2 comments about Rickover: The Struggle for Excellence.

1. Many biographies have been written over the past 40 years about the impact that the life of Admiral H.G. Rickover has had on the United States Navy � one in which redefined the role of the Navy in the post World II era. All of these works have focused on his many accomplishments and the controversies that surrounded him, which often conflicted with the executive branch of the Federal government, naval shipbuilders, and the U.S. Navy itself. Few, if any, clearly demonstrate who Rickover was, and how his principles evolved. No doubt, the author of �Rickover: The Struggle for Excellence,� Francis Duncan, is the only biographer afforded enough access to the Rickover as an outsider to the Navy and its Naval Reactors program, to know him well enough to accomplish a detailed account of what shaped the man. This book, the third in a series by Duncan, tells the stories from birth till his death, remarking on events that shaped his priorities and principles, and addresses many of the unanswered questions or mysteries that readers of other biographers may have found in the story of Rickover�s career. Some of the misconceptions about Rickover that Duncan�s work clears up are concerns such that Rickover had lied about his age or that Rickover had been for the most part unsuccessful and out of place in the Navy prior to his work with Naval Reactors. Unlike the Polmar and Allen �Rickover� biography, which often appears lengthy and intimidating as an all encompassing view of Rickover�s life, Duncan�s work is very readable and pleasant. I assume that Duncan knew that the larger than life Rickover story could never be captured in single volume, and separated his works, which describes his evolution; �Nuclear Navy, 1946-1962� which deals with the influence of Atomic Energy on the modern U.S. Navy,� and the �Rickover and the Nuclear Navy: The Discipline of Technology,� describing the founding and management of Rickover�s technical program.
   
   Although the emphasis of most Rickover biographies has been his impact on the Navy, his story serves two other main purposes. First, from a management and organizational behavior perspective Rickover seems to break all the rules and still maintain a highly committed program that integrated safety, reliability and high-performance He embedded principles and expectations that continue to exist today, and are the core of the Naval Nuclear program. This is the ultimate measure of a founder�s success, for an organization to remain relatively static around what principles and values drive its core mission. The second of course, is Rickover�s influence on the operation of civilian nuclear power plants, an accomplishment that Rickover thought he was unlikely to achieve when he was forced to withdraw from Shippingport. However, his influence and principles have filtered down through the personnel he trained through �NR,� and have subsequently redefined nuclear power operations in the Post-TMI era of nuclear power, and forced a paradigm shift in nuclear power operations and realigned the thinking about the discipline required to operate high-risk technologies.

   My only criticism of Duncan is perhaps his fondness of Rickover, which comes through in his writing. Considering all of the negative stories of Rickover, I would expect more negatives in his depiction of Rickover as well. However, biographies are written about the life and accomplishments of great men, and gossip and scandals best left for supermarket tabloids.




2. I was quite surprised after reading this book. It is an excellent history of Rickover and US Navy Nuclear propulsion. I had always wondered why nuclear power was always so safe for the Navy but the public utilities had so much trouble with it. This is an interesting history of moving up the ranks in the Navy and how you can advance. I was surprised at all the people who seemed to hate Rickover because he wanted to have his way and never to go below his specifications. This is why Rickover was never on the biography channel was because he was contriversial. The story really makes you want to know more and more about Nuclear submarines especially the times at Oak Ridge and when they were building the Nautilus. It's hard to think of a time when all the subs before that ran on the surface most of the time. I was glad that Rickover just took over and got the job done. The only part I did not like was that they were not specific enough about the design of the subs. I do not mean engineering drawings or national secrets but at least some general layouts of the submarines and the propulsion system in a layman's terms to have a better understanding of this. Richard Rhodes did a good job of this in his book "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" explaining the first nuclear reactor that went critical in Chicago. I would like to also know more about that light water breeder reactor that ran on thorium instead of uranium at Shippingport. Why haven't we made more of those instead of depending on fossil fuels? Rickover was in on the most exciting technology of the 20th century, how exciting must that have been.

