Try free for 30 days

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
About Face cover art

About Face

By: Colonel David H. Hackworth US Army Ret., Julie Sherman
Narrated by: John Pruden
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $37.98

Buy Now for $37.98

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

Called "everything a 20th-century war memoir could possibly be" by the New York Times, this national best seller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.

From age 15 to 40, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation. 

From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war.

New York Times best seller. A Military Book Club Main Selection. A number-one Amazon.com best seller in Korean War Personal Narratives.

©2019 Colonel David H. Hackworth (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about About Face

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    192
  • 4 Stars
    9
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    165
  • 4 Stars
    11
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    163
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An excellent insight into the yank army mind.

I am impressed at how well the authors views, understandings and attitudes toward so many people types and almost everything encountered by army. At the same time the stories and examples used to plot a story line, his life in the USA army, were used well. I think anyone looking for a “hints and tips” and “things to watch out for” in leadership, would be well served by soaking this book up.
The language is often a drawback, I understand it deepens the view of how these men act and the covering of deficiencies but often the language left me recoiling and embarrassed by what I was listening to. Over all I’m glad to have listened to it and intend to periodically re-listen for reminders.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

I didn't know what to expect but it was certainly worth the read. Very real and informative.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Military History

Probably the most comprehensive and thoughtful history of a military career that I have ever read. While a little bit self-serving, this book is frank and honest about the author, his career, and the army he served in. I highlyrecommend tjis book to anyone with an interest in the wars involving the U.S.A. in the 20th Century.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Essential reading for military personnel

Colonel David H. Hackworth’s memoir, “About Face,” provides a candid and insightful account of his experiences throughout his military career. This work offers valuable lessons in leadership and strategy, making it essential reading for both military officers and leaders in various domains.

Hackworth’s unwavering dedication to his troops and his willingness to acknowledge his own shortcomings contribute to the book’s authenticity. The narrative emphasizes the human element of command, emphasizing trust, adaptability, and the critical nature of ethical decision-making. These principles are universally applicable, extending beyond the military context.

“About Face” transcends its military focus, offering enduring insights into effective leadership. It underscores the imperative of prioritizing the welfare of those under one’s command. In an evolving landscape of leadership, this memoir serves as a beacon of enduring qualities that define exceptional leaders. For those seeking to grasp the essence of leadership excellence, “About Face” is an indispensable resource.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must read for the man and the history

an amazing look into the life of fascinating man, who is not afraid to admit to his own feet of clay. More insight into the futility of the Vietnam War, but told by a soldier, who demonstrated it could have been fight differently and more effectively.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Should be a movie

Well narrated. Engaging story. The 40 hours seem to tick over effortlessly. Highly recommended. Thanks

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Unabashed and Gritty

Great story of a career spanning 30 years and the lessons which should have been learned through 2 major conflicts. Long, but very enjoyable and worth the time.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Leadership....in 40 short hours.

Read it....re-read it and listen to it again...you won't go wrong. This book tipifies a old school stud that loves his men.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

great story

loved it fantastic story of his army life and a insight into the Korean war

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolute Classic read, you won’t be disappointed

Loved this book so much I listened to it twice.
Colonel Hackworths story from Korea to Vietnam is by far the best memoir from a Career Military man. You will be gripped as he becomes more disillusioned with the Military and Vietnam war. Must read

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.