Overview

Private First Class Douglas E. Dickey was just 20 years old when he dove on a grenade, saving four men, including his platoon leader. The young Marine's actions, on Easter Sunday 1967, resulted in a posthumous Medal of Honor. Doug grew up in Ohio and enlisted in the Marine Corps with four of his friends from high school. In Vietnam he served in 2nd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. The 1st Battalion was one of the few Marine units executing the amphibious assault mission in Vietnam. As part of 2nd Platoon, Doug took part in Operation Deckhouse VI, a landing in Quang Ngai, then Operation Beacon Hill, which culminated in a desperate battle on March 26, 1967 when the platoon was almost wiped out. In the afternoon the platoon ran into a devastating ambush. More than 40 men went into battle that day. The next morning only 12 men walked out. With casualties mounting quickly, a grenade landed in the midst of the platoon. With complete disregard for his own life, Doug dove onto the grenade. Doug's comrades in 2nd Platoon never forgot him, they started holding yearly reunions in 1997, and that first one was held in Doug's home town. They continue to hold reunions in the home towns of their fallen comrades, meeting with the families of their comrades killed in action. This biography of Dickey places his final, valiant act in the context of his life and that of his comrades and family. It is based on over a decade of research, including interviews and Dickey's letters home, includes the most detailed account of Operation Beacon Hill yet written. AUTHOR: John Lang is a native of Monterey, California, and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Lang spent most of his adult life in the Marine Corps, and is a veteran of three combat operations. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2004 with more than 22 years of commissioned service. He has more than 27 military awards and decorations, and was the Marine Corps intelligence officer of the year in 1996. 48 b/w photographs, 10 maps, 3 diagrams

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9781612007571

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Reviews

...leaves the reader with a definitive image of Doug Dickey: A selfless young man who loved his family, respected other people, and felt great responsibility toward his country. -- The VVA Veteran

""Your remarkable work profoundly communicates the experience and the importance of the United States Marine Corps while preserving a rich history that our Corps and Nation should never forget.""--Major General James W. Lukeman USMC (Ret.), President and CEO, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation ""...reminds the readers that heroism, whether recognized with a medal or not, is the province of all those who serve their country in tough campaigns and endure the physical and mental toll of battle.""-- ""Marine Corps Gazette"" ""[Lang's] emphasis on how these young men saved and lost many of their own was provocative and educational. He also shared how these boys-turned-men in the horrors of Vietnam saved many in future generations.""-- ""Military Writers Society of America"" ""...stands as testimony that honor, duty and solid values always endure. Lang's book deserves a prominent place on the shelves of homes, libraries and schools. He reminds us the worst of times bring out the best in heroes like Doug Dickey.""-- ""The Daily Advocate"" ""...leaves the reader with a definitive image of Doug Dickey: A selfless young man who loved his family, respected other people, and felt great responsibility toward his country.""-- ""The VVA Veteran"" ""Lang takes readers to the platoon's annual postwar reunions, moving reminders of the courage and sacrifice exhibited by Dickey and his fellow fallen Marines. The author also provides an excellent 'snapshot' of the Marine Corps in northernmost South Vietnam in 1967....Importantly, this book provides the best insight into the life and experiences of a Medal of Honor recipient since the acclaimed autobiographies of World War II Army hero Audie Murphy, To Hell and Back, and U.S. Special Forces officer, Roger H.C. Donlon, the Vietnam War's first recipient and author of Beyond Nam Dong.""-- ""Vietnam Magazine""

Author Information

Lieutenant Colonel John B. Lang, USMC (Ret.) is a decorated combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm; the United Nations operation in Somalia; and the war in Iraq, retiring with more than 22 years of commissioned service. He was honored as the Marine Corps’ intelligence officer of the year in 1996 with the Donald G. Cook Award. LtCol Lang is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he majored in military history. He also has an MA in International Relations from Creighton University. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Air War College and Naval War College courses, and the Armed Forces Staff College. LtCol Lang has always admired the Vietnam veterans who were his leaders, mentors, and friends throughout his career. He has attended 2nd Platoon’s annual reunions since 2006 and Doug’s comrades made him an honorary member of 2nd Platoon in 2009. John Lang is a native of Monterey, California.

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