5 comments about Beyond Valor: World War II's Ranger and Airborne Veterans Reveal the Heart of Combat.

1. From the horses mouth is how we define a direct source. These stories, from those that experienced first hand, continually remind us how thankful we need to be for those who have fought for us, and those who are fighting for us, as well as those who will yet fight for us and our freedom.



2. One of the best features of this book is the campaign map and summary at the start of each chapter. The soldier's position on the battle map is provided. I enjoyed reading the detailed war stories, some not told elsewhere.
   
   However, I found the book read a bit like a web site. Instead of clicking on a link, you turn the page and some items are rehashed for you. I feel the editor could have done a bit better putting some flow to the stories. Some of the stories skip around a lot in time order, which can be confusing. I only need to see "CP [Command Post]" edited once, just the first time it appears, not in every story. I would read a story, then half way through I would find out the speaker was actually the unit's commanding officer! Would have been better to identify each person's rank / role clearly up front before getting into the details.
   
   Despite these editing / structural annoyances, I learned a lot and enjoyed the veteran's candor.
   
   [...]



3. This book is a novel idea and a good break from the regular "play-by-play" recounting of WWII action that seems to have become the norm. Here you will find the scene set by the author (for example, Mr. O'Donnell describes the lead up to the Normandy invasion) and then the veterans tell their tales. What really struck me was the multiple stories of dealing with what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some of these men dealt with their personal problems from the war for more than fifty years with little or no help. What price for freedom?



4. I have read all four of Patrick O'Donnell's books. Each and everyone of them will touch your heart, especially if you have had a loved one who fought in WW2 or in Iraq.
   
   Beyond Valor should be required reading for all Americans. We need to know the sacrifices that many have made for Freedom in order to truly appreciate all that we have in the United States.



5. What a great book! It was wonderful to see my Uncle in this book, and all the brave men that served with him. Uncle Ray never talked about his experience, so it was great to see what he,and all the men went thru. Very heartfelt and touching. Thanks to the author for openening my eyes, to the horrors of war!

5 comments about Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Thirty Years Later.

1. I just can't get enough of this book. It's simply amazing to ponder that these men have been imprisoned and tortured, some for as long as eight years. Then you see their recent pictures and they're almost all smiling. Some in their offices, many outdoors, some with their wives, some with grandkids and dogs. But smiling genuine smiles.
   
   It's a tribute to the human spirit that these men not only endured their captivity but actually thrived in life after the war. Some went on to become renowned government officials, others in Academia, and others in the private sector, but all were able to find balance and joy beyond the horrors of their experience.
   
   The book accomplishes more that one could reasonably expect and the authors did a great job. In one black and white photo and a couple of pages of text, the reader gets a real feel for the POW and what makes him tick. I'm glad that the book's focus is on the positive achievements these men have accomplished since the war, and only addresses their incarceration in how it strengthened their core values or how that experience helped them later in life.
   
   This book can be seen as a catharsis for what ails us today as a society: It puts what is important in life into perspective, and makes the reader truly thankful for and appreciative of his or her blessings. It should be required reading for high school students.



2. This is a Great book that every patriotic American should read. I served in Viet Nam and our group is a much greater group of veterans than we will ever get credit for. The ultra left media and Hollywood has blasphemed us unjustly for years. Thanks to Mel Gibson for making "We Were Soldiers" also.



3. This is a captivating little book that reveals how 30 Prisoners Of War (POWs) from Viet Nam have coped with life after their horrible privation and suffering while imprisoned in North Viet Nam. A number of well known POWs, like Senator John McCain and Medal of Honor winner Bud Day, are included. Authors Howren and Kiland have skillfully probed the inner man within each of these heroes, revealing to the reader the unique traits these men possessed that helped them survive their ordeals. These traits more often than not have stayed within their personas and have helped to mold them in their post-POW lives. Very professional black and white photographs show these men, often with family members, in contemporary settings and the photos reveal their essential humanity better than the written word ever could. While their POW experiences were horrific, these men come across thirty years later as not only quite normal, they seem to possess very unique insights into the persons they have become. Each POW's story is presented in two parts; the first is their thirty years later story, followed by a separate section with photos from before or just after their captivity ended and more comprehensive career histories. This arrangement gives a "before and after" which clearly shows the contrasts in their lives over time. The last portion of the book includes some excellent analysis of the demographics of POWs and insightful discussion of some myths and facts that help put them in proper context. This is a unique and professionally done book, easy to read and sure to hold the interest of anyone who wondered what became of the POWs of Viet Nam.



