About Face
About Face
Colonel David H. Hackworth
Jeff Atwood
A fantastically useful book; I've used whole chapters as guides for projects I worked on. - Jeff Atwood
Jocko Willink
I had [this book] next to my bed in Ramadi. I literally read it every night. That’s how I'd fall asleep. - Jocko Willink
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About Face

About Face: Odyssey Of An American Warrior

Colonel David H. Hackworth
By
Colonel David H. Hackworth
4.4
294
ratings on Goodreads

"About Face" by Colonel David H. Hackworth stands as a monumental memoir in military literature, offering an unflinching look into the heart of American warfare and the soul of one of its most decorated soldiers. From the frozen trenches of Korea to the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, Hackworth's journey is not just a tale of battles fought and won, but a deeply personal account of a warrior's love for his country, his relentless quest for honor, and his profound disillusionment with the machinery of war. It is a narrative spun with the grit of combat and the strategic insight of a true leader, capturing the essence of an era and the indomitable spirit of a soldier who dared to stand against the tide. "About Face" is more than just a war memoir; it is a critical examination of the American military establishment and its strategies, through the eyes of a man who lived its triumphs and tragedies. Hackworth's story, from his rise as a young hero in Korea to his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War, reflects the changing dynamics of American military policy and the personal cost of conflict. His uncompromising honesty and courage in speaking truth to power mark this book as not only a testimony of an extraordinary life but also a call to accountability and reform within the armed forces. This is the definitive work for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of military honor, the realities of war, and the profound impact of a true patriot's voice in times of national turmoil.

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Released
1989
1 Mar
Length
875
Pages

2

recommendations

recommendation

A fantastically useful book; I've used whole chapters as guides for projects I worked on. - Jeff Atwood
I had [this book] next to my bed in Ramadi. I literally read it every night. That’s how I'd fall asleep. - Jocko Willink
Strive to do small things well. Be a doer and a self-starter—aggressiveness and initiative are two most admired qualities in a leader—but you must also put your feet up and think. Strive for self-improvement through constant self-evaluation. Never be satisfied. Ask of any project, How can it be done better? Don’t overinspect or oversupervise. Allow your leaders to make mistakes in training, so they can profit from the errors and not make them in combat. Keep the troops informed; telling them “what, how, and why” builds their confidence. The harder the training, the more troops will brag. Enthusiasm, fairness, and moral and physical courage—four of the most important aspects of leadership. Showmanship—a vital technique of leadership. The ability to speak and write well—two essential tools of leadership. There is a salient difference between profanity and obscenity; while a leader employs profanity (tempered with discretion), he never uses obscenities. Have consideration for others. Yelling detracts from your dignity; take men aside to counsel them. Understand and use judgment; know when to stop fighting for something you believe is right. Discuss and argue your point of view until a decision is made, and then support the decision wholeheartedly. Stay ahead of your boss.
— Colonel David H. Hackworth, About Face

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