5 comments about Ernie Pyle's War; America's Eyewitness to World War II.

1. This is the story of an unpretentious, self effacing, little newspaper man, who once described himself as a "slightly used second hand man;" a man who through dedication, common sense, and a love for his fellow man and "the God-damned infantry," as they liked to call themselves, went on to become the pre-eminent war correspondent of World War II and likely of any other war -- past, present, or future. But, Ernie Pyle was much more than that. As the war wore on, Ernie, through his thoughtful and heart-felt reports from the European war zone became America's "everyman," a little fellow, who could be your next door neighbor, caught up in the events of war. Many of his readers came to see him more as a friend than as a reporter and, as America's situation improved, became more concerned about Ernie than they were about how the war itself was going.
   
   Once known for his somewhat mundane traveling adventures, a column which he wrote for seven years prior to the war for the Scripps-Howard Newspaper chain, Pyle's reports from North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and eventually broader Europe took on a life of their own. His column spread to other papers and to a much broader readership. But this new found fame, and the prospect of fortune, never went to Ernie's head. He said that he was too old, he was in his forties, had been a reporter too long, twenty years, and had seen too much of the war to be impressed with such things. It seemed funny to him that he should be considering a deal worth $150,000 while soldiers were dying all around him on the battlefields of Europe for only $50 a month. Ernie didn't expect to live to see war's end anyway.
   
   There was only one Ernie Pyle and it is unlikely that there will ever be another, for in his writings he caught the essence of the young men who were fighting and dying in war. His readers got to see what they saw, feel what they felt, and know what they hoped and dreamed of. And it was through his reports that the American people caught a glimpse of World War II and what their sons were going through.
   
   This is a remarkably good book about a remarkable man; well researched and well told. In it, you will get meet the real Ernie Pyle and read some of the writings which won him praise and eventually the Pulitzer Prize. Among them are four of his finest: A Forward Airdrome in French North Africa (pg. 71); In the shadow of the low stone wall (pg. 133); Now to the infantry (pg. 262); and A Pure Miracle (pg. 271).



2. This is a fascinating book, and this from a reader more into fiction than historical biography - but the best fiction writer would be hard pressed to come up with a character like Ernie Pyle.
   
   A page turning look into World War II from someone who could have been your neighbor but was far more than what you would have expected.
   
   I have no idea why a modern rendition of this story has not hit the big screen - it seems a natural, captivating story that would educate as well as entertain.



3. this must be THE book to read on war - what it's really like in all of its aspects - his description of the beach, after D-Day was gripping and haunting and it has stayed with me many years later -
   
   and how he relates the everyday and ordinary in war -
   
   and how, in any group or organization, it's often a small percentage of the people who are carrying the load - that's just one example of the many insights and truths in this book that relate to all of life, not just life in a war zone -
   
   and it is a great book for anyone to read - a stunning life achievement for ernie pyle -



4. James Toban has written a stunning book in "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II". Toban has succeeded in giving readers the rare opportunity to see the human frailties concealed within one of America's greatest and most valuable World War II correspondents.
   
   James Toban present a picture of the complex Ernie Pyle; a man that entered the World War II carrying only a broken Remington typewriter and a deep desire to describe the life and hardships of the horrific world of the infantrymen to the American public. The reader will learn of the contradictory Ernie Pyle. The Ernie Pyle who despised war, but who could not stay away from the physical and emotional anguish of battle. The Ernie Pyle who loved his wife, but who continually left her behind to travel to the front lines. Ernie Pyle, the seemingly frail and terrified journalist who demonstrated his bravery by traveling to the front lines to be with and write about "his boys". Ernie Pyle, a genius for writing about the common soldier, but who needed constant reminding that he was the best at what he did. His articles became legendary and the hope and news link for Americans with loved ones in the front lines.
   
   James Toban's "Ernie Pyle's War: America's Eyewitness to World War II " is a must read for World War II readers and all readers who wish to know about the human spirit and about a plain old fashion brave American.



