Scrubber McDade: An Unlikely Hero Faces the Viet Cong

'Ever thought of joining up yourself, Norman? You're the right age, fit and healthy.

I reckon you'd do well in the army.'

I laughed. 'There's one big problem, Sarge;

I'm illiterate.'

Norman McDade struggled at school. Despite the best efforts of his teachers, Norman left school at fifteen unable to read or write. Illiterate young men in the 1960s Australia faced a world of limited opportunities. Norman found a niche as a cleaner but cleaners were poorly paid and he struggled

Teased at school, Norman had only one genuine friend, Janice. Despite both being involved in a shocking car accident, their relationship endured.

Then, Norman had a lucky break. With the help of a sympathetic recruiting sergeant, he was accepted into the Australian Army. Early in 1966, his regiment was posted to Nui Dat in Vietnam to fight the Viet Cong. How does "Scrubber" McDade, as he was known in the army, cope?