Hill 488
By Ray Hildreth
- Release Date: 2010-06-15
- Genre: History
Description
For some, Hill 488 was just another landmark in the jungles of Vietnam. For the eighteen men of Charlie Company, it was a last stand—this is the stirring combat memoir written by Ray Hildreth, one of the unit's survivors.
On June 13, 1966, men of the 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division were stationed on Hill 488. Before the week was over, they would fight the battle that would make them the most highly decorated small unit in the entire history of the U.S. military, winning a Congressional Medal of Honor, four Navy Crosses, thirteen Silver Stars, and eighteen Purple Hearts—some of them posthumously.
During the early evening of June 15, a battalion of hardened North Vietnamese regulars and Viet Cong—outnumbering the Americans 25-to-1—threw everything they had at the sixteen Marines and two Navy corpsmen for the rest of that terror-filled night. Every man who held the hill was either killed or wounded defending the ground with unbelievable courage and unflagging determination—even as reinforcements were on the way.
All they had to do was make it until dawn...
Reviews
An Amazing Story
4By DustyCougarUnlike many other Nam books this one is very well written. As an old Vietnam Vet there were times when I had tears in my eyes, this is an incredible story of one of the most incredible battles of the war, any war, the proof is in the citations.Hill 488
5By eyecontxThe book was written in such a manner as to effectively put me, the reader, in the midst of the lives of the men who participated in the battle for Hill 488 before, during and after the fight. I’m thankful for Mr Hildreth and Sasser for putting something together that helps those of us who were never rerquired to participate in such an extraordinary event to better understand the courageous efforts of the men who were there…i was in tears over the loss of such young men and will, for the rest of my days stand in awe of their fortitude, commitment to each other and the sacrifices they made that night in June 1966 and what i suspect have been some difficult times that night created for them thereafter. They are all heroes in my mind and it would do well for many of today’s citizens of this country to read this book.Excellent
5By JoexzdsaThe best book about Marines that I’ve ever read. The author has done a great service to his brothers in arms, and to all of us. Thank you.HILL 488
5By Tracer.As a Army Vietnam veteran; this book is one of the best and gripping accounts of close quarters combat that I have ever read. A moving story of bravery & tragedy.Hill 488
5By Retired BobVery good read, I read it with tears in my eye's.Hill 488
5By Super ClockEvery congressman/women should be required to read this book. This is how a unit survives, by acting as professionals doing their assignments, not bickering like spoiled little brats. This book shows the determination of these Marines and sailors working as a team overcoming insurmountable odds. For all of us who have earned the title of Marines, this book is an inspiration to retired, former, present and future Marines.Great book
5By lbrazzelThis was a real page turner. I felt like I was right in the middle of the battle for hill 488. Thanks for writing such a great account of our heroes.Hill 488
5By AliciaBeth83Excellent story that I would recommend to anyone who wants to get a first hand account of the true horrors and terror of combat. You will feel like you are right there on the hill with these soldiers while reading this book. Makes you appreciate even more the service and sacrifices our soldiers make for this country!Great nail biting read
5By 714ponySolid writing
