2 comments about Canaris: The Life and Death of Hitler's Spymaster.

1. It's not often you read a biography and still do not know a lot about the person. Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was great at what he did and he stayed out of the limelight, which combined to make him a great Spymaster. However, it also makes it a challenge for authors to find source material. Michael Mueller overcomes this challenge and delivers a masterpiece in world spycraft in his book "Canaris: The Life and Death of Hitler's Spymaster".
   
   The book follows the career of Wilhelm Canaris from his first dabbling in the intelligence business during the First World War during his fateful voyage aboard the SMS Dresden in 1914. After capture by the Royal Navy, he escaped from the Chilean island Mas-a-Tiera and found his way across South America to Buenos Aires.
   
   After his amazing escape he transferred to Spain to set up a relay system for U-Boats. Mueller does an outstanding job highlighting the efforts of Canaris' in neutral Spain to build a network of informers and saboteurs against British interests. Mueller follows with a thorough description of Canaris' tenure as a commander of the U-27 during his Mediterranean cruises during World War I, ending with the decommissioning of his vessel as part of the armistice.
   
   After the war, Canaris' life moves into the world of intrigue. Post World War I Germany was in turmoil with the socialist, nationalist, and the New Republic all vying for control after the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Mueller documents the roles of Canaris in assassinating political rivals. Canaris was clearly anti-socialist, but he walked a fine line between supporting the New Republic and the nascent nationalist movement. He survived numerous plots by his political rivals to become Hitler's Intelligence chief in 1932.
   
   Quickly losing faith in Hitler and his party, Canaris was part of a ring of conspirators in 1938 who tried to assassinate Hitler before he got out of control. The cabal lost its nerve, and shelved its plan until July 20, 1944 when Claus von Stauffenberg set off a bomb in the failed attempt to kill Hitler.
   
   Canaris and his compatriots kept detailed diaries of the atrocities and war crimes with the intent of turning them over to the allies when the war ended. These diaries were eventually discovered by the Nazis, leading to the execution of Canaris in 1945.
   
   Mueller's book is an outstanding look at the life of the head of German Intelligence agency. There are so many nuances and surprises in this book, that no book review can do it justice.



2. Why was this book so dramatically reduced in size from the German original? The German book is nearly twice the length.

2 comments about SURROUNDED BY HEROES: Six Campaigns with Divisional Headquarters, 82d Airborne, 1942 - 1945.

1. This is an exciting book! It captured my attention and drew me in from the first page. It presents a very personal view of war. The author describes his feelings at every turn - what it was like to get a letter from home, to lose a friend in battle, or to learn that a son was born in your absence. "Surrounded By Heroes" gave me a clear picture of what it was like to be on the battlefield and off, the terror of war, the frustration of Army bureaucracy, the boredom of waiting and not knowing what was coming next. On top of all this I learned what all the Army jargon and acronyms mean - from AAF (Army Airfield) to SNAFU (Situation Normal: All F****** Up) to USO (United Service Organizations).
   
   It's a good book. read it.



2. "Surrounded by Heroes" is an articulate, thoughtfully written remembrance of the WW II effort, observed from the vantage point of a sort of "everyman." It is a perfect companion for the PBS series, "War" (produced by Ken Burns), citing a number of the battles, locations and "players" who toiled and sometimes died in that arena. I happened to read it just before the series appeared, and found it afforded a more personal experience than if I had viewed the series alone.

No comments about Abraham Lincoln and Robert Burns: Connected Lives and Legends.

5 comments about Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Joshua L. Chamberlain.

1. 
   
   This is the story of one of the most remarkable combat officers produced during the Civil War. Always leading from the front, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was always in the thick of battle. He had fourteen horses shot out from under him before he was finally so badly wounded, shot "clear through" from hip to hip, that he is set aside to die. Yet he recovers to fight again in the closing campaign of the War.
   
