Examines the 1965 Battle of Ia Drang, in the central highlands of South Vietnam, providing an account of the battle and discussing the implications of this key confrontation.

Originally published: New York : Random House, 1992. USMC Commandant's Professional Reading List 2021 -- CPL, SGT. USMC Commandant's Professional Reading List 2021 -- CPL, SGT. CG Reading List 2013 Includes maps of: Assault Landing at LZ X-ray; 1/7 Cavalry Fights for Its Life; C Company's Trial by Fire; Diduryk's Men Hold the Line; 2/7 Cavalry Marches to Albany; 2/7 Cavalry Arrives at Albany; Enemy Assault on the 2/7 Cavalry; [Enemy Maneuvers and Attacks during the Ia Drang Campaign]. Donated by the family of Lieutenant Colonel Loyal (Red) Mumford Pease (February 19, 1917 to April 15, 2011) who served as an officer in the 25th Company Bomb Disposal Squad in the United States Army during WWII. Included in the U.S. Army Chief of Staff's Professional Reading List, 2004.

Going to War --Heat of Battle -- The Roots of Conflict -- Boots and Saddles -- The Land and the Enemy -- X-Ray -- Into the Valley -- The Battle Begins -- Closing with the Enemy -- The Storm of Battle -- Brave Aviators -- Fix Bayonets! -- Night Falls -- A Dawn Attack -- Friendly Fire -- Rescuing the Lost Platoon -- Night Fighters -- Policing the Battlefield -- It Ain't Over Till It's Over -- Albany -- A Walk in the Sun -- Hell in a Very Small Place -- Death in the Tall Grass -- Escape and Evade -- Night without End -- The Sergeant and the Ghost -- Aftermath -- Mentioned in Dispatches -- "The Secretary of the Army Regrets ..." -- Reflections and Perceptions -- Where Have All the Young Men Gone?.