A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.

August 1, 1979: LZ English -- The road to war -- Welcome to Vietnam -- 2d platoon -- Taking charge -- The wounding -- Brief interlude -- If at first you don't succeed -- A cast of characters -- Prelude to a fight -- Battle -- Aftermath -- The lowly infantryman -- The rains came -- American ingenuity -- the enemy builds strength -- A day at the beach -- Thanksgiving -- "Just like you and me" -- The order -- The patrol back -- Night movement -- End of a mission.