5 comments about The Custer Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to the Life of George Armstrong Custer and the Plains Indian Wars.

1. Although "The Custer Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to the Life of George Armstrong Custer and the Plains Indian Wars" is an invaluable collection of source materials on the life lived by the flamboyant and enigmatic General George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876), the book once again reminds us that the life of one man came down to ONE battle waged on a Montana hillside on June 25, 1876. If you were hoping to find a narrative of Custer's life, I would recommend Jeffry K. Wert's "Custer" as a first source and using Hatch's book as a source to garner further information.

   Although the Battle of the Little Big Horn and Custer's remarkable failure there has seared the youngest general in United States' history image indelibly on the American imagination, the "myth", to the average 19th Century American was created long before that tragedy. It is the life lived during the American Civil War that provides fodder for the tragedy we recognize as a life cut short, a promise unfullfilled, and it is Custer's early life which is lacking in Hatch's narrative. I found an almost Custer-like impatience by the author in "The Custer Companion. . ." to get to the "big" story and it is this impatience that may contribute to some historical inaccuracies and a noted thinness in Custer's life story before the Plains Indian Wars.

   The information on the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the numerous personalities that were factors in Custer's life story is, without a doubt, wonderful. But if you seek to "know" the man on his swift climb to prominence, "The Custer Companion. . ." would not be my first choice.

   Use "The Custer Companion. . ." as a warehouse of bibiliographic material, but do not use it as a foundation for an introduction to one of the most fascinating figures in American history.




2. This is a well detailed overview of the life of General Custer from his roots to the aftermath of the LBH. The book is interlaced with a 100 or more biographies of all the key people associated with from family, soldiers, scouts, and politicians to Native Americans. The bios are outstanding and they fill in some holes even for the seasoned Custerphile. One example is the bio on Dr. Coates, the surgeon who served with Custer in Kansas and. Coates was a key witness on Custer's behalf in reference to the charge that he denied medical treatment for deserters. The bio covers Coates' short army career before and after the incident including his post army life. Another is Colonel Sturgis, the actual Colonel and actual commander of the 7th, who typically was on assignment or administrative duties deferring field command to Custer. In addition, when referencing a particular individual or place or battle, Hatch provides a detailed bibliography on the person or topic. When I read of the controversy regarding Custer's 1867 court-martial, the listed references led me to Lawrence Frost's detailed book on the subject. In addition to the bios sprinkled throughout the book are quotes by the General himself, which are highlighted outside the regular text, which adds depth to what Custer was feeling at that point in his history. It's also quite clear that he and Libby had one of the closest relationships in history. Although there may be more detailed works on the various prime subjects of Custer's life, this book captures it very well and closes ranks on information with people that intersected Custer's life from Reno, Benteen, Tom Custer, Belknap, Crazy Horse, Two Moons, Keough, Calhoun, Weir, Godfrey, Sitting Bull, Gall, Crazy Horse, Curley and on. The biographies sometimes seem a little redundant since they often overlap the text but they are well worth it. My only criticism was that there was not more on Lt. Wallace who was the timekeeper during the LBH command. Wallace appears to have aided and abetted Benteen and Reno at Reno's Court Martial. The fun part is at the conclusion of the LBH the author adds a little argument by critiquing other authors' views in what happened to Custer's brigade and he comes up with his own plausible theory. In Hatch's book, Reno and Benteen are held accountable for their wrong actions or inactions. A very good perspective and well worth reading as it even includes a review of the final Plains Indian campaigns.



3. The Custer Companion: A Comprehensive Guide To The Life Of George Armstrong Custer And The Plains Indian Wars by historian and Custer expert Thom Hatch combines an informative biography of George Armstrong Custer with a vividly presented history of the Plains Indian Wars. The Custer Companion covers The Surrender Flag Controversy; Custer's Mad Dash across Kansas; Wild Bill's Showdown with Tom Custer; Red Cloud's War; The Sand Creek Massacre; The Russian Grand Duke's Buffalo Hunt; The Arrest and Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face; The Midnight Ride of Charley Reynolds; and a wealth of other aspects of "Custeriana". Solid, straightforward text enhanced with numerous sidebars going into little-known details, as well as a profusion of black-and-white photographs coupled with the results of an exhaustive research, makes The Custer Companion an indispensable resource for anyone studying one of America's most colorful (and controversial) military figures of the 19th century -- a man whose turbulent character and impact on American frontier history evokes renewed interest in every new generation of Americans.



