The Greatest Beer Run Ever. John "Chick" Donohue & J.T. Malloy.

 

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 2^nd 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 20^th 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.