5 comments about Oblivion: The Mystery of West Point Cadet Richard Cox.

1. As a graduate of West Point I had never heard of this case, of course the Academy covering things up is not unheard of. I also recommend another novel about West Point titled THE LINE by another graduate.



2. I enjoyed the story; it is a very interesting subject. But too many leads and dead ends are thrown in, and the book becomes confusing and disjointed. Also, it ends with Robinson's story being accepted as the final word as to what "really" happened. How do we know we can take this man's word as gospel, any more than what anyone else said? How do we know it's not just another hoax or more speculation? Or, as the book suggests, was it merely an effort to get Jacobs off the case, for whatever the reason may be? I applaud Jacobs and his excellent, painstaking research. But I still don't think we have a definitive, reliable answer to this mystery. To be sure, the offered conclusion is plausible, but there remain too many questions left unanswered. A good yarn, but I remain unconvinced.



3. ...and I wanted it to be good so badly! But, it just was not to be. This is a book about someone who did a lot of research and decided to publish every word of it, rather than just the pertinent information. It becomes irritating to continue to learn information about the subject, only to be told that it is all totally worthless. And, the end is anti-climactic. In the end, a diligent researcher accepts the word of a single source as fact. Doesn't seem like the same man. Perhaps he was just ready to retire. I suggest this would make a pretty good movie, but not a book.



4. This book held my attention as I read it practically cover to cover. It is very interesting, albeit annoying at times as the author goes in great detail about numerous leads, only to have them ruled out a few pages later. I can see why the author did that -- to show the exhaustive work done by CID and FBI investigators, and also to give the reader a small, small taste of the incredible frustration these investigators must have felt at the time. The problem with the book is that it is highly anti-climatic. The researcher, Jacobs, did not "give up" (as some have implied), he basically solved the mystery it's farthest moral extent. I do recommend reading this book, as it shall hold your attention through and through, but be prepared to be disappointed with the anti-climatic end.



5. I've been interested in the Richard Cox mystery since I was very little and read about it in LIFE magazine in 1950 and then a few years later in CORONET. From time to time over the years I would research the topic hoping for new information. I'd almost given up until I came across this book , containing lots of details never before disclosed. Unfortunately, as mentioned in some of the above reviews, the proposed "solution" at the end is thoroughly unconvincing.

5 comments about The Victors: Eisenhower and His Boys The Men of World War II.

1. I have read most of the books by Ambrose and the material in The Victors is covered better in his other works. It isn;t bad, but the only reader who might find it interesting is someone who was looking to get into Ambrose's WWII works. Anyone else but the completists will probably not enjoy this book.



2. This covers the European theater from D day to the end.
   The futile battles of the Hurtgen forest are documented. A waste of men for nothing. We gave up our advantages of air power and tanks to fight in an impenatrable forest.
   What struck me over and over, was what the men fighting endured.
   The supply situation was what is was always in the military. Those in the rear get the gear. Those doing the fighting get the remains.
   In the battle of the Hurtgen forest, during a visit by Ike, a company of Rangers complained to Ike about the lack of cold weather gear. He got the Rangers cold weather gear, but not the other thousands of men doing the fighting.
   The same applied in the battle of the Bulge. The people in the rear out of the line of fire had waterproof, warm boots, and huge overcoats to keep warm. Those doing the fighting had summer uniforms, leather boots, and had to fight without benefit of fire to keep them warm, or get their food warm. The result was thousands of men with trench foot. The men went hungry a lot of the time due to impassible roads, so food supplies could not be brought up.
   The men who endured this were heros.
   Ike was the first to realize what Hitler was up to when the Battle of the Bulge started, and got Patton moving on a counterattack plan immediately, which succeeded.
   Thanks to Steve Ambrose, the suffering of the men who did the fighting is documented.



3. From the very beginning of the book I was enticed. I thought it was very well written and an enjoyable read. It includes stories and things I would have never expected. I thought the relationship between Marshall and Eisenhower was most interesting. I had not learned much about Marshall and Eisenhower's personalities. They were opposites yet worked very well together. Their relationship was based on trust. It is inspirational to hear of all that our soldiers went through during World War II. As someone looking back it helped me to better understand what went on and what the soldiers experienced first hand. I thought "The Victors" was a wonderful book and spanned over a good period of time. I would highly recommend it to others as a World War II informative book.



