MEMORANDUM FOR MS PROFESSOR, MAJOR KATHERINE GRAPE
SUBJECT: Book Review
1. The following is an analysis of leadership dimensions found within the book, Platoon Leader, written by James McDonough. In it, I will evaluate the behaviors of specific individuals and identify three of the twenty-three leadership qualities or lack thereof. I shall then switch my focus to a discussion of the main events of the book that will help to define the essence of the main character.
2. Platoon Leader is about the experiences of James McDonough, a graduate of WestPoint, as an infantry officer of the 173d Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam War. During his turbulent time in the jungle battle zones, he clearly demonstrated many instances of leadership skills and talent that helped eventually pave the way to achieving the rank of colonel by the close of his career. His stay in Vietnam is vividly captured by countless riveting anecdotes of such fundamental infantry activities as day and night patrols, ambushes, reconnoitering, raids and endless marches on stormy nights.
