This is the story of a great Australian who joined the Army as a boy, trained at Duntroon, and started his fighting with an infantry battalion in the Libyan desert in World War II.

He served in Palestine, Syria, New Guinea and Bougainville.


He later led 3RAR with distinction, at the Battle of Maryang San in Korea and rose through 40 years of soldiering to command the defence force of Australia.


He was the most decorated soldier in the Australian Army, earning five post nominal honours.


This book explains why he was so impressive, deeply respected and why he was promoted so young and so quickly.


He had a powerful influence on the character and structure of the Australian Army and achieved exceptional recognition from his men and his nation.


The personal traits and capabilities that made Hassett such a memorable soldier-leader, and the influence of his family and friends, also form part of this biography.


This is a story for all who wish to understand leadership, under great physical and intellectual stress and pressure.