In his powerful debut, Pagan: The Cold Warrior’s Tale, Manteuffel delivers a firsthand account of the U.S. military’s turbulent state in the wake of the Vietnam War. Drawing from lived experience, he sheds light on a story long overlooked—one marked by internal struggle, strained morale, and a dramatic decline in military readiness.

Manteuffel recounts his time from the late 1970s through the 1980s as a platoon leader, in a battalion plagued by heroin trafficking and violence—where rogue soldiers colluded with terrorists to murder, kidnap, rape, steal, and engage in sexual harassment. Through unwavering leadership and personal example, Manteuffel with his platoon sergeant transformed his unit, ultimately earning recognition as the best tank platoon in USAREUR. Later he would serve as an executive officer and then command the most improved company in Europe.

“Pagan, the first book in my series, both entertains and informs as I recount real events—some hard to believe, others surprisingly humorous,” said Manteuffel, a Rhodes Scholar candidate, who graduated first in his class from the Virginia Military Institute, and Army veteran who tested five of the first seven M-1 tanks built.

“Pagan: The Cold Warrior's Tale is an incredible read about a little-known time in the military,” said Chris Schafer, CEO at Tactical 16 Publishing. “Robert’s story, told with unapologetic honesty, showcases how a young officer navigated a less-than-ideal environment with honor, respect, and integrity. It's a powerful reminder that leadership can be a challenge, especially during times that test the fabric of those in charge-and this was such a time.”