Includes bibliographical references (p. [317]-318) and index.

Alpha Troop: men of iron, steeds of steel -- Company A, 2nd Battalion, 8th Calvalry -- Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Calvalry -- "Humping jungle" -- One bad round can ruin your whole day... -- Firestorm -- Big brother is watching -- "Saddle up" -- Tough choices -- "Busting jungle" -- Angel of mercy -- Encouraging words -- Breakthrough -- "Commence fire!" -- Slugfest -- The high water mark -- "And that's all she wrote..." -- Battle of the senses -- Recall -- Appendix 1: Text of Presidential Obama's speech on October 20, 2009 -- Appendix 2: The Blackhorse Regiment, the 11th Armored Cavalry -- Appendix 3: The M-551 sheridan tank -- Appendix 4: The M-113 Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV).

Documents the daring March 1970 campaign by the Blackhorse Regiment to rescue an infantry unit that was surrounded and outnumbered by Northern Vietnamese forces, and describes the thirty-year effort to formally commend their bravery.