This book investigates the complex and often adversarial relationship between the U.S. military and the news media during the tumultuous final years of the Vietnam War. Building upon his previous work, William M. Hammond meticulously examines the strategies and policies employed by the military to manage information and protect operational security while attempting to maintain the independence of war correspondents. The narrative details the inherent tensions and disagreements that arose, often pitting the press against the government and military, even as vast amounts of information were released without compromising U.S. forces. Hammond's analysis highlights how the conflicts in Vietnam mirrored broader societal divisions within the United States, offering crucial lessons for open societies engaged in warfare.

William M. Hammond's "Public Affairs: The Military and the Media, 1968-1973" is recognized for its thorough historical research and balanced perspective on a critical aspect of the Vietnam War. The book is noted for its reliance on a wide array of primary and secondary sources, including official military documents, journalistic accounts, and interviews, which lend significant authority to its findings. Critics and readers alike have pointed to its detailed tracing of the evolving public affairs strategies and the resulting friction between military objectives and media coverage. The work is considered an important contribution to understanding the dynamics of wartime information control and its impact on public perception and policy.