Nature of the Beast

The author begins by taking you into that period of time when America was struggling with its own social consciousness while trying to support a war in Southeast Asia. By reading the introduction, you become "briefed" on the events leading up to the Vietnam War. The following chapters take you on an incredible journey that describes the growth and determination needed to survive the ordeals of combat. These stories begin to tell of the authors' own account, while serving with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Assigned as Special Landing Force Bravo, the amphibious and helicopter assault group joins with other Marine battalions to make up the "Thin green line" facing the North Vietnamese Army along the DMZ. Traveling with these guardians of "Eye Corps" (1st Corps), you will become familiar with Quang Tri, Thua Thien and Quang Nam provinces. Their opponents in these territories were not only the Vietcong, but the hard corps divisions of the NVA. Together, these forces became the nemesis for the Tet Offensive during the high water mark of the Vietnam War. The men of 2/3 would serve most of their time fighting on these battlefields. This is their story of their purpose, their motivation and their challenge to defeat a relentless enemy that had sought a victory by declaring the Vietnamese Revolution in 1968. A story that must be told, one that has been recorded in the authors' book, "The Nature of the Beast." A book that is dedicated to all those who have made that sacrifice to help others to be free.