Whatever Cause We Have: Memoir of a Marine Forward Observer in the Vietnam War

Dan Moore joined the Marines to serve in Vietnam and contribute to the anticipated American victory over communism. After completing officer training and artillery school, he deployed as a forward observer with an infantry company. His letters home described day-to-day events and revealed a growing skepticism about the war. Dan Moore joined the Marines to serve in Vietnam and contribute to the anticipated American victory over communism. After completing officer training and artillery school, he deployed as a forward observer with an infantry company. His letters home described day-to-day events and revealed a growing skepticism about the war. During the Battle of Hue City, Moore lost his assistant forward observer, soon followed by another close friend. Fighting to maintain equilibrium, he suppressed his critical views of the war, even after returning home to oversee Marine recruit training. His memoir unpacks his letters, his recollections of the war and 50 years of introspection.