From a journal that sat on a Marine's bookshelf for years, comes a book that offers a powerful, intimate and rare look at the transformation from a world of innocence, into the reality of struggles, hardship, tears, and the sorrows of war.R.M. "Cook" Barela's "Dreams of Glory, Fields of Fire," offers a riveting account of one Marine's tour of duty that provides a clearer understanding of what our fighting men endured during the Vietnam War. The detailed historical research combines with personal experience to provide a narrative written in gripping prose. Anecdotes of all sorts break up the combat narratives. Some provide humor, others inspiration, and some provoke tears. Barela writes of combat in graphic detail that sometimes borders on the mystic. At times the writing approaches the spiritual level in a discussion of good and evil.
This is not a typical war story, but a story of war, of fear, honor, courage, commitment, and American Values at War. Barela"s writing pulls you in and places you uncomfortably close to the action.
The book may be easy to read, but it is not an easy read. The reader will find themselves moved by the experience of reading it, and in the end feel good about our country and eternally grateful for those that serve in our military forces.