4. Perhaps the most striking part of this book to me is the simple number, the number of days that these men spent in captivity in Vietnam: 2,381; 2,432; 2,676; 3,113. To me this made a stronger impact than saying 5 years or whatever. Three thousand days. These people sat there with nothing to do, scared, being mistreated, tortured, no idea if they would ever return home.
   
   But return home 661 did. And the overwhelming percentage brought home with them a dedication to life. Most seem to have stayed in the service (some of them had been promoted twice while in captivity), most after the service went on to successful careers in a wide variety of fields. Coming to mind is the title of David Halberstam's book, 'The Best and the Brightest.' It would be difficult to find a better group of men than these.
   
   This is the story of what happened afterward to thirty of these men.



5. The book was quick to read and the type was easy to read. There were numerous photographs and reasonably good writing. The POW issue is one everyone should be aware of, especially since there were so many men left behind and so many returned POWs who are living witnesses to that fact. Most of these men who survived and returned home have gone on to live active and productive lives.

5 comments about Steel My Soldiers' Hearts: The Hopeless to Hardcore Transformation of the U.S. Army, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry, Vietnam.

1. I have quite a few books similiar to this & they are all exellent.



2. Serving as my introduction to the work of Colonel Hackworth, "Steel My Soldiers' Hearts" could have hardly delivered any more encouragement to read the rest of his books. Having served as a columnist and media commentator for years have honed Hackworth's writing skills, and the synergy provided by his co-writer wife combine to produce a narrative that "Grabs you by the nose and kicks you in the pants," as Patton would have said. Documenting the Colonel's takeover of a hardluck unit and its transformation into hardcore killers in matter of months, the book covers daily engagements with a fierce enemy, and pulls no punches as Hackworth describes various generals, captains, and sundry brass as "idiots" or far more colorful terms. Hackworth himself dispatches about a dozen VC over the course of the book, and he dispassionately describes the wounds he himself receives, taking his eighth purple heart on this tour of duty. In short, David Hackworth is a writer and a warrior of the highest caliber.



3. This book is much like 12'O Clock High except with Vietnam War infantry instead on WWII bomber crewmen. LtCol Hackworth is called back to Vietnam to remold a hardluck battalion into an effective unit. The men rebuke but are soon won over. Hack never says-"Consider yourselves already dead." Like Gergory Peck said in 12 0'Clock High but the results are the same. Any leader, regardless of occupation, should find this book a leadership tool. It is also a very good read.



4. This book id a goldmine of knowledge of counterinsurgency warfare. If you are a officer in training such as I the afterword carries advice that i have spent many days and hours getting from vets. for those of you wanting to learn to "out "G" the "G"(uerilla)" suck in all this book has to offer.



5. The most informative military related book I have read. Certainly changed my view on a few things.

5 comments about Wade Hampton: Confederate Warrior, Conservative Statesman.

1. Wade Hampton III has been in need of a comprehensive biography for a long time now. Reserved and deliberate in life, both as a cavalry commander and as a political leader, he tried to restrain his annoyance when temporarily outshone by more flamboyant peers; with the benefit of hindsight, however, we ought to pay more attention to WHIII and his substantial achievements.
   
   The "untrained" officer whose pragmatic cavalry tactics proved more of an asset to Lee than the celebrated Stuart ever was; the reluctant secessionist who sacrificed family and fortune to the Confederate cause (or more accurately, to the cause of South Carolina); the conservative Democrat who reined in the bitter ferocity of his own party's extreme elements to become among the first Democrats in the nation to benefit from black voters - Hampton is a fascinating character and Cisco provides a worthy introduction to him.
   
