John O'Halloran was no ordinary soldier. As a twenty-one-year-old army conscript, he transformed from a larrikin into a courageous leader who guided 5 Platoon, 6 RAR, through the most intense firestorms of the Vietnam War. This gripping memoir chronicles his experiences in pivotal battles, including Long Tan, Operation Hobart, and the ferocious Operation Bribie, where he famously ordered a fixed-bayonet charge against a hardened enemy stronghold.
Beyond the battlefield, the narrative captures the unique realities of a "platoon commander’s war"—a high-stakes environment where young, inexperienced officers held the lives of their men in their hands. O’Halloran’s account is a candid, first-hand reflection on the challenges of leading fellow national servicemen, the friction with superiors, and the profound human impact of jungle warfare. Now recognised by his peers as a national treasure, O’Halloran finally shares his remarkable story. This is an unmissable and moving tribute to those who served, providing an authentic, essential perspective on Australia’s involvement in a conflict that defined a generation.
Used (good, see images, some yellowing and minor cover wear) Softcover ISBN 9780733647475
