About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior

I bought this book because I watched a reel on social media that quoted it, and I was impressed. The book is exceptional I have a masters in management and leadership. I work in veterinary medicine which is emotionally charged and has the tendency to be intense. This book has lots of relevant and relatable information for leaders.

I wish I'd known about Colonel Hackworth and his book, About Face, before my father passed away in 2006. My dad did not talk much about his 1969 tour of duty in Viet Nam. Now I know why, or at least I have a somewhat better understanding, although not having been there I'll never completely comprehend the horrors of this war, or any war for that matter.Colonel Hackworth was there, and this book is the closest thing I'll ever experience to "being there". Hack, was there beginning as a 15 year old Army private in post WWII Italy, also with multiple tours during the Korean and Viet Nam wars. He was/is the most decorated combat veteran ever, including eight Purple Hearts. A true warrior and patriot dedicated to serving his country and his troops.So when he ultimately became disillusioned with the way politicians and ticket punching General officers were misusing his beloved Army troops he felt compelled to speak out despite knowing it would put a screeching halt to his career. A career that was more of a passion and calling than anything else in his life including even his wife and children. Hackworth may have been a flawed man, however he was a soldier's soldiers. George Orwell once said, "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do them harm."Don't let the almost 900 pages of this book stop you from reading this book. However, be prepared, you won't be able to stop turning the pages.Thank you Colonel Hackworth for the courage of your convictions, and the sacrifice and service to your country.

A American hero, who started from a broken family and rose to the top echelon of warrior/fighters in three wars, starting as a teenager. A hugely interesting read of his career in World War II, postwar, Korean War, postwar, then the Viet Nam War and the end. Tales of his courage, love of the Army and his failings, recounting his life with the US Army. A great story teller, who describes how he poured his life into becoming a leader who developed himself and his troops into the best units in the Army.As a Viet Nam veteran, I was particularly interested in that period of his career. I could relate to his criticism of the Army's leadership, supporting the troops thoughts and actions he expressed. My own experiences in country, and training some of those who followed me, furthered supported by my years of reading the histories written afterward have only increased my disdain for Army leadership of that period. Col. Hackworth identified that leaders who lied ended up believing their own lies, taking actions that were wasteful in lives of troops and civilians. It struck a very big chord with me. I fear that little has changed in the Army after 19 years of war in the Middle East. Postwar leadership always allows the real warriors to be pushed aside, advancing personnel to leadership based on their adherence to political machinations. So the Army is bloated by too many personnel not dedicated to war fighting or supporting warfighting. All trying to play down the wretched horror of actually fighting a war.

I have read this massive book twice, once during my Army career and again after I retired. It holds up 30 years after it was published. For anyone that has an interest in the military or any person in any branch of the military or other para-military type profession, this book will especially matter. Colonel Hackworth (Hack) started from the absolute bottom of the heap as an enlisted soldier on a faked birth certificate and through hard work and dedication to the Army and his brothers-in-arms rose to full Colonel destined for the rank of general. His lessons learned and lessons taught are invaluable and are purely based on success on the battlefield rooted in training, tactics and effective leadership. Like most good war movies, this is an anti-war message - which seems counterintuitive coming from a soldier who was awarded 10 Silver Stars and 8 Purple Hearts and over 100 medals throughout his Army career. Hack separates the conflict that all too often exists between political agendas and entering quagmires like Vietnam with no outlined or clear objectives and the warriors that are expected to do the impossible.This is a prime example of figuring it all out when it is all but too late, but such is life.

This book came in acceptable condition as I bought it used. The reading of the book however is absolutely outstanding. Colonel Hackworth gives a very in-depth and insightful account of our governments poorly thought out plans for the wars waged in Korea and Vietnam. While keeping his American pride and unwavering sense of duty towards our nation, “Hack” gives firsthand knowledge of the missteps In leadership during his time in the Army. This book serves as a recount of history as well as offering some outstanding leadership principles to live by on and off the battlefield.

I bought it because it had it has a foreword by Jocko Willink. 912 pages is a bit to much, a decent book though.

A well written and compelling account of soldiering last century and why we lost so many of the battles against Maoist guerrillas and continue to struggle with terrorists of more ominous provenance. Not until the lessons of David Hackworth are discussed, understood and acted on will the Free World regain its upper hand. The forward by Jocko Willink is an added bonus. According to JW this book has influenced special forces thinking and for that we should thank David Hackworth. This is a book for all men and women to read and learn from whether you're running a platoon, a small business, a hunting outfit or a classroom. In essence it a book about leadership and responsibility, about growing up and asserting a personal stake in the future. Let it serve as a guide to the next generation charged with defending honour and truth.

This is one of those rare books I have read where I was sad when it ended, I enjoyed it so much. All the other reviewers will tell you about Hackworth being the most decorated soldier serving at the time of his discharge etc etc. However, what gives this book the creditability it needs is the way he rejected the accolades the US army clearly had planned for him (a Generalship and associated prestige) and spoke out very critically against the establishment and its conduct of the Vietnam War.At the time this was big news and the establishment turned on him quite viciously and for me this gives his words real weight and the book is better for it. It was published in the late 1980s so some of the comments about equipment are a bit dated but when you consider the US has again been caught short by a guerrilla war it failed to predict with equipment not suited (armoured vehicles anyone) it seems the problems he wrote about still exist.Hackworth called it "going along to get along" or not rocking the boat so as to ensure promotion and towing the party line. One might argue his comments about this add more credence to his work as it seems to still exist in the Pentagon. Think of the contemporary General Shinseki who was effectively sacked for predicting before the invasion that the US would need more troops in Iraq and you can see this malaise exists still. I'm not arguing Hack was a sort of military Nostradamus but this book stands the test of time even though it is now 20 years or so old. So, read, enjoy but place it in the context of modern times and realize that some things don't change.

Best military book and memoir written! End of! I’ve read 100’s of books on history, military leadership and memoirs. This is by far No.1 and I’ve read many great ones. Every wannabe leader should read this.

A very well written book. All respect to To Col. Hackworth whose experiences, learnings and observations as a warrior leader are as valid today as they where when this book was written.First class and thanks to Jocko Podcast for keeping Hack’s words alive.

Brutally honest, warts and all autobiography. Hackworth from start to finish says it as it was. A must for anyone interested in how it should have been done in Vietnam. Jocko was right.