Platoon Leader-1988

Platoon Leader stars Michael Dudikoff (Tron, American Ninja, American Ninja 2) as LT Jeff Knight fresh out of West Point into the fray of the Vietnam War war. He finds himself joining a platoon of experienced war weary men who don't seem to be impressed by his freshly minted second lieutenant bars.

Who can blame them. They've had enough of fresh face officers hiding out inside the bunker until their tours were over. From their point of view LT was just another person there to get them killed. As the movie poster says, "War is hell, this is worse".

However, they'll soon discover that Knight is different. He not only increases patrols, but he joins them, leading the men by example. Even so, he's quick to take charge, but he's also respectful of his men's experience and listens to them. It's not easy, but little by little he begins to earn their respect.

I watched this movie when it first came out as a young soldier and recently as a retired veteran. Though the uniforms have changed significantly, the soldier experience has not. 

Platoon Leader also features a great caste consisting of Robert F. Lyons, Michael DeLorenzo, Rick Fitts, Jesse Dabson, Brian Libby and many more. 

                                                     


Speaking of the Vietnam War, check out my novel...