   Chamberlain is a hard man to dislike. Joining the Military from his position of Professor of Religion at Bowdoin College when the War breaks out, he saves the Union left at Gettysburg, earning the Medal of Honor, and is involved in most of the battles and major skirmishes fought by the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theater. Thought so highly of by Grant and Sheridan, he is appointed to receive the Confederate's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse where he again distinguishes himself by saluting Lee's Army of Northern Virginia during the surrender ceremonies.
   
   Four term Governor of the State of Maine, in 1880, unarmed and alone, he suppresses a mob in the State's capitol that threatened to kill him. He closed his life as President of Bowdoin College, his alma mater, and as acting Port Surveyor at Portland, Maine.
   
   The Civil War produced many genuine heroes on both sides. The State of Maine may have produced the most important one. For without Chamberlain at Gettysburg, the South could have won. As a result, the United States could be two separate nations today.



2. It has been several years since I read Soul of the Lion. However, although the Civil War years of Chamberlain are quite interesting and alive, the rest of the book is quite dull. Chamberlain's remaining days in Maine and Florida are just not very interesting reading. I attribute most of this to Wallace's weakness as a writer.



3. This is an excellent book by Willard M. Wallace that was first written in 1960. It begins with the family background of the Chamberlain family and its historical roots back in Europe and then goes to the birth of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and details his life story, in which many triumphs and tragedies happened. While this book was written in a "romantic glossy tone", it is an excellent resouce for material about this gallant soldier and his contribution to save the Union at Gettysburg and Petersburg

   A man of immense intellect Chamberlain spoke many languages and was a gifted writer and poet. His natural leadership abilities was an inspiration not only to the students at Bowdoin College in Maine, but also to the 20th Maine on the hard fought day of July 2, 1863. This man quite possibly saved the Battle and thus the Union with his suprising and daring charge down Little Round Top thus suprising the men of the 15th Alabama and the rest of Confederate General Evander Law's Brigade.

   A true leader, as the book points out, Chamberlain was elected Governor of Maine and in later life was a great speaker at many GAR Reunions.

   This is an excellent book and highly recommended to anyone who wants to know more about the brave and amazing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.




4. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is one of the greatest American military heroes of all time. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous leadership of the 20th Maine Volunteer Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, thereby ensuring his place in history. "Soul of the Lion," by Willard M. Wallace, is a well written biography of Chamberlain. With clear and lively prose, Wallace chronicles Chamberlain's early life and career as a professor at Bowdoin College; his rise from command of the 20th Maine to general officer rank in the Union army; and his unfailingly heroic performance in some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, including Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg, and Five Forks.

   Wallace also details Chamberlain's post-Civil War career as Governor of Maine (1867-1871); President of Bowdoin College (1871-1883); and unsuccessful businessman. Especially interesting was how Chamberlain, as commander of Maine's militia, saved the state from violent anarchy during the 1880 gubernatorial election.

   Despite being well written, "Soul of the Lion" doesn't quite approach the depth found in the best biographies of military leaders. I would have especially appreciated more detailed information concerning Chamberlain's relationships with his family members. This is only a minor reservation, however; "Soul of the Lion" is a good basic survey of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's life, and a highly recommendable book about one of the great Americans of the 19th century.




5. Although John Pullen recently wrote a biography of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Willard Wallace's 1960 classic remains a highly readible and informative gem. This was an era of great writing about the Civil war, including Bruce Catton's Centenial trilogy and the first two volume's of Shelby Foote's masterpiece. Wallace's writing is equally lucid and his coverage is vast in scope. He devotes nealy as many pages to Chmaberlain's post war career as he does to his heroic years as the Colonel of the 20th Maine and later General. We all know of the heroics of Bowdoin professor (turned military leader) Chamberlain on Little Round Top but he also was instrumental in the final battles near Petersburg at Five Forks and Quaker Road. Despite being wounded (for what seems to be the umpteenth time) he went on to rally his troops. After the war he went on to serve a governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College. His Presidency of Bowdoin was progressive but troubled. Quite simply, his innovations were ahead of their time thus opposed by many in the Bowdoin community. In politics, he was independent, answering to no bosses and as head of the Maine militia, he put down a near inserection, after a disputed election, without calling out his troops. This is a great book about a great American. I highly recommend it.

