Courage Under Fire: The 101st Airborne’s Hidden Battle at Tam Ky

By Ed Sherwood

“If I could choose one book about infantry fighting in Vietnam to recommend to others, Sherwood’s Courage Under Fire: the 101st Airborne’s Hidden Battle at Tam Ky, would be it.” Cpt (R) David Gibson, Former Commander Of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 501st Infantry (Geronimo), 101st Airborne Division In 1969 At Tam Ky.

Finalist, 2021 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards

Courage Under Fire is the first book published about Operation Lamar Plain. After 50 years, the story of the renowned 101st Airborne’s major offensive near Tam Ky, South Vietnam remains largely unknown. Fighting at Tam Ky by the 1st Brigade began 15 May 1969 while the 101st’s 3rd Brigade battled on Hamburger Hill. The political consequences of Hamburger Hill’s high casualties caused Lamar Plain and its high casualties to remain classified and undisclosed. Decades later, the fighting at Tam Ky is mostly forgotten except by those who fought there.

Sherwood’s superb research of now declassified records uncovers how such a large battle could remain hidden and undisclosed. But that is not the heart of his story. His focus is on the courage and commitment of the young infantry soldiers who fought. Many were sons of WWII and Korean War veterans. They had a legacy to uphold—to honor their families, the 101st Airborne, and their nation. Most of all in the crux of battle, they would not let their fellow soldiers down.

Courage Under Fire uses actual battle records and eyewitness accounts to follow “Never Quit” Delta Company and its sister companies through 28 days of continuous combat at Tam Ky. Delta Company’s young infantry soldiers live up to their motto despite increasing casualties, a tough enemy, harsh battlefield conditions, and loss of leaders. For all who fought at Tam Ky, their bravery and devotion to duty in an increasingly unpopular war is worthy to be remembered. With veterans of Tam Ky now growing older and fewer in number, it is past time to tell their story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Casemate
• Release date: Mar 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781612009650

Ed Sherwood

Ed Sherwood led an infantry platoon at Tam Ky in Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, fighting with the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division He was wounded in action on June 2, 1969. After Vietnam, he continued serving as an infantry officer with multiple assignments in the 3rd Armored Division in Germany, the US Army Infantry School, and the 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, GA. Ed retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1988 due to medical reasons.