5. "Ernie Pyle's War" by James Tobin was a thorough read. Tobin described Pyle down to the very last detail, uncovering almost every aspect of his life. After reading this book, the reader had a clear view into Pyle's mind and was able to recognize the feelings he possessed about his professional and private life. The way Tobin intertwined Pyle's messages home with biographical details along with interviews of acquaintances, made this story an easy read. "Ernie Pyle's War" earned five "stars."
   Tobin's style of writing was one reason this book was so effective. He used partial quotes from Pyle to title his chapters, which brought an immediate sense of intimacy to the story. Tobin began the book with a chronological introduction to Pyle. This style of writing, although typical for biographies, was well suited for this story and not at all cliché. Readers were able to become acquainted with Pyle as a young man and then mature along with him as he grew into an established adult. By describing Pyle as a young man, readers were able to understand more clearly why he was the way he was as an adult.
   Tobin used vivid descriptions to paint a picture of Pyle in the minds of the readers. This was an important aspect because Pyle's physical demeanor was one of the main problems and/or benefits in his life. As a child and young adult, his size hindered his relationships. But, as a war correspondent, the people saw Pyle as more of a hometown boy rather than a studious journalist. This added to his success as a war correspondent.
   After transitioning into Pyle's career as a war correspondent, the story line became more tedious. Pyle was in and out of combat and the surface facts of his life were boring. Tobin, understanding the paleness of biographical data, used Pyle's messages home to spice up the story. Like most people, Pyle's life was not what it seemed to be. Besides leading a "glorified" life as a war correspondent, he had major problems at home. Tobin showed the audience this by weaving together Pyle's biographical information with the messages he sent home. This gave the reader a sense of what Pyle was actually feeling. Using these messages instead of his columns allowed reader's to see the "real" Pyle.
   Tobin uncovered personal feelings about his professional and personal life, which gave the reader a feeling of empathy toward Pyle. Showing that he did not feel like an outstanding reporter, let readers see Pyle was human. Tobin successfully showed the man behind the pen by opening up Pyle's mind to the audience. He did this by using Pyle's own letters and messages home that contained intimate details of his life. Without the added touch of Pyle's actual writing, the story would have failed to be as successful.

5 comments about Operatives, Spies, and Saboteurs: The Unknown Story of the Men and Women of World War II's OSS.

1. I was very satisified with the condition of the book when I got it and how quickly I received it.



2. It is a very valuable piece of historic mosaic.
   
   E.g. one of many fascinating parts is how blatant were Soviet spies in the State Department when they torpedoed any effort by OSS to obtain intelligence on the Soviet Union.
   
   However, the presentation is too dry and too fragmented in my view.



3. This book was not only entertaining it was also informative. The book discusses an area of WWII that has not been fully covered. The descriptive stories and tales almost make you feel you were there.



4. Where are they now?
   
   Where are people like 'Wild Bill' Donovan, Corporal Drake, Elizabeth Pack, Moe Berg today? We need them in the 'War on Terror.' Instead we have the 'Keystone Cops.' Today we spy on Americans, perhaps because don't have enough intelligence agents who speak Arabic.
   
   In early August, 2001 - a month before Sept. 11, the Keystone Cops of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. were offered intelligence that Osama bin Laden and Al Queda were planning `something.' They turned a blind eye and deaf ear. After Sept 11 they said "Figure out how Saddam did this."
   
   This book is criticized by other reviewers for offering the facts but little context and less analysis. However, you could also say that it provides the facts, as remembered by the men and women of the OSS, and invites us to draw our own conclusions.
   
   There are between the lines criticisms.
   
   "OSS's first African American operator, a Corporal Drake.... Drake's membership in the OSS was purely happenstance since OSS, like the rest of America's armed forces, had not been integrated."
   
   "Only 143 Americans died in the line of duty.... However, hundreds of foreigners were killed while working for the OSS."
   
   And a singularly subtle reminder of who we fought.
   
   "German intelligence dismissed the group as `a perfect picture of the mixture of races and characters in that savage conglomeration called the United States.'"
   
   O'Donnell's book is a good read for a plane, beach, or weekend. The anecdotal style makes it easy to put down. The pace and content make you pick it up again and again to read thru and review.



5. This book has a wealth of information. With so much, the author managed to organize everything in a sensible manner. The information builds on previous chapters. It can be hard to remember, but the author does manage to add some reminders.

3 comments about AIR COMBAT AT 20 FEET: SELECTED MISSIONS FROM A STRAFER PILOT'S DIARY.

