The Combat Performance of Our Soldiers — The Best of Their Generation! . . .

• THE FAITHFUL SERVICE OF OUR YOUNG SOLDIERS. The story of how well they faithfully fought in hard combat, under tough battlefield conditions despite growing opposition to the war was often not told by the news media, public officials, nor the many anti-war films and books of that era. That failure left the American people with a lop-sided, unfavorable view of American soldiers in combat. The truth is like WWII soldiers, they were the best of their generation!

• WHY I WROTE “COURAGE UNDER FIRE.” One of my major reasons for writing was to set the record straight and honor all Vietnam combat veterans who served their country when many were not recognized for their service or sacrifice. The story I tell is characteristic of all young soldiers who fought in many different units, locations, and years.  My focus, however, is on the 101st Airborne’s 1st Brigade’s hidden battle at Tam Ky from 15 May to 10 June 1969 with whom I served as an infantry platoon leader until wounded on 2 June. I have received much feedback from veterans that the combat accounts described are a common experience. [Please see the book reviews.]

• TWO BATTLES – 100 MILES APART.  Our fight at Tam Ky was fought on the heels of the 3rd Brigade’s “Battle of Hamburger Hill” in the north end of the A Shau Valley from 10 to 21 May 1969. US casualties were 78 killed and 536 wounded.  That brutal battle was heavily covered by the media and is one of the most well-known battles of the Vietnam War.  The tough fighting near Tam Ky, one hundred miles to the south by the 1st Brigade had 126 killed and 494 wounded. It is practically unknown because it was deliberately kept from the media and never reported to the American public. Operation Lamar Plain, as it was officially known, was classified SECRET and never disclosed during the Vietnam War. Later, over a decade after the war, the battle records were routinely declassified and quietly put in the National Archives where the battle was almost forgotten - - except by those who fought it! Appendix 1 of my book explains in detail the political and military considerations for not disclosing the battle. Though important to understanding the war, it is the backdrop of the combat action. The spotlight is on the young soldiers and those who led them.ÿ