In Vietnam, it was the young company commanders, often those in their late teens and early twenties, who ran the ground war on a day-to-day basis and made the life-or-death decisions. This is a heroic and revealing portrayal of how boys became men, and how these men became leaders--written by one who lived through this experience.

The author recounts combat actions and command decisions of his Vietnam experience as commander of Lima Company.

A gripping account of ordinary men with extraordinary courage and heroism who had one last chance to make good—and one helluva war zone to do it in. The new commander of the Company E, 52d Infantry LRRPs, Capt. George Paccerelli, was tough, but the men’s new AO was brutal. It was bad enough that the provinces of Binh Long, Phuoc Long, and Tay Ninh bordered enemy-friendly Cambodia, but their vast stretches of double- and triple-canopy jungle were also home to four crack enemy divisions, including the Viet Cong’s notorious 95C Regiment. Only the long-range patrols could deliver the critical strategic intelligence that the 1st Cav so desperately needed. Outmanned, outgunned, far from safety, these LRRPs stalked the enemy to his lair, staging bold prisoner snatches and tracking down hidden jungle bases. Hiding in ambush, surrounded by NVA, these teams either pulled off spectacular escape-and-evasion maneuvers in running firefights—or died trying.

A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.' "Using a lean style and a sense of pacing drawn from the tautest of novels, McDonough has produced a gripping account of his first command, a U.S. platoon taking part in the 'strategic hamlet' program. . . . Rather than present a potpourri of combat yarns. . . McDonough has focused a seasoned storyteller’s eye on the details, people, and incidents that best communicate a visceral feel of command under fire. . . . For the author’s honesty and literary craftsmanship, Platoon Leader seems destined to be read for a long time by second lieutenants trying to prepare for the future, veterans trying to remember the past, and civilians trying to understand what the profession of arms is all about.”–Army Times

A stirring and honest account of war in Vietnam with no holds barred, revealing brotherhood, duty, fear, loss and a love song to his wife, Diana. A mind-expanding read in hopes to change human perspective on war, it is a sincere first-hand portrayal of daily life in the wilderness of Southeast Asia versus glorification of battles and heroic encounters. This eye-opening book was conceived upon Hills retirement. It provided him the time and incentive to open the letters he sent from Vietnam to his wife which lay dormant for 42 years, preserving the experience and emotions he felt of the days gone by in the battlefield. Perusing the epistles and reliving the weighty memories, the author realized it was a noteworthy story waiting to be retold. Providing an honest account of life and combat in the bush of Vietnam and its impact to those engaged in the war, as well as their families back home, this book relates Hills activities and encounters while leading a platoon of Marines during the peak of the war. Integrated are portions of the letters to his wife that describe fear and doubt in fighting an endless war. It recounts perilous exploits in Vietnam, south of Da Nang in the Quang Nam Province. It concludes by coming to grips with the burdens warriors brought home to their families. This book centers on the human experience of wargut-wrenching decisions, fear, loss, regret and questioningmaking it a valuable read for soldiers and their families who sacrificed then, and continue to sacrifice today. Featuring a full range of emotions including dread, hate and sly wisps of humor, Being Frank About Vietnam is a collection of honest stories for any adult audience interested in reading a truth about Vietnam.

This study attempts to determine when commanders of battalions and lower units should be relieved during combat. The investigation analyzed actual reliefs during the Vietnam era to determine why the commanders were relieved, the availability of replacements, the role of counselling, and the effect on the unit. Investigation reveals that most reliefs were not caused by a single deficiency but rather by a combination of perceived shortcomings. Mission failure was not a significant reason for relief. Captains and lieutenants were more likely to be relieved than were lieutenant colonels. Replacements for the relieved commanders were usually available. Most reliefs were effected without prior counselling. The effect of the relief on the unit depended primarily on the unit's evaluation of the relieved commander's leadership and popularity. Further examination of the causes and effects of reliefs produced guidelines for commanders to consider before relieving a subordinate commander.

Originally published: New York: Ballantine Books, 1988.