Word of Honor

Word of Honor is the fifth major novel by American writer Nelson DeMille and the first which involves the Vietnam War. It was originally published in 1985 by Warner Books. Time Magazine referred to it as "The Caine Mutiny of the 80s", while Publishers Weekly stated that it is comparable to the classic but has "wider implications". The novel covers broad themes associated with war, crime and punishment, culpability of leaders, guilt, justice, honor, and the Vietnam War. The novel centers on a Vietnam veteran, Benjamin Tyson, who has made a great life for himself after serving as a lieutenant in the war. An investigative journalist uncovers a possible massacre similar to My Lai committed by Tyson's platoon in 1968. This sets off a series of events that affects Tyson's life. The Army seeks punishment while the public is conflicted. Complex issues of Tyson's culpability arise as DeMille slowly reveals more detail surrounding what really happened. The novel blends intense and accurate Vietnam War flashbacks with "intelligent and highly charged courtroom melodrama". Characters Benjamin Tyson – The main protagonist of the novel. He is in his 40s and is a successful executive. He is humorous, cynical, intelligent, caring, and honorable. He is more conservative than his liberal wife. Tyson served as an infantry platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division and fought in Vietnam. Marcy McClure Tyson – Ben's wife. In the late 60s, she was a poster child for the liberal peace movement. David Tyson – Ben's 16-year-old son. Andrew Picard – The writer of "Hue: Death of a City," the book that illustrates the Misericorde Hospital Massacre and assigns blame on Ben Tyson, himself a veteran of the Marine Corps in Hue. Karen Harper – The officer assigned by the Army to investigate whether charges should be brought against Ben Tyson. While performing her job, however, she begins to like Tyson. Colonel Pierce – The main prosecutor attempting to convict Tyson of murder. Colonel Sproule – The judge of the Tyson court martial. Steven Brandt – The medic in Tyson's platoon in Vietnam. Richard Farley – One of the members of Tyson's platoon. He testifies against Tyson. Colonel Gilmore – He presides over Tyson's article 32 investigation hearing (pre-trial hearing). Vincent Corva – Tyson's defense attorney. John McCormick – Tyson's neighbor.