4. Unlike his other works, DDay, Band of Brothers and Citizen Soldiers, which cover specific elements of the European theater, The Victors tries to cover the period from DDay through the fall of Germany. As always, Ambrose demonstrated why he was one of the best story tellers. Unfortunately, as his preface pointed out, this was put together from the research he had done on his other books.
   
   If you are familiar with the three books mentioned in above, you will find a lot of overlap. I am sure he did some more original research for this, but the overall premise is very similar.
   
   The over-arching theme of the Victors is that the allied success was due to the flexibility of the US troops, in particular the LTs and other NCO's, and the regular soldiers. Their determination and ability to adapt to the changing situations on the ground, the antithesis of the Germans, was what helped carry the war in the favor of the allies. He also spends the beginning of the book on Eisenhower. Ike is the other piece of the puzzle that, despite some mistakes and flaws, he credits with putting together the largest military campaign in history - Operation Overlord.
   
   The only real criticism I would have is that the story line was somewhat disjointed. Stories are told seemingly for the sake of telling them, rather than having a real purpose. But I can overlook that since there is a lot of first person accounts that give the war a very human touch. And the stories you read about, make it very worthwhile.
   
   Aside from that, it was an entertaining read, just like all of his other books. His admiration for the courage of that generation is clear. And his talent for telling a story certainly shines through. If you are interested in more detail, I would recommend reading DDay, Citizen Soldiers and Band of Brothers first. If you are simply looking to pass the time on the train, as I was, you will find the time passing along much more quickly.
   
   I purchased the book at the Newark Penn Station Bookstore. I recommend the bookstore and the book.



5. A point of view seldom seen: the kids in the field who had to grow up very quickly. With a strong sense of duty and honor they lived up to their moniker, The Greatest Generation.

1 comments about Through the Burning Steppe: A Memoir of Wartime Russia, 1942-1943.

1. Elena Kozhina's Through the Burning Steppe: A Wartime Memoir is so much more than a highly compelling narrative of the horrors and heroism experienced by a young Russian girl and her mother during World War II. It is also a revealing glimpse into the realities of life in the Soviet Union, not just during the war, but from its earliest years to its final decade. It is a chronicle of a young person's growing literary, artistic and cultural awareness. And it is, ultimately, a timeless story - not simply of good and evil, or of simple joys amid enormous tragedy, but also of human frailties and strengths, of ruthlessness and compassion, of islands of clarity in a sea of complexity. This gem of a book packs volumes of interest - and of insight - into its fewer than 200 beautifully written pages. I recommend it highly.

3 comments about Tales of an American Soldier: From KP to seeing his former Nazi leaders in the dock at Nuremberg.

1. Werner Von Rosenstiel's life started in Germany in 1911. He grew up and became a lawyer and started work in Hitler's judicial system and quickly realized that he was not able to support Hitler's legal policies. He came to America, where he was tried unsuccessfully as an undesirable alien and was able to join the Army. Still suspected of being a spy, he was given the lowest of jobs, until authorites realized that his knowledge of German and German law was an asset to the American forces. Sent back to Germany to fight on the opposite side from his family, he rescued his sister from the Russians, and is later assigned to organize the German evidence used in the Nueurenberg Trials. This stand alone volume describes the war years and the Trials from a different perspective. Mr Von Rosenstiel tells his extraordianary story in an entertaining and perceptive manner. He makes you feel as though you are right there with him, and he is a delightful companion.



2. Dr. Von Rosenstiel's story may seem unbelievable at first blush, but it is indeed one of the most fascinating stories I've heard from the WWII era. In fact, Von Rosenstiel's captivating story begins well before the outbreak of world war, and even before Hitler's rise to power in 1933. I have had the honor of hearing Dr. Von Rosenstiel speak of his life story on several occasions and can say that the book is just as authentic as the man.



3. It seems that the author was extremely successful during Hitler's reign. Only active members of the party or enthusiastic "fellow travelers," as they were called after WW.II. would have been sent abroad and given the advantages related in the book. Does the author or any of his readers realize how much harm was done to Germany and all of the world, one may say , by the opportunistic support given to Hitler by German intellectuals? The author was one of them. He certainly was not a member of any resistance group(die weisse Rose, Kreisauer Kreis, die bekennende Kirche). After the USA had defeated Germany, it was easy to see to it that prominent Nazis and their generals would be hanged.

2 comments about Winfield Scott and the Profession of Arms.

