1 comments about The Great Chief Justice: John Marshall and the Rule of Law (Modern War Studies).

1. John Marshall [1755-1835] was Chief Justice of the United States for the last 34 years of his life. During his long tenure, he turned the Supreme Court from an afterthought into a primary tool for the centralization of federal power; he defined America, though we can still debate whether he got the definition right. This book details how Marshall went about his task.....
   
   This is NOT a biography of John Marshall [see my other reviews]; it is a series of case studies which trace the expanding power of the Federal Judiciary...Marbury v. Madison established the principle of Judicial review of legislative decisions...Virginia v. Cohens asserted federal authority in state affairs...the National Bank...land titles...Indian treaties......there is still disagreement over some of Marshall's decisions, and there was hell to pay over some of them at the time. "John Marshall has made his decision; now let's see him enforce it"...the various ramifications of that statement {which Andrew Jackson MAY not have ever made} are mind boggling....
   
   Charles Hobson is editor of The John Marshall Papers, one of the 2 or 3 greatest living Marshall scholars, and a nice guy [as was Marshall]; he has written a five star book. Do I actually recommend it? Maybe. If you are an attorney or historian with an interest in the topic, it is an absolutely essential volume. Well written, well organized; for me, it was a page turner. For the casual reader, don't waste your money, or insult Mr. Hobson. You will need a good background in either Law [not me], or history [me] to understand it.

5 comments about Bloody Roads South: The Wilderness to Cold Harbor, May-June 1864 (Bloody Roads South).

1. This first book of Noah Andre Trudeau's trilogy covering the final stages of the Civil War offers an excellent account of the fighting in the Wilderness and at Cold Harbor between May - June 1864. The personal accounts of the soldiers experiences during the fighting are well presented. The action scenes are well written and the book flows along quite well. An enjoyable book to read for anyone interested in this period of time.



2. An entertaining read to be sure, but also a cut-and-paste account that offers no real analysis and relies too much on post-war sources.



3. This is a 330 page account of the entire Overland campaign that reads much like a diary from April to mid June as the Army of the Potomoc goes from north of the Rapidan to Petersburg. The account shifts back and forth from the workings of the two armies to Richmond/Washington and elsewhere.

   Most of the book focuses on primary sources to tell the story, with nice anecdotes on just about every page. However, without the use of footnotes and with only 4 maps total (which are incredibly hard to comprehend), the flow of battle is exceedingly hard to follow.

   This book certainly doesn't compare to the Rhea trilogy that covers the same campaign in any way whatsoever. This is more of a primer for the beginner before reading Rhea's books.




4. One of the biggest difficulties authors of war-history are confronted with is keeping the imparitality. Even if you read books about the Roman wars you can read between the lines the admiration for the technical perfection of the invaders or the sympathy for the brave Gauls fighting against all odds. As a rule Civil War historians succumb to the same problem.
   This book is a wonderful exception. That may be because of the structure of the presentation: It is a day-by-day-account, the standpoint, the decisions and the events of either side separated in own phrases. If you are interrested only in the Confederate point of view, you can read the respective phrases and then you only know, what they saw, thought and did. Even between the lines there are no polemics. And the told stories are not only the generals' view but also testimonies of officers, non-commissioned officers and common soldiers.
   The only thing I missed badly were appropriate maps. With the included ones you will get a rough overview, but a lot of the mentioned places you won't find in that book. That's a pity, because otherwise it would have been a perfect one.



5. Good, concise overview of the very bloody (84,000 casualties in approximately 40 days of continuous battle)Virginia Overland Campaign between Robert E. Lee and U. S. Grant in May and June of 1864. Actual battle narrative is relatively brief and to the point. The strength of Mr Trudeau's book comes through his excellent use of personal anecdotes and observations. To hear the actual participants describe the scenes, smells, sounds, and pathos of the battles gives one a better understanding of the horrors of those grisly conflicts. The time of chivalry was over; TOTAL WAR was afoot. As Mr. Trudeau points out, Grant knew how to win, but could his men withstand the gruesome sacrifice during almost 40 days of constant battle? Lee also knew that this was the ultimate crucible and he must use every trick he could to defeat this foe. But, in the end after Cold Harbor and a combined 84,000 casualties, of which only 30,000 were Confederate, who was the victor? Lee knew that he could never replace his valiant fighters, but, Grant knew that he had an almost inexhaustible supply of soldiers and with each battle they were getting better and better. So in the end Grant, "The Butcher" as he was called behind his back, literally ground Lee and his army to dust.
   One inexcusable flaw in this otherwise good Civil War history was the lack of battle maps. To discuss a battle without a good map makes if very difficult to follow the action even for a good civil war buff. I have no clue as to why Mr. Trudeau did not include any good maps in his book. Therefore, I highly recommend that you get several good maps to follow along with his otherwise excellent description of the battles.

