Justice in the Jungle

This book has been described as a "page-turner" and a history lesson. It takes place in 1967 in the northernmost portion of South Vietnam, where the 3d Marine Division earned the Presidential Unit Citation. This was a dangerous area for all ranks of Marines. Our Commander, a two star general, was killed in a helicopter crash just a few miles from our forward base in Dong Ha. Prior to establishing an independent JAG department, lawyers were recruited and trained as infantry officers. This is what is meant by "Justice in the Jungle". We handled the Court Martial trials of any rapes or murders etc. that occurred. We also handled the financial claims of the natives injured by non-military events. These required traveling to wherever the incident took place, usually out in the countryside. The weather was either too hot (130 degrees) or too cold and rainy during the Monsoon Season. We had later civilian battles with the Agent Orange poison (defoliant) that was sprayed on us. In summary, although it wasted many lives and achieved nothing, I am proud of my service.