"The experience of war does a great deal more than make men out of boys. All wars, be they just and necessary or not, are epic calamities and their devastation and inhumanity will cause moments of doubt in the mind of the most ardent soldier and trouble all but the meanest conscience. In TOUR OF DUTY, an account of my friend John Kerry's experiences and great courage in Vietnam, and his role in our national debate over the lost cause, Doug Brinkley does a masterful job of showing how war, with its unique mix of sacrifice and malice, courage and trepidation, both burdens and strengthens the heart of the combatant, who learns in equal measure how cruel and how noble human beings can be." - John McCain