The true story of the battle of Xom Bo II that was fought on June 17, 1967. It was a battle that pitted Five hundred 1st Infantry Division soldiers against 800 to 2000 Viet Cong from the 271st Regiment. The bloody clash took the lives of 39 Americans and seriously wounded 150 more. It is the minute by minute story of what happened that day in the steamy jungle and the story of the men who fought so valiantly to survive the ambush. It is the story of the loved ones left behind and the wounded who struggled to become whole again. It's a story that is the result of talking to many of the survivors of the battle and the wives, brothers, sisters, or friends of those who were there when over 8000 artillery rounds rained down around LZ X-Ray to dislodge the entrenched Viet Cong. June 17, 1967 is a story of war, men, and the loved ones. It is the story of the youth, culture and happenings that made the battle of Xom Bo II such an enigma for the summer of love in 1967. It is an angry story and a healing story that will bring feelings to the surface and tear at your heart. "June 17, 1967, is a poignant reminder that many of the stories of the Vietnam War have yet to be told. Hearne's book assures that the brave men who fought and those who died at LZ X-Ray will never be forgotten." -- From the Foreword by Major General Troy Oliver USA (RET) "I am always amazed by the courage and ability to do one's job under the greatest duress without thought for their own lives, be severely wounded and yet still function to protect the lives of fellow warriors. Mr. Hearne's book presents a vivid description of kids 18, 19, 20 years old doing just that. His descriptions of the ferocious battle against one of the legendary North Vietnamese battalions is real, and even after 50 years removed from the war, touched me very deeply. I had to stop reading many times as it began to bring back my own memories of that horrible war. But, I'm so glad to have read it." -- Danny Johnson, Military Writers Society of America "Despite their apparent superiority, the Americans walked to LZ X-Ray and found themselves ambushed, surrounded, and overrun by the NVA 271st Regiment. A stream of Army helicopter gunships, forty-three Air Force fighter sorties, and 8,250 artillery rounds made the difference in turning back two NVA assaults--a massive display of firepower considering that the battle lasted only one afternoon." -- Henry Zeybel, Vietnam Veterans of America Books in Review "Hearne has masterfully covered the war, life in America, and possibly the most personal account of a battle that has ever been written. The personal side of June 17, 1967, is overwhelming. Hearne has researched, met with survivors and survivors' relatives as well as the relatives of those that did not survive. Several things will keep you riveted to this book, but none more than the complete and detailed description of the day. Hearne brings the reader right into the ranks of the entire battle." -- Authorsreading.com My story is about my comrades who unhesitatingly served their country, and returned to a nation indifferent to their courage and the sacrifices that they made for our country. It is about those who paid the ultimate price and the rest of us who were able to survive the killing but came home scarred from battle, both physically and mentally. To write this book, I interviewed many of my comrades, or their loved ones and friends. What was going to be a short two-thousand-word article for the Vietnam Magazine became a lengthy book that would tell the stories of hundreds of men who fought June 17, 1967, at LZ X-Ray in the battle of Xom Bo II. I hope my story of what happened at LZ X-Ray sets history straight and does justice to all my comrades who fought so valiantly that hot, rainy afternoon of hell. "This is a story that needed to be told and I think will help many understand war and the sacrifices it demands. It should be read by those contemplating a career in the service." - Caroline Cavazos, wife of Four Star General Richard Cavazos who commanded all soldiers in the continental United States before retiring in 1984. "David Hearne, an OCS classmate, fellow artilleryman and decorated Vietnam War Veteran, has written a compelling and compassionate book about war, its scope, and many dimensions. Above all, it is about the human component and raw emotions of those brave soldiers in the fight." - Major General Morris Boyd, USA (Retired) Vietnam 1966-1968 and 1970-1971 "David's book reeks with authenticity about the horror and incredible valor of warriors in battle. Having served as a Forward Observer in combat in the same time period, his narrative brought me back instantly to the sounds, smells, and chaos of war. Truth be told, it brought me to tears for my own similar experience of that and of thousands of others who wasted their valor and blood to 'win the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people.'" His authentic and heartfelt detail of the individual