In 1966 Michael J. (Mick) Malone was an aimless nineteen-year-old working unsatisfying jobs in manufacturing plants and wool stores. Everything changed after news reports of heroism from Vietnam, where young Australian soldiers distinguished themselves at the Battle of Long Tan.
Inspired, Mick Malone immediately followed a family tradition and enlisted in the Australian Army, where he would carve out a remarkable 35 year career. This book traces Mick Malone's entire military career, including his time in combat as a trooper with 3 Squadron SAS in Vietnam, his influence in developing innovative counter-terrorism and Vehicle Mounted techniques across Australia, his tenure instructing at the Royal Military College (Duntroon), his time as Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 Commando Regiment (Sydney) and as 2IC of SAS Training Squadron (Swanbourne), and in retirement, as Army Museum administrator and renowned book dealer. At a pivotal historical moment in which the military's role is once again questioned, this is a book that emphasises the unsung heroism of so many hard-working soldiers: its Anzac Day 2024 release date is in tribute to the sacrifices that those individuals have made.