5 comments about No Immediate Threat: The story of an American Veteran.

1. I couldn't put the book down. Even though the reader knows the author's brother's fate, I wanted to watch the process unfold. The stories Fivecoat-Campbell tells about her family life are poignant. There were times when I laughed and other times I felt choked up. The author gives details that make us wonder about the military, the V. A. system and other veteran/military related institutions. It's not just a book about Vietnam. The information she divulges can be related to the Iraqi war today. I highly recommend this book.



2. Not every Vietnam veteran had a sister who perservered in telling his story, so in many ways Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell's book speaks for every veteran. All who survived brought home their memories, and all have struggled, in their own way, in reconciling what they experienced at war with what they experienced when they returned home. Veterans may find that this book gives a voice to thoughts they have not been able to express themselves. Non-veterans will gain a closer view of how to bring as many as possible "all the way home again."



3. Having finished "No Immediate Threat", I find myself contemplating on what I did not know prior reading it. This book does a number of things for its readers. It tells the story of a Vietnam veteran and his family, all that they went through and how they felt at each turn. It shows the human side of a war that has been ignored for far too long. It gives us a glimpse of the trauma that Vietnam veterans experienced and carried with them throughout their lives. Many of these vets are still alive today, trying to cope, trying to understand a war that made no sense. This book opens eyes and touches hearts. It pulls one out of their comfort zone and shows what such a trauma can cause in the mind and soul of a veteran who survived the war but not the after shock.



4. This book is a good read. Viet Nam left us with so many with abuse problems or PTSD and the same is happending now in Iraq. The pain and trauma each one goes thru and the effects on their families is astounding. We must do more to combat this situation. Steve's story is very well told and thru Kerri he will live on and not be a forgotten veteran who lost his way.



5. When I think about the Vietnam War, I picture the combat scenes from the various Vietnam War movies. This book offers a glimpse into the post-war era. It shows the continuing battles fought by these soldiers back home with others and with themselves. The book is a real eye-opener and will make you see our veterans in a different light.

No comments about ECHOES OF A DISTANT CLARION: Recollections of a Diplomat and Soldier.

5 comments about General George Washington: A Military Life.

1. This book didn't capture and articulate the struggle of the Continentals in the manner in which "1776" by David McCullough did. It merely laid out facts in a straightforward manner which wasn't that inspiring and quite aseptic. I usually judge the greatness of a book by how often I highlight passages by the author. The cap stayed on my highlighter for most of the book. For students of the era it's a book worth reading, I simply wouldn't put it at the top of my must-read list.



2. Bravo Dr. Edward Lenge! This book is a fascinating account of the military career of the Father of our Country! George Washington (1732-1799) was the first US President; a planter at
   Mt. Vernon and is solidly planted as the indispensable man during the American Revolution. Without Washington's grit and
   daring, perseverance and leadership there is a real possibility that the American experiment would have died an early death.
   Washington with a band of rag-tag, often hungry and ill-trained troops defeated the greatest military machine in the eighteeth century in the shape of the British regulars led by General
   William Howe.
   1776 saw Washington victorious in Boston recapturing the city for the patriot cause. 1777 was a bitter year which began brightly with victories at Trenton and Princeton only to founder in the defeats suffered at Brandywine Creek and Germantown.
   The harsh winter of Valley Forge in late 1777-1778 led to a reformulation of the army which pressed ahead to victory over
   Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.
   All of the major battles led by Washington are chronicled in
   depth from Boston to Monmouth to final victory. Washington had
   great flaws as a military man; he was sometimes indecisive; overly bold; poor in topographical placing of troops and could
   be harsh. Nevertheless, it was because of his inimitable courage
   and grit which led the army to victory over loyalists, a hard to
   work with Congress and the mighty British army .
   The American Revolution was hardfought, bloody and our freedom was bathed in the blood of brave men and women. This story needs to be told.
   Lengel's book begins with Washington's career in the French and Indian War which culminated in Braddock's defeat; covers the years from 1759-1776 when his acquisition of land, slaves and
   the formation of the Virginia Regiment won him colonial fame to
   the culminating crown of his career; victory in the War of Independence. Washington was a great man who accomplished much with what he had to work with in men, materials and his strong
   willpower never allowing him to quit in tough situations.
   Lengel's book is well illustrated with helpful maps and an impressive bibliography of first person accounts and letters and correspondence from Washington's fertile pen. This is one of the
   best books I have ever read on Washington's military career.
   Well done!



