Point Man,   ISBN:9780380719860

Customer Rating: 

This book is not only entertaining (and it is very much that), but it is also inspirational.. We as a nation in these times need to be reminded of the sacrifice made on our behalf by our 'United States Service Men' (past and present). Do yourself a favor buy this book, read it and give thanks for Patriots such as 'QMCS James Watson'...

Customer Rating: 

I read this book in its hardcover edition, when it first came out in 1993. At that time I was a "Rogue Warrior" buff and thats how I first heard of the legendary Jim Watson. I first learned of his book from Watson himself when briefly talking to him on the phone at the UDT/SEAL museum at Fort Pierce, FL in late 92 or early 93. I eagerly awaited this book to come out, then special ordered it from the local book store (this was before the Internet).

I found "Point Man" an interesting book, full of action but I could see how it would only be interesting if you are a SEAL fan. To someone who is not into the SEALs or SOF, it would probably be really boring. I found Watson's descriptions of the "original east coast SEALs" in the early to mid sixties interesting. What an interesting subculture of the Navy.

I knew that the east coast SEALs trained regularly in Tidewater, Virginia's Great Dismal Swamp. But until I read Watson's book I had no idea the SEALs of his era trained in the swamps of the Black River in Southeastern, NC. While the Uwharrie mountains of central NC were the training grounds for the sixties era Green Berets, the Great Dismal Swamp and Black River era of North Carolina were the riverine training grounds for the east coast Vietnam era SEALs

Full of little stories about the original east coast SEALs, it truly illustrates the laid back confidence, devil may care, "Marlboro man" mentality of the Vietnam era SEALs. Watson was in SOF long before it was popular, in fact he was in it when SOF was actually unpopular.

Watson describes many of the unique SEAL schools he attended. Among the self described hardest was the USMC's SERE or "escape and evasion" school. Watson, along with other original sixties era SEALs, were placed in a simulated Asian communist POW camp at the Marine Corp's mountain warfare school in the Sierra Nevada mountains of CA. There, he underwent some seriously evil training that probably could have been described as flat out sadistic. Back in those days, the Marines were the toughest hombres in the US military and corporal punishment was still legal in the Marines. Physical and psychological abuse in the USMC was rampant in those days and from his comments, Watson obviously didnt care for it.

The only thing that I didnt like was how Watson obviously is actually proud of his alcoholism. He has this in common with Richard Marcinko. The book is peppered with little stories and comments about booze. Alcoholism doesnt impress me. I would have left out most of the stories about booze.

I actually met Jim Watson a year after reading his book. While visiting the UDT/SEAL museum in Fort Pierce, FL in 1994 he was there as curator. I got to shake his hand and got his autograph. He tried to sell me a copy of his book, but I told him I had already read his book.

All in all a great story of the original east coast Navy SEALs, from the plankowner days of the early sixties to the end of Vietnam in the early seventies.

Customer Rating: 

Welcome to the SEALs where author James Watson could be expected to lie, cheat and steal to get the job done. PROVIDED THAT JOB WAS DRINKING! If this is the first book you read on Special Forces in Vietnam you might think its pretty good. You'd be so wrong! I've read over 20 Special Forces books and I've been amazed at how Snipers, Force Recon Marines, Rangers and SOG teams spent weeks in the harsh jungles gathering intel, planting booby traps and snatching prisoners. In one case SOG soldiers even delivered a baby for a widow of the enemy after destroying its convoy. Professional soldiers burdened with heavy equipment did all this and more not only while avoiding detection from the VC/NVA but tigers and leopards, too. On the other hand Shoot-first-Watson actually killed a young mother and her newborn baby nursing at her breast. Why did he do this? Because he was far too busy lying to superiors, cheating to increase his rate (rank) and stealing from his men to reconnoiter his targets. He simply blasted through the thatching of a hut with his shotgun. Watson's idea of a so-called mission in Vietnam was going out for 2 hours in Levi's blue jeans then getting back to camp before dark so he could get drunk. His biggest danger during daylight in Vietnam would have been sunburn! In one story a concerned officer suggested that he stay in to rest while his men continue with a scheduled patrol. Was James Watson actually overworked? Obviously not -- his men weren't -- they went out on patrol as usual. Watson was admittedly exhausted from drinking every night instead of sleeping. So when they came to inform him that his team in the field was under enemy fire guess where Watson was found? Not resting in bed but getting drunk at the club! Watson's tales simply profile how chronic alcoholism increases delusions of grandeur and the self-glorification of an undisciplined, unprofessional soldier. An otherwise proud Navy should be embarrassed.

Customer Rating: 

For fans of military stories, this would be a great addition to your library. Chief Watson, who was first made known through Richard Marcinko's Rogue Warrior book now speaks of his experiences in the military, spanning 30 years of service in the Navy. He vividly recounts dangerous operations and battle stories in the jungles of Vietnam that were routine to his group of Seals. For fans of the Rogue Warror series, he gives his personal prospective of serving under or for Mr. Marcinko, a perspective that you can tell is rooted in respect. No real surprises here for fans of military reading, just great stories, colorful characters and knowledge that America is lucky to have guys like this defending our country.

Customer Rating: 

An excellent book. It encompasses 30 years of experience, information about assignments, and survival in combat missions that ordinary people never know. Military operations require unique skills, if you are interested in learning what those skills are, then read this book.