it hadn't been planned that way. But in a war, plans don't always work out-even Colonel Matthew Tobin's plans.

Kidnappings of American businessmen in South America had increased enormously. If the demands for ransom money and release of political prisoners were not met, the victims were brutalized and executed. It could not go on. Foreign investment in South America was dropping off, economies were tottering ... Colonel Tobin is called in--for a secret military assault. The target is Mexico, where the terrorists are believed to be hiding in the Sierra Madres.

Men of Tobin's army infiltrate the bandit's camp, only to discover that it is headed by one of the most ruthless men in South America, thought to be dead. He has brain and brawn on his side, and the rugged Mexican terrain.

The toughest professional army in the world attacks ... and does not succeed. The hostages are not released, and Tobin's army loses its most effective fighters. There is no way the Colonel can accept this. He orders another attack on the camp. He himself will lead it.