In 1967 Mike Ripp is sent to Vietnam as part of an infantry platoon. His comrades include a couple of good-old-boy Southerners, a dazed idealist, a Chinese-American, and assorted blacks and whites. Lt. Col. Gurgles, their blowhard commanding officer, enjoys giving stirring pep talks and staying away from battle. When he does approach the combat area, it is before or after an encounter, flying over in a helicopter and booming forth encouragement. Just before the big one Mike learns his wife has left him. In the heat of battle he becomes a hero and somehow makes it back. Tone is everything here, and there are layers of irony and frustration, anger and hurt. The author, an award-winning journalist, has created (or re-created) some of the most devastating battle scenes to come out of the conflict. Hard, fast-moving, drenched with authenticity, this first novel is a strong war story strongly recommended. Robert H. Donahugh, Youngstown & Mahoning Cty. P.L., Ohio