Book excerpt: Although this book is a work of fiction, it is based on actual events. John Gross lived through those events. He commanded a mechanized infantry company that fought in Bien Hoa City on the first day of the Tet Offensive. I was one of his soldiers that day. He has an insider's understanding of the Vietnam War, but he also has a wonderful facility for making it understandable to the average reader. David T. Zabecki, Editor, Vietnam Magazine