If you haven't read the entire book, it is worth reading. The movie was quite accurate but was only the beginning battle. The follow on had a large number of our troops moving from the first location to another location. They were ambushed and badly mauled on the way. It is practically a miracle any got out alive.
It was an ugly open to our part in an ugly war.
Yes; the movie implies that in the closing screen notes.
We never fought to win the war - only a hill, a valley, a trail. I finally got to the point that I couldn't stand the losses any longer - with nothing accomplished. General Westmoreland: We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Retired after the failed 'war' with a Veteran's 100% disability. Humbug!