To Hell With Honor

the long version

"In this book, Larry Sklenar analyzes and interprets the widely accepted facts underlying the accepted portrayal of Custer's defeat. His perspective, however, is fresh, and he offers wholly new conclusions about one of the most enduring mysteries in American history - the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn.". "Sklenar contends that Custer did have a battle plan, one different from any other suggested by scholars thus far. Custer, he argues, had reason to believe that his scheme might succeed with minimum bloodshed; made decisions consistent with army regulations and his best instincts as an experienced commander; had subordinates who could not overcome the limits of their personalities in a desperate situation; and made a selfless commitment to save the bulk of his regiment. Along the way, Sklenar appraises the officers and other men who served in the Seventh, evaluating the survivors' testimony and assessing the intent and motives of each."--BOOK JACKET.