Backbencher

The book Allies and Mates an American Solider with the Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam 1966-67, was written Gordon L. Steinbrook. With origins in Nebraska, Steinbrook was givens orders to report to Vietnam in the spring of 1966 as a second Lieutenant of the United States Army. Throughout his boyhood, he had dreamed of going to war and fighting in battle for his country, however, this dream quickly faded. As a newly wed, Steinbrook did not want to leave his new wife, nor did he wish to depart from friends and family and the familiarity of home. Reluctantly, Steinbrook reported for duty. In efforts to remember his time in Vietnam and in the ongoing war Steinbrook, asked his wife Frances, along with his parents to save all of his letters. Upon his assumed return he planned to compile all of the letters into a sort of memorial or memoir to his time spent overseas.
In the second chapter of the book Steinbrook takes note of the Australian’s fondness for beer. He stated “the situation was excellent if our tent was any indication. Cots were already set up, lawn chairs were sitting here and there, and the focal point, a small ice chest filled with cold beer and soda pop, stood in the center of the tent” (19).
He also discussed how American troops and Australian troops did things differently. This was a challenge that the allies had to overcome when watching for enemy attacks. Often Americans had to change to the Aussie/Kiwi ways. This was especially important in communication. Steinbrook also made note that this was a necessary adaptation since their direct boss was an Australian commander.
Steinbrook made reference to laughing over the intercom, and how some of the Aussies seemed to think warfare was “just a game”. On the contrary, Steinbrook writes of occasions were he feared for his life. With his realization of the severity of war and the situation he and his comrades were in, Steinbrook did not seem to relate to Aussie views on warfare.
In spite of all this Steinbrook often wrote home about captivating sunsets and the geography surrounding him. He found great beauty in the landscapes throughout the countryside. In addition, further into the book Steinbrook begins to develop a strong sense of mate ship with a number of his comrades. Although seemingly a bit skeptical at first, he begins to see Aussies in a more favorable light. Steinbrook best captures this idea in one of his letters. "He was probably in his mid- to late 30s, a bit paunchy, a chain-smoker who liked his rum and beer. But I never did meet an Aussie who didn't like to drink. During the weeks I worked for him, my respect and admiration for him as a leader grew tenfold. I was impressed by the way he could compel people to do their jobs without becoming angry, loud, or vulgar. Most Aussie officers seemed this way to me; always cool, deliberate, and extremely rational in their decision making, a far cry from the American leadership I had see during my first year in the army." (63) This change of heart toward his Aussie comrades was perhaps because of the developing level of trust, and camaraderie within the unit.
Near the end of the book Steinbrook talks about some of his Aussie friends being killed in the war. This not only affected those that knew them but the unit as a hole. At times like these it was difficult to keep up morale. By the end of his service in Vietnam, he saw Aussies were no different than Americans, many had a wife and kids at home and both had to pay the cost of war. In letters sent home, Steinbrook explains that diggers (Australian Soldiers) are remarkable fighters when given the chance. However, no matter how skilled the solider, none seemed prepared for the adverse effects of war.