3. Well written and researched, the writing style a little difficult at times. I felt the author was over critical of Washington, especially since he spends 99% of the narrative criticizing him and, in the last chapter, alots only a few pages to defending him. Overall a good read, but I would pickup His Excellency by J. Ellis, 1776 by Mccollough, or Washington's Crossing by Fischer first.



4. General George Washington: A Military Life by Edward G. Lengel. 2005. 450 pages.
   
   This book covers the military career of George Washington from his days as a youth watching the adventures of his brother through the Seven Years War/French and Indian War, the Revolution, The whisky Rebellion and ends with the former President of the United States (POTUS) Washington still on duty at the end of his life.
   
   This book is primarily concerned with Washington the military man. It provides a good history of his military career and some historical evaluation. The author is not a military man or military scholar; rather he is involved with the George Washington Papers Project. The author's lack of military experience however does not impact his selection of material or his evaluation of Washington the soldier.
   
   While Washington's exploits during the Seven Years War and the Revolution are fairly well known some of the details and the scope of these exploits are often not understood. This lack of understanding is partly the result of our distance from the way things were in the 18th century and partly because Washington was a unique and extraordinary leader and man. In many ways he was much more akin to our modern sensibilities than he was to those of the military establishments of his time. Though he himself operated firmly in an 18th century frame of reference.
   
   Washington was a one man staff system who directed his logistics both on the practical side and on the political side, always wary to avoid burdening the populace and maintaining civilian control and a sense of proper order in the army. Washington was heavily involved in conducting his own intelligence and agitory propaganda work to a degree which modern commanders do not do because much of these functions are delegated to dedicated and specially trained staff.
   
   Peeling back the aspects of Washington's organization and activities which today are handled by a staff we come to the issue of Washington in the traditional sense of a military man as we commonly think of them. Washington was by all accounts of friend and foe a very physically brave man on par even with Hernando Cortez. Washington's ability to lead men was remarkable for a man with little education. He was, compared to his 18th century peers, a very modern leader reinforcing the positive and challenging his men to meet his expectation rather then the blunt bully who used the vine stave.
   
   At a tactical level Washington's forces failed more often than they succeeded. Too often the failure was a result of an overly complicated plan. Though Washington was seemingly always itching for a fight he tended towards plans of such intricate timing and advance that they were often doomed. On the operational and strategic level Washington's talents were much more evident. Though he maintained a fixed obsession with New York City he quickly understood the tie between the revolution and its promise to the country and world and the need to keep his army in the field defying the British.
   
   The notion that Washington was a Fabian in his tactics does not strictly hold water. Washington though recognizing the need to maintain the army as a whole in the field in order to preserve the revolution routinely risked the entire main army in battle. The campaigns in New York City, Brandywine, Germantown, even Monmouth showed a desire for that one decisive action which would decide the issue. The author does understand this.
   
   Washington is so far the only sitting POTUS to, as Commander in Chief, command troops in the field, in uniform as President. This occurred during the Whiskey Rebellion though the mere presence of Washington contributed to the end of the rebellion with out a full scale national conflagration. Washington, in a little known tidbit, also returned to military service after his final term as POTUS. He, at the behest of POTUS John Adams, accepted a commission to ready the American military for potential conflict with France. When Washington died he did so under commission and therefore still technically as a serving military officer in the armed forces of the United States.
   
