Vietnam War Diary

Archival Summary & Scope

A combat infantryman's raw, first-hand account of the Vietnam War, this book delves into the daily realities faced by a "grunt" in the 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. Deployed in August 1966, the author chronicles a year of brutal combat alongside a tight-knit "band of brothers," mostly draftees, who endured fierce encounters with the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army—including a battle that nearly annihilated his company.

Beyond harrowing details of combat, which earned soldiers numerous awards including a Medal of Honor, the narrative critically examines the historical context, ignored warning signs, and the lead-up to the 1968 Tet Offensive. It exposes the U.S. strategy of attrition and the grim pursuit of "body count," while honoring the unwavering bravery of soldiers who fought for a country that often questioned their presence. This is a vivid, personal journey through a controversial war.