By: Brig. Gen. John C. “Doc” Bahnsen, Jr. USA (Ret)
Paperback Edition
January 2008

Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr., served as one of America's most-decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War. The ultimate warrior who engaged the enemy from nearly every type of aircraft and armored vehicle in the Army’s inventory, Doc was also an expert strategist who developed military tactics later adopted as doctrine. A revered leader ready to plunge into the thick of battle with his bare hands, he routinely took tactical command of battalions and larger units commanded by senior ranking officers. From Fort Knox to the front lines, accounts of Doc's brilliance in time of war became the stuff of legend—stories that are told with reverence to this day, inspiring raw recruits as well as America’s future leaders.

Now, drawing on his own recollections, as well as those of the men who fought beside him, Doc Bahnsen steps out of his legend to give a full, uncensored account of his astonishing war record - and an unforgettable ground-level view of the day-to-day realities of serving one’s country. During 1965-66 and 1968-69, Doc Bahnsen blazed through two combat tours as commander of the Army's 118th Assault Helicopter Company's "Bandit" platoon, and the 11th Armored Cavalry "Blackhorse" Regiment's Air Cavalry Troop and 1st Armored Squadron. An aggressive fighter and a blunt, outspoken leader, Doc reveals his controversial policy-be-damned attitude toward combat, his wrestling matches with enlisted men, and the occasions when he relieved leaders during enemy contacts. Also exposed are his frank thoughts on killing the enemy, the truth behind sensationalized tales of off-duty conduct, and moving stories of the humanitarian acts of battle-weary soldiers.

With the candid perspectives of his fellow soldiers - from enlisted men to top ranking generals - the experience of war comes to life in full, unvarnished detail. Whether aboard flaming helicopter gun ships or rumbling armored vehicles, on thunderous B-52 raids or amid raging artillery fire, the heat of battle has never been recreated so vividly. American Warrior is a long-awaited account of one of America's greatest warriors, a true soldier's soldier, as well as a fitting tribute to the fearless fighters who served beside him, and a memorial to the 44 soldiers who lost their lives under his command.

Brigadier General John C. "Doc" Bahnsen, Jr. was commissioned a second Lieutenant in 1956, following his graduation from West Point. As a captain and major, he served two combat tours in Vietnam, 1965–66 and 1968-69. His 18 medals for gallantry make him one of the most highly decorated officers to have served in the Vietnam War. Major General George S. Patton praised him as the best, most highly motivated and professionally competent combat leader he had ever served with. Following retirement General Bahnsen has been a consultant to several defense companies, a writer for military publications, and a motivational speaker to a wide variety of audiences. He resides in West Virginia.