1. Winfield Scott And The Profession Of Arms is the true story of Winfield Scott (1786-1866), who is perhaps best known for his role in bringing professionalism to the U.S. Army during his long military career (1807-61). He served his duty as general in the War of 1812, commanded U.S. forces in the final campaign of their war with Mexico, and was the general in chief at the beginning of the Civil War. History professor emeritus Allan Peskin draws upon research in the National Archives to unearth a comprehensive portrait of General Scott as a visionary managerial officer, who anticipated drastic changes in technology and business principles for the military and adapted in response. An in-depth, balanced biography of a remarkable figure and his lasting legacy.



2. Who cares about Winfield Scott? After reading this excellent biography, you will.
   
   If you have read anything about American history from the War of 1812 to the Civil War, you have undoubtedly read of Winfield Scott. He was a major supporting character in the Indian Wars, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Trail of Tears, and in the early days of the Civil War. Additionally, he was a presidential candidate and foe or friend to every president from Madison to Lincoln. While his most important contribution to the United States was creating the Professional Military, his influence goes much deeper.
   
   I began reading this book not really caring about Winfield Scott. I added it to my reading list because I unexpectedly enjoyed Peskin's book on Garfield so much. In telling the story of Winfield Scott, he not only tells what Scott did and why they were important, he also tells the story of the "average Joe" and what he thought of what Scott was doing. The life of Scott is an up and down journey that in itself is interesting. The story is all the more enjoyable because Peskin's writing style is so enjoyable to read and he seems to have an uncanny ability to hit just the right level of details - I did feel that important information was being left out nor was I bored by details.
   
   This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to anyone interested in American History. It is a captivating story and a quick read. Regardless of your interest in Winfield Scott, I am certain you will enjoy this book - I certainly did.

1 comments about Billy Mitchell: The Life, Times and Battles of America's Prophet of Air Power.

1. Billy Mitchell was a real war hero who did more for America than most people realize; and for those historians who are, in fact, aware of his pioneering achievements, they rarely pay him the full amount of credit he earned during his lifetime. After reading this book, one is awestruck by General Mitchell's ability to predict the future, and cannot but wonder why few took him seriously. Had the political leaders done so prior to WWII, thousands of lives subsequently lost in the Pacific would have been spared on both sides.

5 comments about Medal of Honor: A Vietnam Warrior's Story.

1. I truly enjoyed the book! I met MSG Roy P. Benavidez in 1990 while stationed in the Air Force at Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas. The book is a must to read. It's an inspiration to all mankind. Unfortunately, on 11-30-98, he passed away. I attended his funeral services along with hundreds to pay our respects to a man whom I met in my lifetime and will never forget. The book has been written. Now, the movie must be made...



2. My USA retired husband saw Roy Benavidez 3 days before he passed in Nov '98. Visitors were restricted but Roy beckoned for him to come into his hospital room (he always made time for everyone). He was in great pain and had his shirt off. His scars showed. A few words were spoken between 2 battlefield brothers. It must have been a comfort to the family to see the hundreds who went to the funeral. Mrs. Benevidez resides in El Campo TX, drop her a line to tell her you still remember Roy. Maybe one day a movie will be made about THIS FINE CHRISTIAN MAN.



3. My father told Roy's heroism as a bedtime story when I was a very young - before Roy even receive the Medal of Honor from President Reagan and before this book was written. You see, my family is the 1st generation from Vietnam. While he was in the army, my father had the honor and privilege meeting Roy. Needless to say, my father revive Roy's story numerous times to me. I never imagine it was all real...I am so overwhelm while reading this book that it is all true. A definitely must read.



4. I first read this book in the span of two days in 1998; it was amazing. While the writing wasn't necessarily anything impressive, the story was inspiring. At times throughout Roy's life, I laughed, cringed, and smiled.
   
   It was when he joined the Army, however, that the book took my breath away. The pace of the book during his military career absolutely flies by, chapters are gone in an instant. When the actual battle timeline and facts start rolling in, well, all I can say is: goosebumps and a dropped jaw. Amazing.
   
   To think that a man can define the word hero as perfectly as Roy did and NOT be a household name speaks poorly of how much our country knows about the men and women in the military.
   
   As a former soldier, I immediately put Tango Mike Mike near the top of my "personal heroes" list.
   
   If you pick this book up, you will not be disappointed.



5. Definitely an amazing story. A man told he will never walk again, not only does he walk, but goes on to become a Green Beret afterwards. The story is amazing for what he overcame in life, don't expect a tell all combat memoir though, it's more about his life.

No comments about Robert E. Lee's Lighter Side: The Marble Man's Sense of Humor.

2 comments about Fighting for the Soviet Motherland: Recollections from the Eastern Front.

