Courage Under Fire

"A thorough examination of Operation Lamar Plain from the point of view of the soldiers on the ground, particularly those of Sherwood's company." -ARMY Magazine
Courage Under Fireis the first book published aboutOperation Lamar Plain. After 50 years, the story of the renowned 101st Airborne's major offensive near Tam Ky, South Vietnam remains largely unknown. Fighting at Tam Ky by the 1st Brigade began 15 May 1969 while the 101st's 3rd Brigade battled on Hamburger Hill. The political consequences of Hamburger Hill's high casualties causedLamar Plainand its high casualties to remain classified and undisclosed. Decades later, the fighting at Tam Ky is mostly forgotten except by those who fought there.
Sherwood's superb research of now declassified records uncovers how such a large battle could remain hidden and undisclosed. But that is not the heart of his story. His focus is on the courage and commitment of the young infantry soldiers who fought. Courage Under Fireuses actual battle records and eyewitness accounts to follow "Never Quit" Delta Company and its sister companies through 28 days of continuous combat at Tam Ky. Delta Company's soldiers lived up to their motto despite increasing casualties, a tough enemy, harsh battlefield conditions, and loss of leaders.
For all who fought at Tam Ky, their bravery and devotion to duty in an increasingly unpopular war is worthy to be remembered. With veterans of Tam Ky now growing older and fewer in number, it is past time to tell their story.
"Sherwood has written one of the best, most comprehensive accounts of Vietnam War combat published to date." -MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History

Ed Sherwood led an infantry platoon at Tam Ky in Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, fighting with the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division He was wounded in action on June 2, 1969. After Vietnam, he continued serving as an infantry officer with multiple assignments in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany, the US Army Infantry School, and the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, GA. Ed retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1988 due to medical reasons.