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Book Review: Doorsteps of Hell

As the son of a military officer who grew up in an always-moving military household, it makes total sense that Tom Williams would also grow up to be a military officer. His adoptive father was U.S. Air Force Maj. Carl Williams, but young Tom was destined for the Marine Corps and for the Vietnam War.

"Doorsteps of Hell" is the first book in Tom Williams' autobiographical "Heart of a Marine" series and covers his early years and his first tour in Vietnam. He pulls no punches in his thoughts or descriptions of events. The result is an honest narrative that covers not just Vietnam War combat but the trials and struggles of being an infantry Marine out in the jungle. It also details the camaraderie and leadership so central to being a Marine. 

Growing up as a military child, Tom traveled the world, picking up a propensity for languages and a love for military life. When Carl retired, and the family settled down in Georgia, Tom went off to North Georgia College and the United States Marine Corps. His first stop was Quantico, Virginia, for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and Basic School, where he became an infantry officer and a leader of Marines. His next stop was High-Intensity Language Training (HILT) for Vietnamese – his journey was taking him to Vietnam. 

He would serve two combat tours in Vietnam, the first as a newly-minted infantry lieutenant in 1969. During his second tour, he was much saltier. Then, as a Captain, he was embedded with a South Vietnamese O-1 Bird Dog squadron, in which he fought the 1972 Easter Offensive. 

Tom Williams gave 29 years of his life in service to his country as a United States Marine. His service took him to Lebanon, Europe, and Headquarters, Marine Corps. He would still be in the Corps during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Retirement didn't mean an end to service, either. He would continue as a civilian in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. 

Anyone interested in the Vietnam War will find the "Heart of a Marine" series to be an engaging personal story. For Vietnam veterans, it might evoke some old memories and feelings long forgotten or maybe inspire them to write their own personal recollections of their time in the war. 

Buy "Doorsteps of Hell" and the other books in Tom Williams' autobiographical series at his online store, HeartOfAMarineSeries.com. It's available as an ebook or in hardcover and paperback, starting at $7.50.