Maj. Tom Gates had too much to drink & pushed a cadet too far -- & it will explode into a political firestorm that could leave careers, lives, & West Point itself, in ruins. Sen. Lamar Bruckner has his eye on the White House, but his target is West Point. He condemns the Academy as a waste of taxpayer money -- & Gates momentary lapse in judgment is the first charge in a smear campaign that could propel Bruckner to the presidency. Caught in the middle is Wayne Holder, a 4th-year cadet, who faces a private conflict between honor & desire. Ruggero brilliantly captures the honor & the controversy, the glory & the human flaws of West Point & its people.

"A novel of West Point"--Cover. "First Pocket Books paperback printing December 1998"--Title page verso.