1. Col. Loza is a Hero of the Soviet Union. He commanded Lend Lease Matildas and Shermans during the Great Patriotic War. James Gebhardt is a US veteran whose military background and command of the Russian language has enabled him to produce the most accessible book on the Eastern Front I have read. The clear explanations of Russian military terms and slang are worth the price of the book by themselves. Col. Loza explains his experience in all aspects and in depth. If you have questions about food, Lend Lease,tactical orginization, Soviet medal laws, or tank useage, this is the place to start.



2. This book is written from a very interesting perspective--by a Soviet officer commanding British Matildas and US Shermans in the Red Army. Loza covers many very interesting facets of the fighting on the Russian front from a Russian perspective:
   --what the Russian tankers liked & disliked about their British and US tanks;
   --being ordered to fire on Russian infantry that was pulling back without orders;
   --female Russian anti-tank gunners;
   --armored advance through Mongolia in Summer 1945; etc.
   
   Although this book has alot of fresh, interesting information, I only gave it four stars because:
   --generally I don't think that the book is very well written;
   --I didn't like the organization very much--the book is essentially a collection of stand-alone chapters on discrete topics or engagements; there is no narrative flow and the book is not intended as a coherent chronological account of the author's experiences in the war. Indeed, many of the accounts are jumbled chronologically for some reason. Finally, while many of the included accounts were quite interesting, as described above, some of the others, such as "Graves Registration" and "Home Leave" polices were less so (at least to me); and
   --perhaps understandably as a participant of the war, the author does not come across as an objective commenator on the Red Army.

4 comments about Soldier of Tennessee: General Alexander P. Stewart and the Civil War in the West.

1. Sam Elliott has brought to life an overlooked general from the Confederacy. As the highest ranking officer to serve the South from Tennessee, General Alexander P. Stewart was one of the few and lucky individuals to survive the entire western campaign. Soldier of Tennessee gives the reader a wonderful cronological look at the war in Tennessee and intoduces us to one of the most respected men in the Southern army. Not only does Elliott present a thorough description of most of the western campaigns, but he is also able to capture the human struggle of a battered Confederate army. This is a must for any Civil War enthusiast.



2. It IS about time General Stewart gets some press. As stated in this wonderful book there are Colonels in Lee's army that are better known than this man who was one of the ranking generals in the Confederate army. At Franklin Stewart helped lead a far larger and more deadly charge than the famous July 4th, 1863 charge at Gettysburg, yet very few people know of him. As the campaigns of the Army of Tennessee begin to gain further study maybe this will change. This book should help a great deal.

   From his birth in Rogersville, Tennessee until his death in St. Louis Stewart always remained at heart a Tennessean and his dedication to his state led him into all of the major battles of the Army of Tennessee. Nobody who studies that army can do so without a study of "Old Straight". This book does a wonderful job of exploring the life, war experences,and post-war work of this deeply religious man.

   There are only two small problems with this work. First, Mr. Elliott sometimes goes a little far in defending Stewart. The picture he paints of the political strife in the Army of Tennessee is very clear but on occasion he goes a little out of his way to point out how little Stewart was involved in these political battles. It might be more to Stewart's credit if he had been a little more involved in trying to remove General Bragg before more damage could be done. The other problem is one faced by many writers dealing with war. Most readers get quickly lost as a writer begins to relate how this regiment was placed here and that regiment was placed there. Worse yet is the practice of describing an action in detail with terms like "Jones attacked on Smith's left which was countered by moving Brown......". Soon the reader who often has never heard of these regimental or division commanders becomes confused and is not sure who is fighting who or which side anybody is on. Can it be avoided? I don't know but it does weaken this fine work somewhat.

   Still, anyone who hopes to understand the "other" major Confederate army must read this book. Mr. Elliott has made a major contribution to the study of the Army of Tennessee and I thank him.




