This first novel of approximately 126,000 words is about a West Point Lieutenant who departs the day after his honeymoon for a tour in Nam with an all volunteer, highly professional Airborne Ranger unit. This book is a portrayal of the elite combatants in Viet Nam in the manner that Band of Brothers portrays the airborne soldiers of World War II. You are taken on a combat tour to Viet Nam in 1970. Tune into his conscious actions and sub-conscious thoughts as he reacts to the reality of war. Join him on his first ambush mission. Then, be right there with him in the back seat of a fixed wing aircraft while he communicates with a team in contact on one frequency, calls in naval gunfire and artillery strikes on another, guides supporting helicopter gunships on yet another while directing his front seat pilot on the intercom. Witness acts of personal courage and unselfish camaraderie. Share intimate moments alone in a tent with a lonely heart. Laugh at hilarious episodes only Rangers can create. Smell fermented fish-head sauce that taints enemy soldiers approaching a ‘hatchet”. Cry at tragic loss of life by both sides of the conflict. Understand the hurt and anger of the worthy warrior held in contempt by a non-discerning nation condemning an unpopular war. The book examines the relationship of the Platoon Leader with his Commander, a Major who was formerly a Sergeant. The conflict plays out with a Court Martial of one the Lieutenant's best bush Rangers.
Click here to see the rest of this review
