Book Review: A Rumor of War by Philip CaputoThe events leading up to the Vietnam War included a United States recently recovered from World War II, an economy in boom that encouraged involvement in war, nuclear threats, and government attempts to contain and abolish communism, while competing with the world's other superpower, Russia. In 1960, at the age of twenty-four, Philip Caputo enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in hopes of escaping its relaxed lifestyle. in quaint Westchester, Illinois. Caputo wishes to prove himself a man and gain respect in response to President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address to the nation. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” are the famous words that have inspired many young men to engage in the patriotic world of enlistment, in order to defend American ideals. Caputo's expectations for the Vietnam War are to perform heroic acts, complete his missions quickly and efficiently, escape safely, and return home to a supportive country interested in his heroic adventures. Philip Caputo attended Loyola College in Maryland, where he entered the Marine ROTC program. Through the tough lessons of basic training at Camp Upshur, Virginia, he learns American military history, combat tactics, and many details about military weapons. Most importantly, Caputo learns how to kill his enemies. In January 1965, Caputo, now an officer, was sent to Okinawa, Japan, with men from the Third Marine Division. While waiting for the call to join the war, the young men begin to grow angry and discouraged by the long delay in battle. Two months later, on March 7, 1965, Caputo's company, along with many others, were assigned to a war site, D...... middle of paper ......f the innocents were what caught my attention. most of them. Hundreds and thousands of innocent civilians were killed simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Caputo mourns not only the dead, but also the men who are now emotionally and psychologically scarred for life. The sights and sounds of death will stay with them forever. Throughout this history course, I was able to learn and understand new vocabulary and apply it to my readings. I could not have understood the book as well as I did without familiarizing myself with the terminology. A rumor of war changed by the vision of the Vietnam War. Before reading this story, I did not realize the number of lives lost or the poor environments the soldiers were subjected to. Philip Caputo was extremely detailed in his descriptions and painted a brilliant picture of the war..