   Walter Cisco does not repeat the bits of folklore that crept into the last Hampton biography, a 1940's hagiography; instead he quotes extensively from primary sources and lets his subject's character emerge naturally. Nor does he shy from uncomfortable aspects, such as the probable abuse of Hampton's sisters by another prominent South Carolinian, or Hampton's bitter exchanges with Sherman over POW executions in the Carolinas Campaign of 1865. However, by the time you finish this work, you'll understand Wade Hampton III as a major and underappreciated figure in both the military and civil history of the South and of our nation.



2. Wade Hampton is local hero here in Columbia, SC. His statue is prominent on the State House grounds and his home is a local historical society attraction. Outside of SC he may not be a household name, but within SC he is an icon, a figure respected and admired. This biography of Wade Hampton will give the reader an orderly summary of the key events of his life. When significant events occure the author goes into more detail, rightly so. Readers interested in Civil War military or political history, the history of Reconstruction, or American politics in general will benefit from this book.



3. With respect to the other reviewers in this forum, I must disagree with their positive impressions of this book. Cisco's book is strictly for the neo-Confederate reader. True, Hampton is in real need of a biography--there are basically three: Manly Wade Wellman, Giant in Gray, 1949; Ed Longacre's, Gentleman and Soldier, 2003; and Cisco's version. The best of the lot, Longacre's, is war heavy, and the other two are biased to a Confederate view. Indeed, Cisco's book can not be taken seriously by academics or even serious students of history with such outlandish comments that, "During the war many Southern blacks stood by their country--the Confederate States" (p. 170) Or, that Hampton "treated slaves as individuals and fellow human beings." (p. 41).
   
   This book is poorly written and ignores Hampton's role as a Redeemer and slaveowner. Hampton, and the reading public, deserves better.



4. I had trouble putting this book down and finished it in 2-3 days. I consider it one of the best books on my shelf, not only for its style, but because it is extremely well researched. Part of the fun after reading the book was going through the bibliography and the footnotes to see where Mr. Cisco came up with all the information he presented. "The Truth is (still) Out There", for anyone who cares or takes the time to look. Buy it, read it, and see what your school teachers left out when they taught you about "Reconstruction"!
   
   Much of the information contained herein will disturb those who are public school educated AND have never learned to think for themselves, or who see the past in terms of their own world. If this is you, then don't buy this book. Instead, do an amazon search for "video games" and stay in your contented fugue state because you will certainly be disturbed by what's in this book!



5. There are redeeming qualities in this biography of Hampton. There is much more material included about Hampton's postwar life than is found in Longacre's treatment. But Cisco has totally bought into the highly favorable southern examinations of Hampton that predate the Civil Rights era. There were certainly redeeming qualities in Hampton who seems genuinely concerned about black's welfare especially when compared to racists like Ben Tillman (a Hampton opponent), N B Forest and John Brown Gordon (a Hampton ally), but Hampton was a virulent opponent of any black who did not see things his way and presided over the end of large-scale participation of blacks in South Carolina governance. It is notatable that Cisco includes nothing about Hampton as a slave-owner (he owned over 900 human beings) other than a few "oh he was a fine massa" quotes from ex slaves who were in no position to state otherwise.
   
   There is still room for a scholarly study of Hampton particularly his role in slavery and his post war career. This one is for the Civil War buffs only.
   
   The new biography of Hampton by Rod Andrew is indeed a vastly superior work compared to Cisco's effort, but I doubt it will receive as much readership.

No comments about Flying Without Wings: The Story of Carroll Guy - A World War II Bomber Pilot.

1 comments about Pershing: General of the Armies.

1. It appears of late that there is an increasing interest in books about World War I. Books have appeared on individual battles and on specialized equipment such as tanks and aircraft. After all, this was the time when much of the foundation for the later wars was being derived.
   