4 comments about Truman and MacArthur: Policy, Politics, and the Hunger for Honor and Renown.

1. "The inside details of the clash between the President and the General and how MacArthur was fired."



2. Michael D. Pearlman's TRUMAN AND MACARTHUR: POLICY, POLITICS, AND THE HUNGER FOR HONOR AND RENOWN is yet an addition to the many published books about one of the two most misunderstood leaders in American history, Harry S. Truman and General Douglas MacArthur. And one asks, what is the difference between this book and previous ones that have examined the gripping relationship between these two men that has centered on the Korean War? This book was somewhat a labor of love on the part of Pearlman who spent several years researching his subjects, and his intention is not to debunk the myths that have already been covered. Readers will see that he is getting down to the bottom of the complex mind and personalities of Truman and MacArthur, which shows how similar they really were despite the possible hint of jealously that may have been the culprit to tensions that erupted and led to MacArthur being relieved of his duties. As with most writers and historians reexamining history, although Pearlman attests that he is looking through an objective eye and with partisan politics in mind as they applied to the hackling that occurred on the battlefield and in Washington. And one may also observe that he was reflecting on the more recent past.
   
   This is a well-documented and detailed book. The only qualm but interesting aspect about Pearlman's narrative is that he hastily discusses the politics about General MacArthur's run for the presidency. For those who lived during this part of history or have extensively studied MacArthur, it is a fact that he attempted to run for president alongside fellow five-star general, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and it is unfortunate that Pearlman did not elaborate on that topic. But another insightful part of the book is the tremendous amount of information embedded in each of the pages that show the character traits about Truman and MacArthur. Both men were avid readers of history and opposed the imminent threat of communism that infected the political climate of the 1950s and most importantly the men's involvement during the Korean War. And at an attempt to parallel Civil War history with references to Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson to Truman and MacArthur's leadership, Pearlman almost colloquially intersperses and ties it in throughout the book.
   
   Overall, TRUMAN AND MACARTHUR is clearly a book geared toward academic readers. However, that should not discount history buffs and aficionados to read the history of the Korean War and the most important aspect that involved the complex relationship between Truman and MacArthur. And now may be a good time to revisit this part of history in order to understand and learn about the past.



3. Michael D. Pearlman, PhD, an award-winning historian, surgically dissects the Truman-MacArthur confrontation in his outstanding new book, Truman & MacArthur: Policy, Politics and the Hunger for Honor and Renown. In doing so, he cuts through over fifty years of partisan mythmaking by the champions of both men to present the most accurate and in-depth account to date of what led Truman to relieve MacArthur of command on April 11, 1951 and the firestorm of controversy that act produced. Pearlman's insightful account was not written to please advocates for either Truman or MacArthur. The author set himself a different task: "My job, writing some fifty years after the fact, is not to produce another partisan polemic for one individual or the other;" in short, he did not set out - as many books on this subject have done -- to make a case for justifying the actions of either man. His meticulously documented, painstakingly researched book removes the shroud of folklore that has clouded the controversy for decades and shatters long held myths -- instead of perpetuating them. Despite the fact that any political-military-diplomatic historian of long standing could not possibly embark upon such a book without having at least some preconceptions about the principal actors, Pearlman reveals that "I no longer have certain opinions held when beginning my research several years ago" - evidence of a rare open mindedness about a subject usually dominated by fixed opinions and partisanship. The result, to borrow a well-known news network tag line, is the most "fair and balanced" presentation of this complicated, highly-nuanced civil-military crisis yet published.
   
