Vietnam became a junior leaders' war, with much of the responsibility of combat leadership resting on the NCO. Needing large numbers of NCOs for combat, the Army created the Noncommissioned Officers Candidate Course (Arms, 1989). There were many outstanding acts of heroism, including Sergeant First Class Eugene Ashley who was supporting Camp Lang Vei with high explosives and illumination mortar rounds. After a communication loss, he directed air strikes and artillery support and organized a small assault force. Five times Ashley's unit attacked enemy positions and then proceeded through booby-trapped bunkers. Wounded by machinegun fire, Ashley directed air strikes on his own position to clear the enemy. While being transported down the hill, he was killed by enemy artillery (Arms, 1989).

They are recognized as the leaders most responsible for individual and small unit training. The Army always benefited and will continual to benefit from the NCOs who have demonstrated initiative, made keen decisions and seized opportunities that correspond to the commander's winning strategies.
References

Arms, L.R. (1989) Short history of the NCOs. Museum of the noncommissioned officer.

Website retrieved March 23, 2007.

Giangreco, D.M, and Moore, K. Why a 200-year-old decoration offers evidence in the controversy surrounding the Hiroshima bombing. American Heritage Magazine

51(8). [electronic version]

U.S. Army Study Guide. Website retrieved March 23, 2007. http://www.armystudyguide.com/

Website for Young Marines. Marine Corps History. Website retrieved March 23, 2007. http://chadduck.com/ymarines/history/history.htm

Wolfowitz, Paul,…