“Darren Walton spent a memorable year in the Vietnam War as a recon U.S. Marine—one of the military’s most dangerous jobs. He tells all in Di Di Mau, a revealing, sometimes gut-wrenching war memoir that examines virtually every aspect of his tour of duty. This is an introspective, worthy addition to the ever-growing American Vietnam War veteran memoir canon.”
— Marc Leepson, Arts Editor and Senior Writer, The VVA Veteran magazine
“As a fellow Vietnam veteran, Corporal Walton’s powerful memoir exhumed for me many hardships of service during the war. Recalling them, however, I thank God I was not a recon Marine. The book’s fast paced, detailed, and often darkly humorous account of the dangers faced and sacrifices made by Walton and his recon mates each day for thirteen months will at once thrill the reader and evoke a haunting poignancy. Should I ever have the honor of meeting Corporal Walton in person, the beers are on me.”
—Hon. Thomas M. O’Leary, US Immigration Judge (Ret.), and former Judge Advocate for the US Army.
“Truth, Honesty, Ground Level…. mud, rain, cold & heat to fear and love for his brother Marines! Darren Walton has told his story as a reconnaissance Marine and Team point-man in the jungles of Vietnam. His descriptions are accurate. He has been honest with himself and the reader. As his Commanding Officer for a portion of his time ‘in-country,’ he is telling it like it was or as we used to say, The way it is!”
—M.O. Fallon, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), Team Leader, Patrol Leader, Platoon Commander, Company Commander, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Reasoner, Da Nang Vietnam, 1970
“. . . fabulous . . . riveting and really well written . . . I felt like I was right there with [Darren].”
— Margaret Burtt
“As a Vietnam combat vet, I can say without hesitation that Di Di Mau teems with truth and authenticity. It stirred intensely familiar feelings of loyalty, commitment, camaraderie, and the unique Brotherhood of the U.S. Marines.”
—Lon Slatten, 1stBn/11th Marines, Republic of Viet Nam (1968-1969)