   Pearlman does history a great service by using well documented facts to destroy the mythology surrounding the controversy, much of it purposely created by Truman and his partisan supporters in the wake of the relief in an attempt to weather the storm of public outrage and to fix the "feisty old Harry" image in the public conscious. Indeed, much of what today is presumed to be "known" about the Truman-MacArthur controversy is little more than myth or folklore, peppered with a scattering of "facts" removed from the context within which they occurred. Those who have accepted the mythology regarding MacArthur's relief and assume they know what really happened would be well advised to read Pearlman's Truman & MacArthur, the most revealing, well written account yet published about this watershed event in U. S. civil-military relations.



4. According to Michael Pearlman, Truman was one of the main reasons that MacArthur felt free to criticize the government and advance into North Korea and past Pyongyang. Truman had an overly romantic view of war and thought that his heroes Hannibal and Lee were constrained by civilian leaders. This view of military leadership made it possible for MacArthur to support the KMT government contrary to secretary of state Dean Acheson's wishes. Truman gave MacArthur further reign in Korea by letting him cross into the North Korean border and then close to the Yalu river. MacArthur was only stoped and eventually removed by Truman when after the Chinese invasion he suggested that KMT troops should become involved in the Korean War to a member of the Republican party, Joseph Martin. Truman felt that MacArthur was getting innvolved in domestic politics in which generals should avoid. The only weakness of this book is that the last fifty pages of the dragged on, but this is essential reading for those like John McCain and Robert Kaplan, who believe that the military alone should dictate military strategy.

3 comments about One Step Forward: The Life of Ken Dahlberg.

1. This is a recommended motivational and inspirational book with an aviation background. Dahlberg faces various trials and roadblocks with a positive attitude.!
   Recommended



2. ONE STEP FORWARD is the life story of Kenneth Henry Dahlberg, one of whose claims to fame is being an 9th Air Force triple ace in World War II. Yet, as revealed in this 2008 volume from I WAS THERE PRESS, Dahlberg's fighter pilot exploits were just part of a well-lived, productive life.
   
   A transplanted Wisconsinite, Dahlberg was drafted in 1941 and eventually was assigned to the 354th FG, 9th AF in England. Flying P-47s and -51s, Dahlberg downed 15 Luftwaffe aircraft, earning a DSC among other awards. Shot down three times, he was a POW for the last three months of the war. He later served in the Minnesota Air National Guard and was quite successful in business, one of his company's products being the Miracle Ear hearing aid.
   
   Dahlberg accomplished a great deal in his life. It's unfortunate authors Al Zdon and Warren Mack didn't do a better job of relating that story. In particular the section on Dahlberg's military career, which should be the most exciting part of the book, is clumsily written and shows an unfamiliarity with military life. Describing Dahlberg's first combat mission, they state he flew "plane F in the third wing." Most likely, Dahlberg was in the third FLIGHT his squadron - the 353rd FS - put up. The squadron codes for the 353rd were "FT" so the correct designation for Dahlberg's P-51 on 12 June was FT*F. Later on, they state he flew a P-47 "with the letter O on its side. Again, the correct designation is FT*O. Several times the authors refer to machine guns and gun cameras being mounted "on" the airplane's wing rather than "in" the wings. Typo...perhaps? "Bomb racks" are termed "attachments for bombs" and so on.
   
   Depending on the reader's knowledge of military aviation, the above points may pass unnoticed. Yet I do feel that section of the book is disjointed and reads poorly.
   
   So, a mixed call on ONE STEP FORWARD. I was very impressed by the life Dahlberg has led; he's a wonderful representative of the Greatest generation. It's just unfortunate the authors didn't research their subject better.
   
