It is a vicious circle in that roads cannot be built until areas are relatively secure, and roads cannot be secured until they are fully built. - - This was the assessment of Roadbuilding, one of the principal strategies of the Vietnam War. Jim Decker, an Army lieutenant, wonders if his Vietnam tour will end with a CMH, not a Congressional Medal of Honor, but a casket with metal handles. Not much on war and educated to be an engineer, he wonders if his talents can make a difference in this unpopular struggle. Can he and his men establish a base camp along national route QL 20, in the heart of deadly Ambush Alley? Can they build road and simultaneously prepare for imminent attack by major NVA and VC forces? Can Decker react to repeated threats and ambushes upon his men? Persistent, demanding challenges and novel solutions lead to an exciting surprise ending.