"The first comprehensive oral history of the bloodiest campaign in Vietnam. 'Road of 10,000 Pains,' which takes its title from a translation of The Iliad, is itself an epic oral history of war. The battles fought within four miles of Route 534 in Vietnam over seven months in 1967 are described in dramatic interviews with more than ninety U.S. Marines who were there. The action in the Que Son Valley was so intense that many of the men on the ground were unaware of the nearby route that connected these events until now. Their heroic struggles were destined to be lost on the scrap heap of history, but thankfully, 'Road of 10,000 Pains' makes up for lost time by finally honoring these men. Their words will resonate forever with veterans and the public alike. Here, finally, is the authoritative account of the sacrifices, hardships, triumphs, and pains of their epic mission in The Valley." Publisher's review.

Foreword / Al Grey -- Foxtrot to destiny -- Bald eagle -- Deadly as a Flytrap --Foxtrot -- Hot Pursuit -- Soldiers from the sea -- Union I: the Battle for Hill 110 -- Dangerous when cornered -- Between the unions -- Union II: the enemy strikes back -- Desperate delta -- Captain Graham's last stand -- Operation Adair: the two-platoon flight -- Pike and Cochise -- Operation Swift: desperate delta again -- Life and death on a very small knoll -- The Fight for Hill 43 -- The second battle at Vinh Huy -- The hotel fight -- Gold and hotel: Essex end game -- Mike Company fights again -- Victory -- Parting shots -- Afterword: Debunking myths about Vietnam -- Appendix: Awards for the Que Son Valley campaign -- Glossary