4. Along with William A. Graham's "Custer Myth" and Paul A. Hutton's "Custer Reader", this book belongs on the shelf of any serious student of Custer's life and career. I do not often feel compelled to comment on books I've read, but this is one of those rare gems that comes along unexpectedly, just when you think that everything that can be said has been said.
   
   My library includes nearly every book ever written about Custer and I would rank Hatch's book with the best of them. Some of those books contain useful and fascinating information but are barely readable, but Thom Hatch manages to make his both fascinating and readable, and that is a laudable accomplishment for any historian. I also disagree with those who say this would not make a good introductory work; I think that on the contrary, it would make an excellent place to start. It covers the entirety of his life and career and leaves few facets unexplored or unremarked, from birth to pre-military teaching jobs to West Point, the Civil War and beyond.
   
   One of its strongest assets is the "for further reading" list appended to each section, listing the various works out there which can better inform the reader about the subject at hand. But this is more than an empty list of authors and titles; Hatch comments on the various books, judging them not only by what he has to say about them but what others have said as well. For instance, of Gregory J.W. Unwin's classic "Custer Victorious" he says "minor drawbacks to this exciting and well-written work is that some have claimed that it is too pro-Custer, with too much cheerleading, and that it - as the title suggests - concentrates on the battles when Custer was a general and fails to adequately chronicle his first two years of service and associated aspects of his career." This is particularly useful information for somebody new to the field of Custer studies and will guide them in picking and choosing their way through the vast library of Custeriana.
   
   Another strength of this book is the sidebars. These are useful and fascinating digressions into areas outside the main body of the text and discuss such things as tables of organization for various expeditions (a plus for the student of military history), "Military Forts on the Central and Southern Plains", "Custer's Mad Dash across Kansas", "Wild Bill's Showdown with Tom Custer", "The Joel Elliott Controversy", "The Arrest and Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face" and so forth. Better yet, associated subjects, though not directly pertaining to Custer, are not forgotten, so we are provided with information about the Battle of Beecher Island, not to mention a biographical sketch of Lt. Beecher himself, Red Cloud's War and the Buffalo Soldiers. These additions better round out the world in which Custer lived and operated and allow the reader to understand the currents - historical, military and social - of his time.
   
   Complementing the sidebars are the biographies. These cover a variety of people, such as Sheridan, Benteen, Reno, Terry and the other "usual suspects" but also lesser known figures, such as scout William Averill Comstock, Captain Louis McLane Hamilton, Major Eugene Asa Carr, not to mention Native American leaders and warriors, not limited to Crazy Horse, Gall and Sitting Bull but including such figures as Roman Nose, Black Kettle, Satanta, Kicking Bird, and others. And these are not dry biographical sketches. His remarks on Winfield Scott Hancock are telling: "Hancock apparently urged Col. A.J. Smith to prefer charges against Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer, branding him the scapegoat for this blot on the general's otherwise exemplary military career." Of Captain Albert Barnitz, frequently cited by Custer critics, he says: "Barnitz wrote about Custer to his wife on May 15, 'He is the most complete example of a petty tyrant that I have ever seen.' Perhaps that attitude could be partially blamed on he fact that Barnitz had been arrested for discarding forage and not feeding his horses."
   
   All in all, this is a very balanced treatment of the life and career of George Armstrong Custer. If Custer comes out favorably in these pages, I think it is only because Hatch rightly points out the absurdity of some of the positions his critics have taken, and it is a refreshing change of pace from those who, like Roger Darling, simply assume Custer must have 'gone nuts' on the day of the Little Bighorn. No man lives in a vacuum and as this book demonstrates, the Little Bighorn cannot be taken out of the context of Custer's life, career and experiences.
   
   In the end, the only criticism I can level is that due to the book's organization the reader will be forced to flip back and forth as they read, and this is no real hardship at all given the wealth of information uncovered with every page. "The Custer Companion" is a delight to read. In a field that is possibly the most written about in American history, and home to such giants as Frost, Utley and Dippie, Thom Hatch's accomplishment still stands out.



