A review on men and war, this book brings alive the terror of combat.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the Vietnam War. The central theme of the book is that America's leaders, prompted as much by domestic politics as by global ambitions, carried the United States into South-east Asia with little regard for the realities of the region.

The 1954 battle of Dien Bien Phu ranks with Stalingrad and Tet for what it ended (imperial ambitions), what it foretold (American involvement), and what it symbolized: A guerrilla force of Viet Minh destroyed a technologically superior French army, convincing the Viet Minh that similar tactics might prevail in battle with the U. S.

Lt Colonel John Paul Vann went to Vietnam in 1962, but soon became appalled by the slaughter, leaking his pessimistic assessments to the US press corps in Saigon. Neil Sheehan was among them, and became fascinated by the angry Vann, befriended him, and followed his tragic and reckless career.

A classic account of one man's remarkable experiences in Vietnam

In 1965, Marine Lieutenant Philip Caputo landed in Danang with the first ground combat unit committed to fight in Vietnam. After 16 months he returned home - physically whole, emotionally wasted, his idealism shattered. This story is about the things men do in war and the things war does to them.