A platoon commander in the first combat unit sent to fight in Vietnam, Lieutenant Caputo landed at Danang on March 8, 1965, convinced that American forces would win a quick and decisive victory over the Communists. Sixteen months later, and without ceremony, Caputo left Vietnam a shell-shocked veteran whose youthful idealism and faith in the rightness of the war had been utterly shattered. Now readers will see and feel the reality of the conflict as the author himself experienced it.

"In March of 1965, Lieutenant Philip J. Caputo landed at Danang with the first ground combat unit deployed to Vietnam. Sixteen months later, having served on the line in one of modern history's ugliest wars, he returned home -- physically whole but emotionally wasted, his youthful idealism forever gone. A Rumor of War is far more than one soldier's story. Upon its publication in 1977, it shattered America's indifference to the fate of the men sent to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. In the years since then, it has become not only a basic text on the Vietnam War but also renowned classic in the literature of wars throughout history and, as the author writes, of 'the things men do in war and the things war does to them.'" -- Back cover.

In March of 1965, Lieutenant Philip J. Caputo landed at Danang with the first ground combat unit deployed to Vietnam. Sixteen months later, having served on the line in one of modern history's ugliest wars, he returned home-- physically whole but emotionally wasted, his youthful idealism forever gone. His memoir, first published in 1977, shattered America's indifference to the fate of the men sent to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. In the years since then, it has become a basic text on the Vietnam War. -- adapted from jacket

Beginning with a timeline, a "Words to Know" section, and a "Research and Activity Ideas" section, this book presents thirteen full or excerpted documents from the Vietnam War era, ranging from notable speeches that mark important points in the conflict to personal diaries and letters.

This fascinating book tells the story of how one museum changed ideas about dinosaurs, dynasties, and even the story of life on earth. The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, now celebrating its 150th anniversary, has remade the way we see the world. Delving into the museum's storied and colorful past, award-winning author Richard Conniff introduces a cast of bold explorers, roughneck bone hunters, and visionary scientists. Some became famous for wresting Brontosaurus, Triceratops, and other dinosaurs from the earth, others pioneered the introduction of science education in North America, and still others rediscovered the long-buried glory of Machu Picchu. In this lively tale of events, achievements, and scandals from throughout the museum's history, readers will encounter renowned paleontologist O.C. Marsh who engaged in ferocious combat with his "Bone Wars" rival Edward Drinker Cope, as well as dozens of other intriguing characters. Nearly 100 color images portray important figur