5. I was seeking more information of the actual troopers who served with the 7th before and during the Souix Campaign of 1876. There are plenty of photos of the officers and bios but the emlisted soldiers were unfortunaltely absent fo rthe most part. I was expecting at least a list of the troopers and some information of their race, ethnicity, backgrounds etc. I realize these were not necessarily model citizens but they were somewhat representative of the post CW military. I was hoping to be able to draw some comparisons to our "draft" army of the 1960's as far as compositions of troops.

No comments about THE SPITFIRE SMITHS: A Unique Story of Brothers in Arms.

No comments about The Life and Death of Petra Kelly.

5 comments about Torture Central: E-mails From Abu Ghraib.

1. This book is a must read for all Americans. Those who read it get it. Mr. Keller is a true American hero. He went to Iraq as a patriot. He came home as a patriot. He lives today as a patriot. There is no American more proud of his country, and BECAUSE he is so proud of his country he speaks out against what is wrong. He has been called a leftist by others here. He voted for George Bush in 2004. He is supporting John McCain in 2008. He supports the war in Iraq. A leftist, he is not. When he speaks on torture he speaks from the soul. Read the book and judge for yourself.



2. This book was a fantastic read. I have bought many copies for family and friends. It proves that one person can make a difference. I am proud to support our troops knowing that soldiers like Mr. Keller are representing our Country. I have seen and heard several interviews that Mr. Keller has done. He is not trying to profit or exploit anyone in any way. He just wants people to know what happened. Before anyone forms an opinion about the book they should read it first. That is really the only way an intelligent opinion can be made. There is no way you could find this book anything but riveting once you read it. I hope if I am ever placed in a situation where I can stand up and make a difference I will show the courage that Mr. Keller did.



3. This was a great book. It gave insight to an individual's experiences and how the events changed his life. Highly recommended.



4. "There is no God higher than truth." Mahatma Gandhi
   This is a damn good read and very important content for any conscientious citizen of the US as well as worldwide.
   
   For the dissenting reviewers:
   All of you self proclaimed patriots who serve blind to truth in the name of the flag should read the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights just once before you possibly could be qualified for editorial judgment on Torture Central.... then read Torture Central since it's apparent you haven't. By the way, editorial judgment doesn't mean espousing your self protective, personal paradigm distorted, disregard of reality. P.S. basic working knowledge of the Geneva Convention is recommended too. P.S.S. Yes, this is an condescending intellectual insult for all of you who are insulted but did not know why.



5. Keller's book details how the Army had ordered soldiers to disregard our own laws set for handling prisoners or detainees. Perhaps the Army's callous disregard for the Geneva Convention is part of the reason so many American soldiers have endured lasting psycological problems. American soldiers know that abuse is wrong so when returning home, have trouble living with the knowledge that they were a part of it. This book shows how he helped not only detainees, but American soldiers by making a stand against the orders at Abu Ghraib. Hopefully Keller has helped US soldiers that have followed him to Iraq by fighting the system and changing the status quo. This book shows that one person can make a difference.

3 comments about Churchill at War 1940-45.

1. Those who share my high regard for Martin Gilbert's and then Roy Jenkins' comprehensive biographies as well as John Keegan's brief but insightful biography of Winston Churchill (within the "Penguin Lives" series) will gratefully welcome Lord Moran's discussion of Churchill during World War Two. His access was direct and unlimited, serving as Churchill's personal physician until his death on January 24, 1965. According to Lord Moran, shortly after the war ended, G.M. Trevelyan strongly encouraged him to record his thoughts and feelings about Churchill as well as anecdotes which otherwise would have been lost. Thus began a process which continued until 1966, a year after Churchill's death, when Lord Moran published an 850-page memoir. Much of that volume has been reprinted in this new edition.

   Having read and then re-read the three previously cited biographies, I already knew a great deal about Churchill's life and career. Of greatest interest to me in this volume are the anecdotes, dozens and dozens of them, which reveal Churchill the man in ways and to an extent not previously indicated by other authors. Many of these anecdotes suggest that the Churchill was an especially "difficult" patient, one almost totally lacking in patience. Over time, he had several health problems which even his epic will power could not overcome: a number of heart attacks, three pneumonias, two strokes, one abdominal operation, a hernia, deafness, and a virulent skin disease as well as countless minor ailments. Refusing to reduce (much less eliminate) his daily consumption of cigars and alcohol certainly didn't help, nor did the quick cures of quacks whom Churchill insisted on retaining. Because of quite legitimate concerns about Churchill's health, therefore, Lord Moran accompanied him on numerous trips, recording his own opinions of dozens of contemporaries such as Roosevelt, Stalin, Atlee, Eden, and Truman. These comments leave no doubt that Lord Moran was a keen observer and a shrewd judge of other people.

