An officer whom Caputo admires because he is “an authentic hero.” Walt won three Navy Crosses, “one for single-handedly pulling an artillery piece uphill under heavy Japanese fire during a battle in the South Pacific.” Walt also insists on leading his soldiers “from up front,” not from “a cushy command post” far removed from the action. He has recently taken command of the III MAF, or the Third Marine Amphibious Force, which is the headquarters for all Marine units in Vietnam.