3. Confederate General Alexander P. Stewart is revered by today's WATCHTOWER SOCIETY and its JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES members as the only U.S. Civil War General to convert to their belief system. Stewart joins President Dwight Eisenhower and U.S. Army General William P. Hall as the only three West Point educated American Generals who were either reared (Eisenhower) as JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES or converted later in life (Stewart and Hall).As documented in pages 297-9 of this book, the JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES Founder Charles Taze Russell absented himself for two days from the middle of the annual WatchTower Convention in 1908 so he could travel to St. Louis and preside over Stewart's Funeral, which was conducted with full Confederate honors and regalia by the Confederate Veterans. General Alexander P. Stewart's baptism into the JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES religion was reported in the October 1, 1905 issue of the WATCHTOWER magazine: "We had a warm welcome at St. Louis, too, and the attendance was excellent, notwithstanding the fact that we did not get the announcement into the WATCH TOWER, and hence but few came from nearby towns. The morning session was in the "Christian Church" edifice. The topic was "Consecration," and following it nine symbolized full consecration by water baptism. Among the number was Brother Alexander Stewart, well known throughout the South for the active and prominent part he took in the war of the Rebellion, as the leader of "Stewart's Cavalry." General Stewart is of advanced years, but clear of intellect. He has been a "soldier of the Cross" for some time, and deeply interested in "Present Truth" for several years. He expected to be symbolically baptized at the time of the Chattanooga Convention, but was prevented by ill health. After leaving the water Brother Stewart was heard to express great satisfaction at having thus outwardly confessed his blessed Lord and his full devotion to Him and His cause. Brother Stewart already had joined the army of the Lord, but by this act of public confession he, so to speak, donned his regimentals and joined the forces "on the firing line." May he loyal prove and true to the end of the way, and with all the faithful receive the crown of life which fadeth not away. How sectional lines, race and party prejudices and all the distinctions of wealth and fame gradually fade from the minds of those who become by God's grace and truth members prospective of the royal priesthood, the holy nation, the peculiar people, called for a purpose, even to show forth the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his marvellous light! With this erstwhile warrior, but more recently college president and later U.S. Commissioner, none others of the nine were of the same rank or education, yet they all were on the same level of divine mercy through Christ -- justified and sanctified through the grace of our Lord. The assorted company well illustrated the Apostle's words, "Not many great, not many wise, not many learned, hath God chosen." One of these nine was a child of twelve years, a very unusual sight with us. Child though she was she gave good evidence of a clear appreciation of what she did, so that we could not question her acceptability with the Lord. We could not help a mental reflection on how extremes meet in the family of God -- in the body of Christ. The tall man, full of years and ripe in the learning of this world, and the little girl, on the threshold of life every way, had both heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto me and have your sins forgiven, and find rest for your souls and find eternal life. "All of the Lord's followers meet on this common level. "All ye are brethren," "One is your Master, even Christ." Some may have almost envied the great man, but we doubt not he almost envied the little child, who, starting thus early to follow the footsteps of Jesus, had apparently reached nearly the same point at the same time by the shorter journey. "They that seek me early shall find me" -- the more easily. Nevertheless, the General's learning and influence may be turned to the greater advantage if wisely used in the service of our King. May he, may we all, prove faithful to the cause of him who loved us and bought us with his precious blood."



4. Lieutenant General Alexander P. Stewart may well be the least known high ranking officer of the Civil War. {? Sam Cooper ?} A native of Tennessee who graduated from West Point, he left the Army to become a college professor in order to provide more income , and stability, for his family. When war came, there was no hesitation; Stewart followed the South, soon earned General's stars, and served with distinction from the early days to Joe Johnston's final surrender in North Carolina.
   
   Sam Elliott has given us a wonderful account of the campaigns of the Army of Tennessee, and General Stewart's part in them. Stewart remains unknown because he was a quiet man who did his job, and left the political infighting to others. During the Bragg debacle, he got along with both sides. Today, the E-Ring at the Pentagon is populated with men like Stewart, equally unknown, but indispensable. The Tennessee Campaign of fall, 1864, gets good coverage, including Stewart's participation at Spring Hill and Franklin.
   
   When the war ended, General Stewart rejoined the Union, and encouraged his men to do the same. Returning to Education, he had a distinguished tenure as Chancellor at Ole Miss. Many today are unaware of the debt we owe to Stewart, and some other leaders from both sides [prominantly General Rosecrans].....the wonderful system of National Battlefield Parks was the result of their hard work. Begining with Chickmauga, the system has spread and become a priceless treasure.
   
   This fine book closes with what is, for me, the most disturbing fate to befall any of the Confederacy's officers. I can not explain how a committed Christian, and a well grounded Calvinist, could do what he did. I have discussed this with the author, and he has no explanation, either. My own theory is that Stewart [a] wasn't really well grounded-I dismiss that, or, [b] became unhinged from his wife's death and/or the effects of old age. In any event, the close marrs an otherwise great book. That, however, is General Stewart's fault, not Sam Elliott's. Great book about a subject who, despite his tragic late life decision, deserves to be much better known.