   This book reads quickly, the prose not being a millstone to the material, and does a fine job of presenting this aspect of Washington to the reader.



5. I thought this was a well written and informative book. Sometimes we try to portray Washington as a God, but not in this book. Edward G. Lengel gives an unbiased fair view of Washington's military life. Sometimes I believe he was overly critical, but then, I am not a military historian. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the American Revolution.

1 comments about Commandants of the Marine Corps.

1. But any book about the marines deserves five stars as long as it is not critiscising the corps. My dad just ordered the marines workout, revised edition, and the naval academy handbook and i cant wait for them to arrive in the mail. But on topic, my uncle has this book(Im not sure where he buys his books, but i think i saw it before july 1) and he didnt complain about it so i guess its pretty good. Of course being Supreme Commandant of the Marine Corps is what any boy hoping to go to the naval academy should strive for. Although since im only human, id just like to get into the naval academy first. Oh well, now im getting ahead of myself, since im only a freshmen in high school. But the earlier i start, the better my chances are of getting in, so who cares.
   
   I cant wait to get this book, but im not gona but it. Im kinda low on cash so im Gonna check out the library first. Then well see about buying it.

5 comments about By Duty Bound: Survival and Redemption in a Time of War.

1. I gave this book the highest rating because I liked it,I liked it alot. I have often read books using this style, main event and reflections on youth. Ware and Engel did a terrific job presenting each story. I have often read books with this format but I didn't reflect on my own youth. Although quite different I began thinking about the ways I used to earn money as a child. Race for me was Native Americans and Whites. When I was in Vietnam in 1968-1970 (two tours) I understood the bond that war brings together and dissmisses beliefs and values for a stronger emotion, survival. I would read another book by this team if one would come out and recomend it to my friends.



2. I received this book from the author as a gift, having met him when he was speaking to an organization of families of service members who lost loved-ones in Afghanistan or Iraq.
   
   The author is extraordinarily charismatic and inspiring and this book provides wonderful insight into the life-experiences that made him the man he is today. While I had learned about Jim Crow laws in high school history, this book provided deeper insight into the harsh adversity, resignation and palpable fear that so many black Americans faced. The author paints vivid pictures both of his upbringing and his service in Viet Nam.
   
   In response to the 2-star rating (Boddy): I found myself wanting to read the next installment of this story when I finshed, but that in no way detracted from this book - rather it illustrates its strength. America is blessed to have leaders like General Ware!



3. I read this over two days, that's how enjoyable and interesting this book is. Ware has led an amazing life, and I really thought he brought to life what life was like growing up poor and black in rural Jim Crowe Mississippi.
   
   The book switches back and forth from a straight retelling of Ware's life, to a day by day retelling of the three harrowing weeks Ware spent in the Vietnam jungles with his co-pilot, a Grand Dragon of the KKK.
   
   But for all the self-examination, there are a few nits. Ware considers himself someone who never quits, who always strives to succeed. Yet he never comes to grips with why he was married and divorced as often as he was, why in the space of a few years he moved from the Marines, to college (which he dropped out of), to a great job with General Dynamics Corp. (which he abruptly left), to becoming an officer with the San Diego Police Department (which he abruptly left on a bet), to finally becoming an Army Helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
   
   Still, his is an inspirational and moving story, gripping and suspenseful. In his introduction, he blames the bureaucrats and politicians in DC for losing the Vietnam War, yet he never suggests we might be having the same problem now in Iraq. And his "Domino theory" of why we were in Vietnam was disproved by history.
   
   But read this book not for Ware's misguided political analysis, but for the amazing accomplishments he achieved in defense of his country. He is a true American patriot.



4. One of the best war stories I've ever read...I could not put this book down and had to read it thru in one sitting...entertaining and gripping yet still honest. Having flown missions all over "the Nam" 71-72 I could relate from start to finish and extend a salute to a True American War Hero. This book should be required reading for our youths of today.



