What war is like is described in the pages of this honest account of one the hardest hit battalions since Vietnam, Army of Marine, told through very capable prose of one infantry platoon leader. The author, Campbell, is extremely honest and open about his disgust of death. The unnecessary taking of lives, both friend and foe. He is both very American Marine and humanitarian. He gets the whole picture. He loves his men like no one else, almost more than his own wife and family. It is safe to say he loves them more than himself. His sacrifice for them is palpable. However, their reciprocated love and respect for him is amazing. Their bond as a team, a family, a platoon is solid. They place themselves in danger to protect each other. They make superhuman feats seem like everyday commonplace. You cannot read this book and not be moved. It is the modern day Philip Caputo "A Rumor of War."