   Alistair Cooke once said of Churchill that he "told a listless nation it was heroic, and it became so." Perhaps you are already familiar with Churchill the public figure. In this lively and informative volume, Lord Moran enables you to take Churchill's measure as (in Cooke's words) a "magnetic, monstrous, oddly lovable man."




2. This book is a reprinted excerpt of Lord Moran's diary who was Churchill's personal physician from May 1940 to his death. As his doctor Moran accompanied him to all major conferences. The diaries provide, therefore, fascinating glimpses into the lives of the people who have shaped the twentieth century. Although only the war years are covered here the interested reader might want to look up the complete diaries in libraries because they are no longer in print.
   Nevertheless, even the book under discussion shows that the Churchill who is so admired today also had his darker side and that by 1943 the Atlantic Alliance was no longer as firm as we are led to believe. At the time of the Teheran and Yalta conferences, which shaped the post-war world, Churchill had lost all influence over Roosevelt, who had gravitated instead to Stalin. Lord Moran also shows clearly that Roosevelt was no longer capable of understanding what he was up against and at Yalta it was apparent that the man was dying. He should never have run for re-election in 1944.
   The insights which Lord Moran brings to our understanding of the tragic twentieth century should be seriously considered because the fate of the world hangs on the physical and mental health of a handful of leading politicans.



3. I don't think anyone with an interest in Winston Churchill can afford to pass this book by. It's a warts-n-all portrait (a very thorough and fair one), and certainly is a breath of fresh, unsentimental air when it comes to trying to pin down the character of Churchill and his conduct as a leader during WWII.
   
   I especially admired the author's almost conversational, easy writing style, which just flows across the pages, and, the way he reveals much about himself, as well as Winston Churchill (but without thrusting himself or his POV on the reader).
   
   I found this book fascinating and am looking for a copy of its sequel, which takes Churchill from 1945 to 1965.

2 comments about The Revolutionary War Memoirs Of General Henry Lee.

1. Lee's work is well written and, in some cases, provides the only description of the legion of battles and skirmishes that characterized the Southern Campaign. The reader needs to keep in mind that Lee wrote in the 18th century tradition of exagerating one's own triumphs and glossing over any shortcomings. Lee likewise writes in a seemingly authoritative manner about events where he wasn't present. For example his condemnation of the NC militia at the battle of Guilford CH has influenced most subsequent accounts although Lee wasn't aware that their orders allowed them to leave the field after delivering up two rounds. In contrast he fails to mention the flight of the Virginia militia in the right wing. Given these faults, Lee's work is still the best of it's kind. Any Rev War library should have a copy.



2. Anyone with a sobriquet of "Lighthorse Harry" sets up some expectations with his memoirs, but this book delivers on them. Not only does the book take you into the thick of battle in the Revolutionary War's "Southern Campaign", it also takes you to deliberations about how the Colonists reacted to British Rule and what kind of government America should have and how it should solve practical issues of the day. Henry Lee was there for all of it as one of the "Lees of Virginia". This book has a zest and pacing that gently draws the reader in for the next installment.

5 comments about BLACK CHINOOK: An Army Ranger's Story.

1. Recommend it to anyone looking for an inspirational story and a first-hand account of the specialized training and schools offered to the Special Ops community, or anyone interested in a in the 75th RGR Regt and Just Cause research.



2. A very honest, exciting glimpse into the world of a US Army Ranger from basic training to real life missions. Brings headlines to life from Panama and Haiti to Germany and Korea. It gives a real appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication of our servicemen.



3. Major (Ret) David Combs has chronicled his military life in an extraordinary book called "Black Chinook: An Army Ranger's Story". He takes the reader through basic, AIT, Jump School, various Ranger Training Classes and OCS in great detail. The hardships both physical and mental become evident to the reader as he shares what it was like going through everything to become not only an Airborne Ranger but also an officer.
   
