A Rumor of War by Phil Caputo
A Rumor of War by Philip Caputo, was published in 1977 and is a memoir about Caputo’s personal experiences in the Vietnam War. Upon its publication in 1977, it shattered America's indifference to the fate of the men sent to fight in the jungles of Vietnam. In the years since then, it has become not only a basic text on the Vietnam War but also a renowned classic in the literature of wars throughout history and, as Caputo explains, of "the things men do in war and the things war does to men" (New York Times). A Rumor of War is divided into three parts. The first section, “The Splendid Little War” describes Caputo’s reasons for enlisting, his ensuing training, and his first experiences in Vietnam. The second section of the memoir is entitled, “The Officer in Charge of the Dead.” This second part describes Caputo’s time as a member of the rifle company and hope of returning to the infantry, offering up a different perspective of the war. The third and final section of the memoir is called “In Death’s Grey Land” which discuses North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, eventually closing with his honorable discharge from the military. The 1977 memoir was later turned into a Television miniseries in 1980, becoming one of the earliest serious American representations of the war in film.
About the Author:
- Born June 10, 1941 in Westchester, Illinois
- Graduated from Loyola University of Chicago
- Author of 15 books, including 2 memoirs, 5 nonfiction books, and 8 novels
- Other notable works: Ghosts of Tsavo, Horn of Africa, Crossers, Delcoro's Gallery
- Served as an infantry lieutenant (platoon commander) in the marines (1964-67)
- Became a journalist in 1968, joining the Chicago Tribune staff
- Won 10 journalistic and literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1972 (which he shared)
- Born June 10, 1941 in Westchester, Illinois
- Graduated from Loyola University of Chicago
- Author of 15 books, including 2 memoirs, 5 nonfiction books, and 8 novels
- Other notable works: Ghosts of Tsavo, Horn of Africa, Crossers, Delcoro's Gallery
- Served as an infantry lieutenant (platoon commander) in the marines (1964-67)
- Became a journalist in 1968, joining the Chicago Tribune staff
- Won 10 journalistic and literary awards, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1972 (which he shared)