5. In the course of everyone's life, most of us will face very difficult and challenging series of events, when these events occur, one has two choices to make, you can either allow those challenges to mold you to becoming something positive, or allow it to destroy you and set a stage for continuous failure. General Ware chose the upside of these two choices. After reading his compelling story, it allowed me to evaluate myself and the choices I must make in my life. I was fortunate to have the opportunity read General Ware's book. It outlined the path that was paved for him to reach and accomplish his goals, for me, that was monumental.
   
   Being born from both cultures, my mother Vietnamese and my father African American, who also served in this war, one can appreciate the struggles and determination of one of our heroes, General Ware. He made a change in two very different geographical locations, the United States and Vietnam, yet face with a very familiar enemy, racism. Because he refused to fail and continued to strive for perfection with every obstacle, he forces us as American's to look deep within ourselves and recognize if we are part of the solution or the problem. I am proud to be an American and humbled to know my father and General Ware's efforts were not in vain. I salute you General Ware and thank for your continuous sacrifice for peace, both here at home and abroad. I encourage everyone, from all cultures and background, to read this compassionate story of a young man who started with a DREAM, and with that dream developed and created a magnificent HOUSE, a house that can never be wavered or destroyed.

5 comments about Raising the Hunley: The Remarkable History and Recovery of the Lost Confederate Submarine.

1. To a Civil War buff, the story of the Hunley is irresistable. The book begins with the conception and execution of the "fish boat" in Mobile and continues with its introduction into service in Charleston. The book then interweaves the distant past with the very recent past, telling the tale of the boat's crews (3 crews, none who answered to 'Lucky') and the tale of the multiple personalities involved in raising her some 135 years later. The writing is only adequate; the story of the boat and her design is more interesting reading than that of her crew and her salvagers. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable book that can easily be read in one (pleasant) day.



2. I first ran across the story of the Hunley in a popular journal on archaeology and was fascinated by the tale of courage, desperation, and originality. Subsequently I saw parts of a film on the subject, and I was hooked. I found the book by Brian Hicks, Schuyler Kropf in Amazon.com's menu and decided to pursue more information on the subject.

   The authors are journalists rather than professional historians or archaeologists, but they do have a talent for writing and a sense of the character of the South and Civil War history that gives the book a more readable quality. They also seem to have researched their topic well. The final pages of the book recount their efforts to follow the "fish boat's" story from first inception to final successful strike against the USS Housatonic, a Union ship participating in the blockade of the Charleston harbor. Considering that the Hunley was a secret weapon and a stealth weapon at that, its paper trail would be expected to be a difficult one to follow. The authors made a remarkable success of it, giving life to their subject.

   Interesting too was the narrative of the Hunley's resurrection and restoration. The serendipitous survival of the boat in a nearly intact condition is itself an amazing story. The great care with which it was removed from the water and painstakingly preserved is a credit to underwater archaeology. Certainly it could easily have been a disaster. What the preserved remains had to say about the vessel itself: its construction, its advanced styling, the likelihood of it's having continued to be water free for long enough to allow small stalactites to form, etc. made it an even more entertaining study. It's definitely on par with the Titanic for human interest.




3. If your interests run to one of the most ingenious achievements in naval history, the gritty determination of desperate men, or simply a good, old-fashioned mystery, this book should captivate you as much as it did me. The authors have sifted through rarified documents and firsthand accounts to present a very intriguing story as only investigative writers in Charleston might. The real merit of this book is its careful, reader friendly presentation of what could otherwise have been an abstruse topic. Here are basic charts, drawings, photos, expert insights, interviews, and personal backgrounds all introduced in historical context. Throughout the book appropriate facts are cleverly recalled and embroidered in the story of the evolving discoveries. When you finally put this book down, you will wish it could have been twice as long and had provided answers to the Hunley's remaining mysteries.



4. An absolutely fascinating book. In depth and accurate historical research
   gives this book its feeling that the authors where there as it happened. A
   work of non-fiction that can be as exciting as a work of fiction, but it is all true !!



5. What an exciting and informative book! Part history, part research, part archealogy, but all joined and very readable. The incredible dedication and bravery of the crews who parished aboard the "fish-boat" deserve the highest honor. These men of the past never gave up, just as the modern day team who had to move natural and govermental mountains to raise her from her watery grave. Since the research is on going and the mysteries haven't been all solved this book does not have the definative answers, I try to log unto the hunley.org site periodically to check for new developments. It's well worth reading by anyone interested in Civil War history, early submarine warfare or archealogy.