   This particular book by Donald Smythe covers Pershing during the World War I years. (Smythe covers Gen. Pershing's earlier life in the previous book: Guerrilla Warror.) This book was written in the late 1980's, and just reprinted now.During this time Pershing had to build the army and assuage the commanders of the British and French forces who wanted the Americans to come into their armies as replacment soldiers under British or French commanders.
   
   This was the first time that a large army would be sent by the Americans to fight on land beyond the oceans. The Americans had a lot to learn on the battlefield and in the conference room, but learn it they did. And they applied this learning in another European was a generation later.
   
   As a measure of the tribute to be paid to Pershing, when he died in 1948, the funeral procession was led by sixteen American generals marching in the rain. At the head of the generals were Eisenhower and Bradley.

1 comments about Trading Ordinary...For Extraordinary: Cruising Stories and Advice From A Mexico Sailing Adventure.

1. Trading Ordinary..For Extraordinary gives the reader an honest and realistic view of what it's like to cast off those dock lines and head out. So many sailors dream of going cruising, but Carrie and Bryan actually lived the dream. They've done an outstanding job of sharing the highs and the lows one can expect to encounter when cruising to Mexico. Anyone planning to head south on a boat should definitely read this book to really get an idea of what to expect......

5 comments about Glory Denied: The Saga of Jim Thompson, America's Longest-Held Prisoner of War.

1. What can be said of the Vietnam War that hasn't been said. From McCain to Kerry, this war needs to be constantly studied and read. We must not forget the mistakes and lessons learned. We must learn from different perspectives and viewpoints. Vietnam must be studied so that we know what to avoid with future conflicts we're forced into. Especially, in this time of terrorist and other anti-American deviance.
   
   So pick up this title and read carefully. Then take a look at what your own viewpoints are.



2. 
   
   "Glory Denied" is the tale of Green Beret Captain Jim Thompson. It is unique in that GD does not unfold in linear, year by year fashion. GD is reconstructed entirely by interviews with Thompson and his friends / families. Captain Thompson became a POW in March of 1964 when his observation plane was downed near Khe Sanh in the remote northwest corner of South Vietnam. As GD's cover aptly notes, Captain Thompson was a prisoner of the Viet Cong while many Americans had barely heard of either the VC or the country itself. Thompson suffered mightily in the squalid and remote jungle camps before his 1968 transfer to the better known prisons that surrounded Hanoi. There, in places like the Rockpile, Thompson lingered until the general prisoner release in the Spring of 1973. He and Navy Lt. (j.g.) Everett Alvarez were the longest detained POWs. There is an aura of competition between the 2 throughout GD. The poignant story of prison life is sharply detailed in GD, but many other books have done likewise. The "in country" tale is the lesser portion of GD. What sets Thompson's story apart is the recounting of his life after his repatriation. He came home to an America VASTLY different than the buttoned up, pre Beatles nation he had left in 1963. (This reviewer thought things had changed after only one year in country!). We should all dwell on how much happened in those crazy years and imagine the reaction of a conservative guy who wanted only to return to the hearth and home he knew. His wife had, to put it mildly, been "stepping out" during his absence. The marriage might never have been ideal but any POW must have remembered and fanaticized about only the good parts of his relationship. The remainder of GD deals with Thompson's repeated attempts to achieve normalcy in his personal life while he rebuilds his Army career. The former is an abject failure, though it certainly qualifies as interesting, if tragic reading. As to the latter, this reviewer was impressed how the Army stood by Thompson, promoting him all the way to Lt. Colonel and helping him with his alcohol abuse. Granted, he was a special case but the DA cut him a lot of slack. It was painfully obvious the Army didn't know what to do with the guy. One wonders how many returned prisoners actually reconstructed their careers -and how many were dumped by the wayside. More poignantly, one wonders how many POW families got back together. How many wives remained faithful? How many guys remarried? How many families fell apart? I hope I was mistaken when I read of the behind closed doors "beatings at family reception centers". Rating GD is a hard call. It is not a straight POW tale in the "Why Didn't You Get Me Out" or "When Hell Was In Session" tradition. The second part of GD would qualify as soap opera if not so depressing. The resolution is purposely not revealed here. Out of respect for Colonel Thompson (his retirement rank), all the other POWs and their collective suffering and service to their country, GD is given 4 stars. Credit author Philpott with a unique story compilation- one that was 16 years (!) in the making. How he got the Thompson family to cooperate, only he and the Man Upstairs can guess. A final and sobering thought: GD makes it painfully evident that it wasn't only the POWs' in country suffering that is significant: Many troubles began in earnest after repatriation and the travails of spouses and children may take a lifetime to heal. Those of us that came back to the world intact and unscarred should count our blessings daily.



