The thunderous roar of artillery fire echoes through the Vietnamese countryside. Australian Army adviser Major Peter Badcoe races across more than 600 yards of open ground as fast as his short, stocky legs can carry him, living up to his nickname of “The Galloping Major” as he bounds towards an American comrade lying wounded and helplessly exposed to enemy fire.

Behind thick hornrimmed spectacles, the unlikely hero’s eyes gleam with determination as he dodges incoming rounds.

Nearing the fallen soldier, Badcoe quickly assesses the situation. Enemy machine gun fire has pinned down a nearby platoon, leaving them unable to mount a rescue. Time is running out. Gathering the platoon, he prepares to lead them in a daring frontal assault on the enemy position. He readies his weapon. The odds are stacked against them, but he'd be damned if he’s going to leave a man behind…




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