   The author shares his part in The Panama Invasion, which although was brief, still had much potentially dangerous possibilities. He also tells us about Ranger operations in Haiti and other locations. But there is a moving chapter in the book about going to Normandy and being with the original Rangers who fought on those D-day beaches. The book is full of details about ranger training and the creeds that they follow. It should be required reading for anyone one thinking of this as a military career path or who have an interest in ranger history or who have a family member in the Rangers. This book will give you a better understanding of what they have gone through.
   
   I found myself admiring these men and the sacrifices they make for their country and their fellow ranger team members. Of course, the personal price he pays is a divorce. It is not an easy career path to follow. Combs does not let you learn much about his inner life but shares much about what he has be able to accomplish in the Army. One gets the feeling that there is much emotional energy left undiscovered in this story. So we do not really get to fully know the author accept as a military man doing his job. We do know this much--David Combs is one tough Ranger and a patriot.
   
   I personally recommend this book for your personal military library. It is an informative and entertaining read.



4. This is a well written straight forward account of the different phases of training of an Army Ranger. Mr. Combs tells of his personal experiences while in training throughout all the phases. Without breeching protocol or security he gives detailed descriptions of some of the harrowing missions he was on. From missions in Laos, the Panama Canal and Korea you will get a true picture of what it takes to be an Army Ranger.
   
   Mr. Combs tells of his dream of becoming an Army Ranger since he was in college and saw a training documentary on them. He barely made it in because there are only a certain amount of spots available per year. He had told them at the enlistment office that it "was the Rangers or nothing." He was accepted and went off to the toughest training the Army can provide.
   
   `Black Chinook' is the name that the Rangers give to death whether while in training (which does happen) or in the line of duty. When a Ranger falls they say the Black Chinook came to take him away. This is a possibility that exists every day of their lives from the moment they start their training. There is a special intensity both physically and mentally that each man who becomes a Ranger must have. Throughout Combs story you will see glimpses of this intensity in himself and the others he served with throughout his tour of duty.
   
   I found this an interesting read if not a bit dry. Black Chinook is very matter-of-fact and probably would appeal greatly to others that have been in the service or those curious about what it's like to be in the special forces. I think it would be a must read for any considering going into the Army Ranger's so that they would know exactly what it was like.



5. Mr. David Combs shares his experience from visiting the recruiter, training at camps, earning Ranger, preparing and executing missions, and training others to do the same. All the episodes give an honest account without military jargon or exagerations. After reading this book I have gained a fuller understanding of the Army Rangers and respect their way of life. This is a great book for fellow veterans or anyone curious about the Rangers. David Combs continues to "lead the way" with this book.

No comments about F.M.: The Life of Frederick Matthias Alexander: Founder of the Alexander Technique.

5 comments about The Young Ones: American Airmen of WW II.

1. The Young Ones is not really a book. As you start to read the stories you feel almost immediately that you are having a conversation with the individuals while learning about their experiences and quickly seeing that the price of freedom comes high. This book crosses generation lines and offers inspriation to the young and old alike.

   The spoken language has been put on the pages and makes reading fun, interesting and relaxing. You do not want to put the book down. The size and scope of the book really is the story of WW11 Avaition.

   This book belongs in schools and libraries. Teenagers, especially should be exposed to the book and learn the lessons passed on by many brave young fliers.




2. The Young Ones is a very interesting but a sobering read. These individual experiences truly make you realize the sacrifices our airmen made during WWII. Surely, in most cases, to remember and relay those harrowing days was difficult for the veteran. I feel much gratitude toward these men for their service to our country and also for having their stories recorded for history.

   The impact the years in the service had on these men is evident by the details they were able to recall and describe. The recording of these experiences was made many years after WWII.

   This truly is a classic collection of some very brave and courageous young Americans.




3. Erik, the author, presented an opportunity to those who survived the ravages of war with a way to be a part of his compendium of experiences of the Air War of WWII. I feel that by drawing on these individual segments of history that for the most part, were not widely disseminated or documented, he has provided the public a glimpse of what is a patch quilt of the happenings of that era. Those contributing their experiences dug deep in their memories of events that most had been stifling for years to avoid reliving the pain they and their fellow crew members experienced in combat. This book reflects only the stories of the few who wished to honor comrades who couldn't or wouldn't share their role in the fatal game called war. Many have died or will soon die without describing what they found out in their first hand experiences during a terrible time in history when millions of people died, some good, some bad, in the name of patriotism or loyalty to their country's cause. A common thread throughout this book is seen in what some call Luck, and how seconds separated the losers and survivors in the Air War. I believe the primary goal of the author is to show the need for an alternative to war as a means of solving the world's problems. Another important goal is to stimulate those readers who have important contributions yet to be documented, to understand that unless they share their experiences, thery will be lost forever at their death. (See page 319 for my story).
   Frank J Finklang, Lt.Col., USAF Retired



4. "The Young Ones"by Erik Dyreborg

   The Young Ones is filled with some of the most exciting and memorable notes of escapes during WW II. The stamina and courage of these young men is almost unbelieveable. The exploitskeep you virtually on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read.

