"From the Shadows lays bare the soul of the West Point Class of 1968 through the compellingly told stories of our 20 classmates who fell in Vietnam... and provides insights into the honorable warrior ethos that has developed and guided generations of the Long Grey Line in leading soldiers of our Nation's army. "

"The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (THE WALL) is one of America’s most Powerful and Personal. FROM THE SHADOWS tells the stories of Twenty Young Soldiers from West Point’s Class of 1968 whose names are among the more than 58,000 hand-cut into The Wall’s black polished granite, giving readers a Personal Connection to those Men who did their Duty when asked and paid with their lives. No longer will that multitude – all of whom made the ultimate sacrifice – be an inanimate collection of faceless names to be honored. Readers will gain a connection to William, John, David and the seventeen others, bringing into sharp focus the magnitude of their Sacrifices and the losses to their Family, Friends West Point Classmates, and Our Nation. It is truly Powerful Stuff and a rare opportunity to learn about these Twenty Men which should not be missed!"

"In “From the Shadows,” John Hedley shares an important and poignant chapter in our Nation’s history through a unique and personal lens. Sincere, enlightening, and often heartbreaking, John masterfully tells the story of the West Point Class of 1968 and those who gave their lives for their country in Vietnam. Nine hundred were sworn in as West Point Cadets on July 1, 1964. Over their five-year term of required service, twenty made the ultimate sacrifice for their Nation, earning eighteen awards for valor. This book is their story. John provides an exceptionally meaningful tribute to his classmates and so many others that raised their right hand for their Nation and gave their last full measure of devotion."

"This is an outstanding story of the life of 20 young men and their influences and camaraderie they shared with their fellow West Point classmates. They are still remembered and mourned 50 years later for their lives taken too quickly. These young men knew what lied ahead of them and still put their lives on the line for their country."

"I am not a member of the USMA Class of 1968. I graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1967. However, upon arriving In Vietnam in February of 1969, that distinction all but vanished as all of us were joined as Brothers-In-Arms dedicated to carrying out our common mission against our enemies on the battlefield. Our common experiences carried forward even as we completed our tour and returned to “the world”, as was the term we used to describe home. Upon returning, we found that our “world” had changed. It was difficult to find love or respect for our service and sacrifices. John Hedley has showered his 20 USMA classmates who died in service to our country, with the love most never found. I believe that, even now, these men can feel the love John has infused into this tribute. But beyond that, with this tribute, John has spread that love to all who died in this war. When one reads the stories of these 20 gallant soldiers, remember that there are over 58,000 similar stories associated with the other names on The Wall."

“I just finished reading John’s book…very moving…but also a great overview of that time period. I really enjoyed the end where they told the story of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall…very interesting. What a great tribute to the 20 classmates and all veterans of that era. Reading this gave me a whole new appreciation for what John and his contemporaries went through.”

John, I just received your book. From the Shadows is truly excellent and reflects your care and concern in honoring our fallen classmates. I was touched by your recounting of the impact that our classmates had even though their lives were ended too soon. You did a truly great job.