Matterhorn

More about the book

A powerful saga of men in combat, written over thirty-five years by a decorated Vietnam veteran, this epic war novel follows young Marine lieutenant Waino Mellas and his Bravo Company comrades as they navigate the treacherous mountain jungles of Vietnam. They face not only the North Vietnamese but also the harsh realities of monsoon rains, mud, leeches, tigers, disease, and malnutrition. Additionally, they confront internal challenges such as racial tension, competing ambitions, and duplicitous superiors. When surrounded by a massive enemy regiment, the Marines are thrust into the terrifying chaos of combat, an experience that will alter them forever. This visceral narrative transforms the tragedy of Vietnam into a universal tale of courage, camaraderie, and sacrifice, serving as a parable of war and a testament to the redemptive power of literature. The author, a Yale graduate and Rhodes Scholar, served as a Marine in Vietnam, earning numerous honors including the Navy Cross and two Purple Hearts. This is his debut novel, and he currently resides in rural Washington State.