Platoon Leader, James R. McDonough
Platoon Leader, James R. McDonough
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Platoon Leader
A Memoir of Command in Combat

Author: James R. McDonough

Narrator: Joel Rooks

Abridged: 1 hr 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/04/2003

Synopsis

A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.'

"Using a lean style and a sense of pacing drawn from the tautest of novels, McDonough has produced a gripping account of his first command, a U.S. platoon taking part in the 'strategic hamlet' program. . . . Rather than present a potpourri of combat yarns. . . McDonough has focused a seasoned storyteller’s eye on the details, people, and incidents that best communicate a visceral feel of command under fire. . . . For the author’s honesty and literary craftsmanship, Platoon Leader seems destined to be read for a long time by second lieutenants trying to prepare for the future, veterans trying to remember the past, and civilians trying to understand what the profession of arms is all about.”–Army Times

About The Author

Col. James McDonough, USA (Ret.), graduated from West Point and served in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader in the legendary 173d Airborne Brigade. A military theorist who has helped shape the post-Cold War army’s thinking, he is also the author of The Defense of Hill 781 and The Limits of Glory. Now retired from active duty, McDonough lives with his family in Tallahassee, Florida.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Karl on December 23, 2022

Perhaps one of the least original books every written; even the Goodreads catalog includes at least a dozen platoon leader memoirs from Vietnam. A newly trained infantry lieutenant becomes the leader of 30-40 men in combat for a six-month period. Many are killed or wounded, some are found unworthy,......more

Goodreads review by Luke on November 30, 2011

Platoon Leader was a book my dad gave to me saying, "Here. This is a great book I had to read in college." I looked at the cover with mixed feelings at first, apprehensive about reading it. Then I started to read it and eventually I couldn't put it down! I definitely would rate this book a 10 out of......more

Goodreads review by Marty on March 02, 2012

Colonel McDonough was my commander many years ago... He was a fine leader, and so was his son who I also has the pleasure of working for for a short period of time.......more

Goodreads review by Hans on June 04, 2008

One of the things that has always intrigued me about Vietnam War stories is the attempts to make sense of the pure senselessness. A world without rules, mercy and pure ruthless reality. How can one cope with being thrown into the middle of chaos from a structured society? I can't imagine the unbelie......more

Goodreads review by Michael on April 11, 2025

Platoon Leader is one of the starker Vietnam War memoirs I've read, with a particular focus on the difficulties of small unit command. McDonough graduated from West Point in 1969 and after Airborne, Ranger, and Jungle Warfare schools, joined the 173d Airborne Infantry Brigade, where his assignment w......more

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