For decades, it has been a “must-read” among military professionals. “America’s First Battles” studies the first engagements of U.S. troops from the Revolutionary War (the Battle of Long Island) to Vietnam (Ia Drang).

Of the 10 clashes analyzed in the book, the U.S. Army won five and lost five. And four of the five wins — San Juan, Cantigny, Buna and Ia Drang — were quite costly. “[S]ome might say too costly,” wrote military historian John Shy.