5 comments about One Perfect Op: An Insider's Account of the Navy Seal Special Warfare Teams.

1. Dennis is a SEAL with wider scope.
   He was one of the paratroopers in 82 airborne.
   Then he joined the SEAL, then Team Six and Red Cell.
   After that he became a master chief and went back to instruct those tadpoles.

   So you can see the Red Cell in his eyes.
   Certain details he tried to explain deeper than Marcinko.
   And all the tricks and fun they had together.

   Besides that, you will also find out his love and devotion to the Team and Teammates.
   The valuable experience he tried to show those tadpoles.

   He combines The Spirit of an Old Navy Sailor and a Modern Warrior.

   Trust me, once you read it, you`ll like it.




2. Well, I thought this book was a good read, and a good account of Chalkers career. I'll have to say the book was less detailed and obviously doesn't have the unique view of things that Marcinko did, but that doesn't lessen Chalkers' accomplishments. It was really cool to get another perspective on formation of Seal Team 6 and Red Cell, and also to compare accounts of Urgent Fury between One Perfect Op and Inside Delta Force.
   As far as Inside Delta Force, the books do give the impression that ST6 was built more from the ground up and operating in a more balls to the wall manner than Delta Force, of course that doesn't change the fact that both units are the best in the world at what they do, and it goes without saying that there's alot that the books don't mention about the units' operations.



3. This is a good book regarding how Mr. Chalker got into and lived in the Seals. The drawback to it though is you know from reading the front cover he was part of Seal Team 6 (the Navy's elite counter-terrorist unit), therefore you expect to read more about them. He did offer insights into their lifestyles and how the job forced them to live. However, if you have read a lot of these books, the one thing you will look for them are actual "situations" to read about. Even if you have to change the "names and places", just tell us the story. Obviously with this being a relatively new group, many of the "stories" most likely remain classified. If there are not that many stories, then shame on the government for not utilizing the resources of the best trained units in the world. We all know there are places that they can be used. Mr. Chalker has written a good book that provides insight into his life in service and he should be commended for it.



4. I was disappointed with this book. Firstly, all `real' missions with the exception of the Grenada invasion are described only in the vaguest terms, apparently to preserve operational secrets. It's lowers the drama and credibility when Chalker describes a mission without even naming the continent on which it took place. Even harmless details like how many SEALs where on a particular raiding team are absent from the accounts of `real' missions.

   The breadth of the book is devoted to describing training missions that Team 6 undertook against U.S. Naval bases to test their security. Playing hide-and-seek with security guards and rent-a-cops in training exercises hardly makes for a riveting read.

   Chalker also mentions in only passing his experience at SEAL training, or BUD/S, which in the hands of a real writer would easily be worthy of a full book itself. Predictably, he refuses to shed any light on the controversy that landed his mentor Richard Marcinko in jail.

   And this isn't an emotional account. We have no real insight into what makes warriors like Chalker tick or the pressures they face. All we know about life outside the Teams is that they drank and brawled a lot. And, oh yet, he got a divorce. (That's almost the way Chalker described it.)

   For a more thoughtful and profound look at what it takes to be a member of the U.S. Special Operations community, take a look at Mike Yon's Danger Close. To learn what it takes to become a SEAL, read The Warrior Elite. For an action-packed thriller, stick with one of Marcinko's books.




5. While reading Chalker's book, I had mixed feelings. The book is mainly about Chalker's career with the Teams. He starts off on why he decided to join the Teams, his introduction into Team 6, his brief time with Red Cell, and then his short time as an instructor. Overall, it seems Chalker had a very nice career with the Navy and on top of that he did something only a few people will ever have a chance to do.
   
   Throughout the book, Chalker was vague with descriptions. Chalker never gave full details about his mission, his training, or how he keeps up with his physical fitness. Recurring themes throughout the book were Chalker's time at bars, his time with teammates, and details about teammates. Chalker was even vague about his wife, how they met, or about their children. Throughout his Red Cell description, he gives about one or two pages about the mission, then he goes into great length to talk about barbeques or a trip to the bar or how someone reacted to a fake hostage situation (some of which were funny).
   