3. Of all the books I have read in my lifetime, none has moved me more then the story of Captain Floyd James Thompson!! He is without doubt one of America's greatest and most loyal and dedicated American's I have ever read about. As a Viet Nam Veteran I would venture to say that even the most Hardend Combat Veteran would be humbled by the story of Capt Floyd James Thompson!! An incredible story of an individual's will to not only survive in the most inhumane conditions but to maintaine the constant will to stay loyal and committed to his Flag and Country! After reading this book you will find that every day problems no matter how grave they may seem will seem miniescule!
   "Glory Denied" is a befitting title for the story of Captain Floyd James Thompson and his Family as he and they deserved so much more from our Country then was given! He will be surely missed, but never forgotten!
   
   C L Chamberlin



4. The story of Col Thompson is truly remarkable. The thing that grabbed me the most was his constant struggle to regain the life he knew before he was captured. It made me think what would life be like if I spent 9 years away from everything I currently know. Think about it take the last 9 years out of your life and everything that was created, or music changes, clothing changes. Truly and incredible read. If you want to read a great book pick this one up.



5. Tom Philpott is an outstanding author. His format and organization provide a perfect setting for the telling of the powerful, tragic story of Jim Thompson. This book is a must read.

5 comments about Chickenhawk: Back in the World: Life After Vietnam.

1. unless you stumbled onto this book somehow, you probably picked it up because you had been through the "chickenhawk" experience with him in his first book by that name. this book is the perfect sequel to his vietnam story. mason's deeds in the war were heroic, and yet,he ends up struggling for his life even more as soon as he is "home". he is brutally honest about his own misdeeds--to his wife and son, his friends and associates, and to himself.you feel that you are trying to claw your way upward with him, as his life spirals downward.his salvation lies in his ability to tell his story, and you become part of it as you read this book



2. I have read this book three times. I know what an extraordinary story this is and have tried to turn others on to it.
   Bob Mason's transformation from eager pilot trainee to jaded combat veteran/burnout, while probably not anymore remarkable a story than any other pilot's is well written and that is what makes it great! After reading the book I felt as though I know Bob Mason. Not a bad thing.
   When Mason describes the deck inside the chopper,covered in blood you can almost smell it.
   Serious life and death stuff with some of the funniest stories of human screw ups wrapped up in a truly memorable account of one
   helluva chopper pilots' experience in Vietnam.
   It's like I say:" 'Chickenhawk' is the best damn war movie they never made!"



3. This book was recommended to me by a veteran that flew with the First Air Cavalry. He commented, "This book described my life in Vietnam".

   The book is vivid in it's descriptions and extremely well written. I have read the book twice and both times have been moved by the ending. If you enjoy reading about flying, the Vietnam conflict, and people, this book is for you.




4. This is a great book, as you can see by the previous reviewers!
   
   What I want to know is why this book has been out of print for so long?



5. Thankyou Mr. Mason for helping me understand the Vietnam war and it's impact on those who fought. I was born about the time that you were touching down at your first LZ, and only grew to know the war from television and from my uncle, who was a helecopter pilot as well in vietnam. This book is a must-read sequel that will also shed light on what soldiers returning from the Gulf area must be going through. Congratulations on such a contribution, and Jerry Fowler is right, God is working through you without a doubt. You're an inspiration, I am just sorry that you and your family had to suffer so much.