Karl Marlantes
Vietnam veteran Karl Marlantes was a Rhodes Scholar and Yale graduate. He served as a Marine in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two navy commendation medals for valour and ten air medals. In 1977 he began writing his novel about his experience of combat in the jungle. The book, Matterhorn, ended up taking Marlantes 30 years to write.
Books by Karl Marlantes
Interviews with Karl Marlantes
The Best Vietnam War Books, recommended by Karl Marlantes
In 1968 Karl Marlantes was a 22-year old Rhodes scholar and did not have to go to Vietnam. He nonetheless joined the US Marine Corps, ending up with multiple medals but also lifelong PTSD. In this interview, he recommends the best Vietnam War books, exploring its moral ambiguities, the warrior mentality and the humanity of ‘the enemy.’
