Marine Corps Gazette
Reviewed by LtCol Kenneth W. Pipes, USMC(Ret)

A small library could be filled with books, research papers, and movie and television scripts written by, for, and about the Vietnam War, Vietnam veterans, and the cause and effect that this event had on our country and her citizens. Spencer-a Hawaii boy, street fighter, and graduate of Chaminade University, Platoon Leaders Class, and The Basic School-is Korean. Why is the background of this Asian citizen important? Simple, Macho Man is, to the best of my knowledge, the first and only book written by an Asian (read Korean) to come out of this turbulent period of our Marine Corps history. To add to the intrigue of this stark and riveting perspective, you will note that Spencer commanded a rifle company in the 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, as a first lieutenant, for 7 months, all at Khe Sanh (1967-68) and was the battalion S-2 for the remainder of his tour with this fighting unit.

His heritage is directly tied to the Mongol hordes who rolled out of the Far Eastern Steppes and washed up on the shores of Europe before receding back into the heartland of Asia. The Marine Corps today appears to have a hand on diversity and racial bias. Such wasn't always the case in the early 1960s; the south-Virginia and Quantico-though somewhat hidden, still had issues with minorities. Remember, our Marine forefathers had been fighting Asians for over 100 years: Korea, Samoa, the Philippines, Japan, China, Korea again, and Vietnam! Mrs. Spencer, Ernie's wife, was white and blond. He had to be a tough, educated, street fighter from Hawaii to reach his goal-that of an infantry officer of Marines. This is his personal, gut-wrenching, fast-moving, action-packed, and always thought-provoking story.

He writes with an "in your face," aggressive style. You may not always agree with his observations, views, and opinions. Remember, most members of our Corps during Spencer's tour as a Marine viewed racial subjects through shaded, rose-tinted glasses. Some might even call them blinders! He, on the other hand, was not unlike U.S. Indian scouts on our frontier. His assigned mission was to find, fix, and kill people of his own race, color, and heritage; something our Black and Latin comrades have seldom been asked or ordered to do!

Anything you want to know about the siege and what this rare form of combat can do to a man (no women Marines were present) can be found between the pages of this profane, fast-paced, and startlingly realistic book. Want to know about the combat prowess of our Black Marine 03s, read "Black Dudes and other bad asses." What about incoming and what it can and might do to you, mentally and physically? Read what 77 continuous days of killing fire did to those who were in the "bull's eye." It isn't nice, and the profound effects are lasting.

Active duty or retired, one tour or 30 years, Marine proud or just getting by until your separation date, this is a must read! If you want to know how it is to command Marines and lead junior officers in sustained combat, buy the book and keep it available as a reference. Remember, in Northern I Corps there were no white flags, no timeouts, and no "several hundred NVA [North Vietnamese Army] are on the road ready to surrender." Spencer's book describes the mindset on either side, ours and the NVA. "If you want some of me," be prepared to bring knives, brass knuckles, entrenching tools, and lots of ammo and explosives! It just might be a lot more than a 1- or 2-day, no holds barred, real live shootout at the OK Corral. The unit with the last man standing, bleeding, and unbowed wins!

Spencer's book, first published in 1987, has reached "cult" status among we who were at Khe Sanh-before, during, and after the siege. A signed first edition copy could cost you as much as $75 to $100, if you can find one. Regardless of which edition you own, Marines of all races, male or female, who train and prepare for war should buy and keep a copy of this book close at hand. Marines of Pacific Island or Asian heritage will find Macho Man a historical necessity. Buy it and become immersed in it. While reading, stop and think, "What would I do/would I have done?" Khe Sanh veterans give Ernie and his book a "five star" rating-so will you!

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