Stupid Commanders to blame for most casualties.

IN my experience as a platoon leader, most the men I lost
came from either over-zealous commanders or commanders who
wanted recognition and promotions.I personally served under
"Captain Gordon DeRoos" that Col. Hackworth praises in his
book "about face". Because of him I lost men that should not
have been killed or wounded.My platoon was on point for the
company most of the time. Captain DeRoos exposed us needlessly
to enemy fire, booby traps, and you name it.
I was awarded (3) bronze stars, purple heart, air medal, and
so on. So I say this not because of sour grapes, but because
I have been bitter for over 30 years because of good men lost
that should not have been.
Col. Hackworth was a good commander, but he was blind at times
as to what was going on. Of course he could not have known,as
my direct superior was Captain DeRoos and he spent most his time trying to please Hackworth.He did this on the backs of
his platoon leaders and men that should not have been sacrificed.Col. Hackworth though a good soldier-was a poor judge of character.
Though I am proud to have served with the 4/39th, I am ashamed
that such commanders as Captain DeRoos can get away with things he did and be praised for it.
Most my time in Viet Nam was spent protecting my men, not from
the VC--but from people like him.

1st Lt. Chester A. Hargus