   I makes you proud to know that this caliber of young men represented our nation ... So very young and heroic.

   It is a well coordinated documentation of the exploits of young AMericans who risked so much and have been unable to share their experiences to any great extent.

   Thanks to Erik Dyreborg for keeping their experiences alive and thus enabling others to share in an relatively unexplored area of WW II.

   Sincerely,

   Lois Eveland




5. You really get a sense of what our pilots and crews went through during WWII. I really appreciate the sacrifices they made. The 3 star rating is due to my feeling that the editing could have been better. Perhaps it wasn't because Erik is Danish.

3 comments about Once a Legend: Red Mike Edson of the Marine Raiders.

1. "Red Mike" Edson was one fearless warrior. His frontline exploits on Tarawa, Saipan, and Guadalcanal (where he won the Medal of Honor and probably saved the campaign) are the stuff of legends, but he was also, improbably, a first-class staff officer.
   This unusual talent for organization brought him two stars and a role in the highest echelons of the Corps, but it also took him into the fierce politics of the Pentagon and may have indirectly caused his death.
   The history of this fine Marine is well told in this outstanding biography; with photos, bibliography, and index. Highly readable; essential for Marine Corps readers and of great interest to general military history readers and WWII buffs.

   (The numerical rating above is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)




2. If you are really interested in the Marine Corps or WW2 History, this is something worth buying. Instead of just making 'Red Mike' Edson a saintly hero of great virtue and courage, the author describes Edson the man with warts and all.

   My only complaint about the book (it wasn't that big because the rest of the book is excellent) was that book didn't go into as much detail about Bloody Ridge (the pinnacle of Edson's combat leadership and which won him the CMH) which is surprising considering how much detail was spent describing the fight against the Sandinistas between WW1 and WW2.




3. As a Marine Corps veteran, it surprises me how unfamiliar many contemporary Marines are with the extremely noteworthy and noble Mr. Edson. The author, Mr.Hoffman, also a Marine veteran, tells us the story of Mr. Edson's truly eventful life.
   
   To think that in his early career, in the last days of World War I, Red Mike was seriously considering resigning! Yet, despite long periods of stagnation and limited opportunities for advancement, he stayed the course. During his life, Edson, a very humble and kindly man, never realized what a profoundly positive effect his contribution to the Marine Corps would have. This champion of the Marines was highly influential in planting the seeds of many of the U.S.M.C.s major institutions in the modern age. In fact, the thoroughly established status as a separate branch is significantly due to Red Mike's efforts.
   
   -He contributed to the establishment of M.C.I., the Marine Corps Institute. This was his first major post WWI assignment.
   -Being a highly proficient rifleman, he was a frequent member of the Marine Corps' competitive shooting teams. Although advanced marksmanship has always been a Marine Corps characteristic, Edson's influence in that field made it the institution it is today.
   -He served as Vice-President of the National Rifle Association (an organization EVERY Marine should be a member of!).
   -He was an aviator in the inter-war years, a rare qualification amongst his peers.
   -His experience hunting Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua during the "Banana wars" era of the 1920s and 1930s gave him the knowledge to thoroughly revise the U.S.M.C. Small Wars manual. This is a guide to guerilla war and counter-insurgency still highly valid today.
   -He was a founder of the Raiders during World War II. In fact, he was its greatest war-leader.
   -He recieved the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valorous defense of the allied airfield on Guadalcanal, an action that very likely saved the entire allied effort in its most direly critical moment.
   -He bravely and righteously stood up for the U.S.M.C., in the face of an aggressive and malicious campaign by Harry Truman and various army generals ...to disband, and abolish the Marines, ...or assimilate it into the army. Thankfully, common sense prevailed, and the Marines march on!