Served in US Marine Corps in Vietnam

Founded Texas Monthly magazine

Became editor-in-chief at California magazine

Joined Newsweek as editor-in-chief; resigned in 1984

Made return trip to Vietnam; became basis of his 1986 book "Brothers in Arms: A Journey From War to Peace" (published in 1986)

Appeared in documentary "Faces of the Enemy" (aired on PBS)

Co-created, co-wrote and co-executive produced the Vietnam War-set drama series "China Beach" (ABC)

Created, co-wrote and co-executive produced drama series "Under Cover" (ABC)

Wrote TV miniseries "JFK: Reckless Youth"

Made feature screenwriting debut as co-writer of "Apollo 13"; earned an Oscar nomination

Contributed to script of the romantic thriller "Entrapment"

Scripted "Cast Away", starring Tom Hanks

Penned the remake of "Planet of the Apes"

Co-scripted "Unfaithful" starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere

Adapted the screenplay for the Sam Mendes directed, "Jarhead"

With Paul Haggis penned the screenplay for the WWII drama, "Flags of Our Fathers" directed by Clint Eastwood