   I never really fully understood the meaning behind the book until the epilog. All the stuff Chalker talked about throughout the book had one common theme that wasn't immediately apparent: brotherhood and remembering days with people you cared. Chalker talked a lot about being with his team mates - some of whom died from accidents. I think the greatest thing you can get with any career is being able to look back and remember all the fun times you had with you and your friends - I think that's what Chalker was trying to accomplish in his book.
   
   Overall, the book is pleasing if you can read it until the end. Chalker's book isn't so much about SEAL's missions or about training to become one, it's more or less about being together with people you care about and being able to have a career you can say was "one perfect op."

5 comments about Bomber Pilot: A Memoir of World War II.

1. Ardery's account of his life as a B-24 pilot is excellent. From all the training it took to simply get into the planes, to combat in the skies over the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, Ardery's account is an even-handed account of what a bomber pilot's life was like.

   The chapter about Ploesti is especially fascinating. James Dugan and Carrol Stewart used Ardery as a source for their book on the subject, and the details of Ardery's part in the raid offer some really interesting stuff. Especially intruiging is the background and fate of Medal of Honor winner Lloyd Hughes, who was flying on Ardery's wing when when he perished.

   This book is really good stuff; Steven Ambrose's "Wild Blue" pales in comparison. Ardery doesn't place himself on a hero pedestal, he merely tells of his experiences in a very interesting and easy-to-digest style.




2. The cover of Bomber Pilot displays a photograph of a Liberator skimming the ground on a low level attack on the Ploesti raid. This photograph alone makes you want to reach out to grab Bomber Pilot assured that you will have an exciting read. And you won't be disappointed. Pilot Phil Ardery won a Silver Star, two DFCs, four Air Medals and the French Croix de Guerre with palm. He didn't get those sitting around some Officers' Club.
   
   He flew 24s on missions ranging from icy Norway to baking North Africa. Some Eighth Air Force crews were detached to Libya to join in the fight to drive the Axis from Bengasi, Tripoli and all of the Mediterranean. You'll be able to compare bombing in hot and dusty Libya and lurching through the Norwegian sky trying to find any identifiable landmark.
   
   Ardery flew missions to eastern Mediterranean islands. He says when he was stationed in Bengasi with Ninth Bomber Command there was no Protestant Chaplain and no Jewish one but there was a remarkable Catholic chaplain who was capable of conducting services for Jewish personnel. Ardery, a Protestant, notes that Fr. Beck could conduct a Jewish funeral with perfect form and dignity. He never missed an opportunity to give all possible aid and comfort to the Protestant boys. He never pushed his religion on any of them.
   
   Fr. Beck actually flew on combat missions from time to time . Crews thought it was lucky to have him aboard. One day the Group Commander found out and grounded him. He apparently feared having to explain what the chaplain was doing up in the air if he got wounded, taken prisoner or shot out of the sky.
   
   Read this book. My library got it for me which means most Massachusetts's libraries should be able to get it for you. Ardery, who later became a successful attorney, will take you on raids as far north as Oslo as well as deep into Naziland. He describes the buzz bombing of London, flying over the D-Day beaches, the courage of the British civilians. He dedicates this book to the officers and men of the 564th Bomb Squadron, the 389th Bomb Group and the Second Combat Wing. Do these outfits sound familiar to any of you? Bet they do!



3. Mr. Ardery has written a superb account of an Army Air Corps pilot's experience starting from his days as a "cadet" training at Randolph and Kelly Fields in Texas through his combat experience flying B-24s from North Africa and England. His narrative illustrates that the threat of injury or death was constant for every member of the crew and that either was just as likely to happen whether one was in training, flying through flak, trying to avoid German fighters or avoiding mid-air collisons while flying in tight formation with your squadron mates. Readers will have an excellent idea of what our airmen endured during World War II.



4. Mr. Ardery lays out an excellent recounting of his WWII experience is a frank, open style. I enjoyed this book very much.



5. I had read a hard copy of this book, borrowed from the library, several years ago. The pictorial section was not as complete as the original and I suspect other portions may have been left out also. The reason I purchased this book was to get one of the pictures I saw in the hard copy and it wasn't there.