The Shake 'n Bake Sergeant by Jerry Horton
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Book Review
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Chief of Staff of New York Assemblyman
The Vietnam section contains the most candid, heartfelt account of one man's experience that I have ever encountered in print or film. I loved the book's realism and honesty. I liked Dr. Horton's ability to tell the story as it was revealing itself to him or the time and not overshadow it with revelations he may have made in hindsight. The entire book was compelling, heartfelt and wonderful. I wish you the best of luck with it although I don't believe you'll need it.
Retired Lawyer
Jerry Horton makes it very clear what being an infantryman in Vietnam was all about.
My Brother Rob Horton
This is a book that truly explains what the infantry went through in Vietnam. I myself had no idea. You have done a great job with this book. I read this book for hours at a time before I could put it down.
By an executive from a large mid western computer corporation
Jerry Horton is a man on a mission. He approached all phases of his life with drive and passion. His sharp whit served him well as he transitioned through various stages of life and saved him during ultimate conflicts. He is the embodiment of the All American Story - humble beginning, a warrior, a patriot and successful businessman. He is also a good basketball player. His life story is a good read.
Review by executive of a large corporation who served many years in the Army reserves and military
The account of combat was very striking. I have not been in combat but always heard how close one got to one's squad members. The accounts were moving and real. It is a great book and I have been moved even after three readings. If you want to cut through the myths and B.S. about the Vietnam , this is the book to read.
By retired infantry platoon sergeant who served two tours in Vietnam
Great book. Spellbinding. Here is a factual account from one who has accepted the reality of infantry combat and been to the real moment of truth. This individual exercised combat leadership at POINT BLANK.
Review from another Shake 'n Bake
Well done! This is the most accurate and truthful account about Vietnam and the "times" that I have seen or read. Thanks Jerry from a "Shake 'n Bake Sergeant" for telling "yours" and "our" story. When does the movie come out? It brought back a lot of memories and made me shake.
Others
Your presentation of the battle scenes and the human dynamics of the tears, anger and sense of hyper vigilance for the reader. It was very exciting to share your experiences. This is the first book that I have read which tells the story from the ground troops view. This is the first real understanding of the feeling, pride and frustration of these good men.
A True Story of the Infantrymen in Vietnam
Quote from Book
"The base camp soldiers lived in and experienced a totally different war. There were far more of them than there were grunts. When they returned to the States, the World learned about their war, about their Nam, the safe, unreal Nam . . . where everything happened but war."
About the Book
The author’s journey into the discovery of his past began unexpectedly when he read in a book that Shake ’n Bakes in Vietnam were twerps and did not perform with honor during the war. The actual words he read were:
“A Shake ’n Bake sergeant was one of the lesser known evils to come out of the Vietnam War to infect the Army. These twerps would attend NCO school for eight weeks and come out buck sergeants. No experience, little skills, but a great big attitude.” A quote by James Janos ( Jesse the Body Ventura) The Teams. Avon Books. Copyright © 1998.
When he read this quote, Jerry Horton became both angry and curious. After all, he had been a Shake ‘N Bake in Vietnam. Thus the journey began. Now, thirty years later, after re-experiencing his life in NAM Sergeant Horton has resolved his issues and finds peace with himself. He concludes:
“My journey is, of course, not complete, but I have old friends with me now. Friends with whom I share a special bond, friends, that almost died with me, and for less me. No matter what happens in our lives now, nothing can erase what we went through together. We experienced life’s most cruel, brutal and emotional experiences together in the battlefield and lived through them. We faced death together. And yes, I did perform with honor. I am proud to have been an infantryman and most of all I am honored to have served with the men of Company A 1st Battalion 8th Infantry. You are all my heroes.”