   *****
   Note: This book is hardcover not paperback.



3. One Step Forward The life of Ken Dahlberg
   
   
   I was not to sure what to expect from a WW II veteran's life. The story kept me interested thru out. The book is about Ken Dahlberg life from childhood to the founder of company called Miracle Ear. Oh, by the way, he was a triple ace in WW II, shot down three times and held as a prisoner of war in Germany. Ken Dahlberg is now over ninety years old with no signs of slowing down!
   My favorite part of the book is his military career. He tells about how he almost did not graduate flight school. What he thought was his last day he snapped a barrel roll in his plane. The instructor asked and Dahlberg replied he thought he failed and wanted to try it in his last day of flying a military aircraft. The instructors made him a flight instructor and finally sent him to combat.
   The description of his becoming a triple ace is remarkable. I know there are only a few triple aces. Dahlberg is pretty humble in his skills as a pilot. When he was shot down, during the Battle of the Bulge he was rescued by a tank crew. Dahlberg and the book writers went to visit the soldier who saved him sixty years later in the hospital . The soldier told his story of the rescue and later passed away from cancer.
   Dahlberg went back to France and revisited the French family that hid him from the Germans after he was shot down. In the book, there are photos of the villa, and Dahlberg with the wooden stick hut slept in.
   Most of the book is about WW II combat experience and there are parts on how he got started in business after the war. I found it amazing that Dahlberg had started with nothing and worked hard and sacrificed to become a successful business person. He never forgets the sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers made to this country.
   Reading One Step Forward the life of Ken Dahlbeg will make you understand why World War II Veterans are called the greatest generation because they gave it all for this country. The book is very excellent reading and captivating.
   
   MAJ (ret) Eric Shuler NJARNG
   OIF 2004-2005
   
   
   

5 comments about Lee Considered: General Robert E. Lee and Civil War History.

1. If a book has substantial references and documentation to specifically document controversial opinions and positions of the author, then it may make a worthwhile read. In this tome, however, Nolan provides little to no rational support for his opinions, making his efforts..., well,....trash. At least the National Inquirer gets sued if it creates defamatory material, and publishes it. Poor Marse Lee isn't with us to give Nolan the same thrashing he would receive were Nolan not too infirm himself and the subject of his scorn alive.
   
   Sadly, I can only hope that McPherson and Gallagher, who thought this book more than a cheap novel, have managed to maintain a higher degree of scholarship in their own works than does Nolan. Honestly, my problem with the book is not that it takes a negative view of Lee, otherwise, I wouldn't have bought it. My disappointment lies in the unmitigated lack of reasonable support in the record to be found in a single negative statement.
   
   Well, at least the pages of my book have found some redeeming usefulness, as what is left of the book sits next to my toilet. Damn expensive toilet paper, though.



2. this book shows the flaws of robert E lee. the author disproves many of the myth surrounding Lee about not supporting slavery and being a flawless general -eventhough he was a good general. overall, it is a good read for anyone who wants to learn about Robert E Lee.



3. Save your money, Charter assignation is the lawyers trade mark and from Alan Nolan you see his distain for the south and all southern writers; objectivity is not in his vocabulary or writing this book.
   Nolan writes in typical lawyer fashion, he does not let truth or facts get in the way of a good story.
   I am disappointed with the blatant bias of the book by someone who is attempting to write about a general in the confederate army with any degree of fairness. A law degree makes not a soldier or writer.
   Nolan makes many contradictory statements, both military and nonmilitary, which appear to be from not having an original thought and brings into question his expertise in military tactics and his ability to write objectivity as a military historian. His use of tertiary sources is least desirable way to do research and writing; but to say the people who he has scavenged the work from do not know the real Robert E. Lee is the height of conceit. In this book Nolan seems to be trying to prove historians wrong and portray Lee as some sort of war monger, which of course if far from the truth.
   Douglas S. Freeman, Nobel Prize, a Lee historian of the highest caliber, is turning over in his grave, at the attacks on his writing. Freeman's father, served honorably for the war of independence, was a great source of information for Douglas; would be greatly insulted by this book.
   His writing is excerpts form other writers books and he leaves many gaps when quoting for these writers, which leaves me to believe he is selectively taking information out of context for the purpose of demeaning the main charter.
   One would be better served to read other books on the war for southern independence before reading this book.



