The Long Gray Line: West Point's Class of 1966

Fontana, London, 1990. First Edition. Softcover. Fine Condition. Size: 12mo Small. 592 pages. Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. No foxing in this copy. All edges clean, neat and free of foxing. There is a remainder mark on the base of text block.. This book is available and ready to be shipped.. Since its founding by Thomas Jefferson in 1802, the United States Military Academy, "fortress of virtue, preserve of the nation's values," has exerted a powerful and lasting influence on its graduates. As revealed in this Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter's eloquent and heartfelt narrative, the class of 1966 was subjected to oral and ethical pressures that were unique, partly because it was "the first generation of West Pointers to join a losing Army," and partly because of the radical change in society's attitude toward the military during the latter years of the Vietnam era. Atkinson profiles a handful of representatives of that class, following them from their high-spirited cadet years, through the crucible of Southeast Asia and--of those who survived--into the hard peace that ensued. The book is a poignant, thought-provoking account of the struggles of young men who pledged themselves to "Honor, Duty, Country," but found that living up to West Point's iron standards was difficult and in some cases impossible. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: Military & Warfare; United States; 1960s; Biography & Autobiography. ISBN: 0006375391. ISBN/EAN: 9780006375395. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 8121. . 9780006375395