Bullets, Beans and Bandages: Australians at war in Viet Nam

‘I could not put it down, for it is a fascinating and compelling account of our long 10 years of war in Viet Nam.It is all there, comments by individuals who went to the war, sailors, soldiers and airmen, and nurses and casualties. Some volunteered, some were conscripted, whilst at home, the mood of the people went from complete disinterest to anger at our involvement.’ - W.B. DIGGER JAMES, AC MBE MC

Viet Nam was Australia’s longest war. What was it really like for the 50,000 Australians who served between 1962 and 1972? Bullets, Beans and Bandages is a unique collection of impressions, reactions, feelings and fears - the often spellbinding personal experiences of Australians who saw active service in the Viet Nam War.

Gary McKay conducted extensive interviews with over a hundred veterans and their families in order to build up a picture of their war. He spoke to nurses and doctors, Qantas cabin crew and pilots, men who had served with the Army, Navy and Air Force in helicopters, armoured units, maintenance division, destroyers on the gun lines, units attached to American forces and ships carrying troops.

Bullets, Beans and Bandages goes beyond the combat and into the many units and organisations that fought with and supported the ‘grunts’ - the infantrymen. This story has long needed to be told; it gives recognition to those who made the infantryman’s job - and his survival - possible.

Bullets, Beans and Bandages was first published as Vietnam Fragments in 1992.