4. Yep, it is, in my opinion, very bad (I can hardly use the word in connection with it) "history." Knowing that I love to read Civil War history, a relative gave me this book for Christmas, 2007; I read it in a couple of days. Geez. Invalid criteria, misreading of facts and invalid analysis are, in my opinion, the hallmarks of this book. Valuing my bookshelf space, I did the right thing: I wrote my 'Thank You' note, then pitched it.
   
   Its a good thing that trees are a renewable resource.



5. If you like politically correct revisionism, then this is for you. I don't mind at all reading well reasoned essays, but when the author concludes that nothing about the historic portrayal of Robert E. Lee is accurate, that's a bit much. According to the book, Lee was not particularly honest or competent.
   When those closest to him throughout his U.S. army career, those who served closely with him during four years of war,and even his military adversaries (including President Licoln) almost universally indicated a high regard for the man, certainly he must have gotten something right. The Army of Northern Virginia held together during one of the coldest winters in the 19th century (1864-65) shivering in the trenches with little clothing or food because thousands still believed in Lee enough to continue to fight. That was certainly well before the myth of the Lost Cause was developed. I guess that those who knew him best were just too stupid to see the great "truths" this book uncovers.
   
   The fact that Lee's soldiers went home after an incredibly bitter war and that America did not turn into Northern Ireland is a tribute to Lee. The fact that Lee quicky applied for a pardon and tried to set an example to reduce sectional hatred and devoted his remaining years to educating the next generation means the poor guy could not be all bad.
   
   But you sure wouldn't know it from reading Lee Considered. I suggest that you considering buying something else.

2 comments about Rickover: Father of the Nuclear Navy (Potomac's Military Profiles).

1. If you accept the fact that this is an abbreviated biography, the quality is excellent. The more expansive biographies are worth exploring if you have the interest - and Rickover is definitely interesting. However, this is one of the finest short bios I have read. Before beginning this little jewel I had just finished reading Richard Rhodes, "The Making of the Atomic Bomb," which overlaps the beginning of the Rickover era. What a combo. Now off to "RICKOVER" by Duncan.



2. If you don't want to spend a lot of money and time to delve into Rickover's massive biographies, this small but excellent volume is the best you can find in order to have a complete picture of that important and much maligned personality of the 20th century. The authors cover every important detail of Rickover's life from his early years in Poland to the Annapolis Naval Academy, to World War II service and finally to the atomic branch of the legendary BuShips. Rickover's role in the development of the nuclear powered US Navy is fully precented, as well as his part in the civilian atomic industry and his machinations with the Congress. One of the most interesting chapters in my opinion was the one labelled "The Man" where Rickover's routine, habits and eccentricities make a really enoying read. The book contains some black and white photographs and also a reference to the more important dates of Rickover's life in chronological order.

2 comments about ONE OF OUR SUBMARINES (Pen and Sword Military Classics).

1. Edward Young was the wartime commander of HMS Storm - a British S Type Submarine. Speaking as one who has visited one of that vessel's many sister ships (HMS Stubborn - deliberately sunk off Malta in 1946 as an Asdic target), I know a little (albeit very little) of the excitement these ships are able to generate. This book vividly brings to life the work and experiences of those who took part in WW2 in such craft and it is the very combination of that war, that type of submarine and the daily events of routine, danger, deprivation and even fun, which is something at which we who enjoy the freedom for which they fought can only marvel.
   
   This is a well written book which tells a story. Though centred on the wartime life of the author, it is not a book which is just about him and his ship. It is about the people and the events which he encountered along the way. Theirs is a story which forms part, perhaps only a small part, of the huge jigsaw which was World War Two. Nevertheless, their contribution still remains a vital part of the overall war effort made all the more interesting by the way in which it is told.
   
   At over 300 pages of well written dialogue with the addition of just the right amount of photographic plates and maps, this book represents real value for money and reads better than any novel.
   
   NM



2. This is a wonderfully written factual account of lifi in British sumbarines during the Second World War. The book is written by an ex-sub. commander, with portions taked from his boats logs. His anicdones rum the gummit from witty and humorous to realy quite tragis. A must for anybody who has an intrest in naval opperations. A must for all those who have read all about the U-Boats and the US Submarine Service.

