soldiers.
· You
might like to read this book if you want to learn more about 1960’s history and
culture.
· You
might like to read this book if you covet tales of war time inspiration and perseverance.
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