5 comments about Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War.

1. After writing the superlative "When Thunder Rolled" about his early F-105 tour in Vietnam, Ed Rasimus, one of the most literary of all pilot-authors, turns his attention to his second tour flying F-4's. The result is "Palace Cobra" and it is another masterwork of first-person combat narrative plucked from the skies of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. Although I prefer "When Thunder Rolled" (mainly due to my affection for the F-105, an affection Rasimus shares), this still needs to be high on the reading list of anyone interested in the air war in Southeast Asia.
   
   "Palace Cobra" is good at differentiating changes that occurred in the six or so years between his two combat tours. The war became more managed, and Rasimus makes the case passionately for the warrior class to be in charge of combat operations rather than the careerist administrators that so often were. In the conclusion he summarizes the lessons that were learned (at least partially) by the military in the wake of the Vietnam debacle, and thoroughly discredits Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara's idiotic "gradualization" and managerial policies that eventually allowed the ultimate North Vietnamese subjugation of the nominally less corrupt south. This book is somewhat more personality-driven than "When Thunder Rolled" and talks more about off-duty exploits as well. Some of this information is interesting, and all of it is very unvarnished. To be candid, I would have preferred fewer unseemly details of the Thai nightlife, and more of tactical operations, but that's nitpicking a heartfelt and honest book.
   
   Rasimus is a very intelligent man, and frequently presents relevant quotations as introductions or summaries of important concepts. The quotes vary from well known to obscure, but they all are perfect enhancements to his own words and artistically set the tone for what follows. My favorite two are likewise representative of the obscure and the well known:
   
   "The aircraft G-limits are only there in case there is another flight by that particular airplane. If subsequent flights do not appear likely, there are no G-limits." -Frank Chubba, fighter pilot
   
   "War is an ugly thing, but it is not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by better men than himself." -John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
   
   There is no wonder why Ed Rasimus chose that quote to begin the book's final chapter.
   
   This is a great book, and I highly recommend it.



2. Once again the author goes into combat above North Vietnam. This time in an F-4 Phantom. Although the plot is similar to his earlier book, "When Thunder Rolled", this one's different enough not to feel like a warmed-over rehash. The only thing the same is his fantastic ability to "tell it like it is". Chronologicaly, the events described came after his other book but you need not have read it to enjoy this. Along with Ken Bell's "100 Missions North" this has to be one of my favorites. You come away from it with a much better understanding of the complexities of the war from a strategic as well as tactical view. The mundane day-to-day stuff balanced with the terror they must have felt flying over the most heavily defended airspace known to man. The aircrews involved did a great job in spite of the adversities and this book tells one brave pilot's story superbly!



3. 
   Rasimus returns to Vietnam for a second tour after transitioning to F-4's. We are indebted to Rasimus for his courage and his intellect. The book is superb.
   
   The book covers the air war from the height of air war against North Vietnam and the massive B-52 raids to the dog days near the end of the war when the REMF's came to get their tickets punched. Rasimus captures it all, from the sweaty, terror filled minutes of endless Sam killing missions deep over North Vietnam to the days near the end of the war when US planes did not venture into North Vietnam. The friendly skies of South Vietnam brought out those who had avoided the air war in various Pentagon burrows to get their 201 files filled with combat flying. Rasimus sorts out the good guys like Robin Olds from the slackers with a sharp knife.
   
   What differentiates this book from many other fine books is Rasimus' intellect and writing skills . Highly recommended.



4. Whilst putting you very much in the cockpit Mr Rasimus has at the same time managed to produce a thoughtful, insightful, and instructive book that gives an excellent view of the experiences, feelings and thoughts of what it meant to be a fighter pilot in the later years of the Vietnam war. An excellent sequel to his earlier book. Highly recommended.



5. Outstanding commentary of a two tour aerial war veteran of the Vietnam
   War. We were winning every time he and I left Nam.