1. I am not a big fan of war stories at all. I was skeptical when my grandfather handed me this book as a must read. Not only did it give me a better understanding of my bomber-pilot grandfather but it has also granted me an insiders view into war and the type of American courage it takes to be a hero and success in our armed forces. As a late-twenties/early-thirties it is a must read to understand war in the past and future tense.



2. I couldn't put the book down! It is almost unimaginable the narration Garrett Middlebrook shares in this book of incredible stories taken from his personal journals, written during his tour of duty in the South Pacific during WWII. One of America's unbelievably tenacious and youthful pilots, at the age of 23, he heroically flies his plane against all odds, with a youthful crew, some in their teens, to defend and protect the freedom of America against a relentless and unmerciful enemy, and in riveting detail he puts you in the seat of his B-25 Stafer to experience the pressure, fear and tragedy of war. It will absolutely mesmerize you.



3. Garrett Middlebrook has written a detailed, gut-wrenching tale of the amazing feats of his B-25 strafer unit and their long and dangerous missions over New Guinea in 1942 and 1943, before Guadalcanal! The heroism of these men, flying under dangerous conditions with battered equipment, is simply remarkable. Middlebrook does not tell you this, however. He shows it and you feel like you are in the plane with him.

1 comments about Grant's Lieutenants: From Chattanooga to Appomattox (Modern War Studies).

1. Good collection of essays on Grant's subordinates. Interesting interpretation of O.C. Ord's career, of which I knew nothing. Nature of the writing precluded much in depth analysis or tactical detail of the various officers' battles/operations. Combined with Grant's Lieutenants, Vol 1, the book provides a good introduction to the war under Grant.

5 comments about Lieutenant Ramsey's War: From Horse Soldier to Guerrilla Commander (Memories of War).

1. Firsthand accounts of the war against Japan are not as common as those from Europe. Even more rare are the accounts of covert actions against the Japanese. This book is just that; a rare example of a real jungle warrior.
   
   In another time, one might have suspected the author might have lived a more charmed life. He had plans of playing polo and chasing after girls that liked to be caught. But those plans were interrupted by Japan's invasion of the Philippine Islands. What follows is a firsthand account of Lt. Ramsey's war time experiences.
   
   One of the most memorable passages deals with Ramsey's description of his Calvary charge. This description might very well the only written account of the last horseback charge in the history of the US military. While such skills have been displayed in places like Afghanistan...today's Calvary turned in their horses for armored vehicles and aircraft.
   
   Of particular interest are the outstanding descriptions of war-time cities and the cloak and dagger arrangements that were required to manage thousands of revolutionaries fighting the Japanese. By the time the war was over Ramsey had his own private army. This was no small task and McArthur himself recognized Ramsey for his efforts with promotions and awards.
   
   One of the more important parts of the book concerns the names of many of the soldiers who fought a similar covert war in the Philippines. Some of these men were captured, tortured and killed in the line of duty. In a way, this book stands as a memorial to those soldiers who's names are often overlooked but who are true national heroes to two nations.



2. This IS A FANTASTIC BOOK. Not only as a autobiography, BUT AS A RECORD of HISTORY. Ed Ramsey tells the story of his experiences in the 26th Calvary in the Philippines during World War II. He was the man who lead the last Horse Calvary Charge against the Japanese. Ed tells his story in glorious detail. He shares his inner most thoughts and emotions. Teaching us how a young Lt. learned how to become the leader of an army of secret agents, jungle fighters and saboteurs. Something he had never come in contact with before. He made it up as he went. Some of his decisions had to be harsh if he was to survive. This book opens up to us a world which little was known about before, and because of that heros went unacknownledged and villians undespised. But we will not forget them now because of you Col. Ramsey. Thank you for what you did then and thank you for what you have written now. You are an American Hero in the true sense of the word.



3. Too self aggrandizing -- not objective and contradicts some of what other guerillas have written.



4. Col. Ramsey, on foot in the junlges of the Philippines, with only the help of the kind Philippine people----puts war in human terms and visions I can relate to. People suffer with death, starvation, torn off body parts, and disease. Horrible. As a teacher I may use this book to tap into my student's 'schema,' or mental map, to help them visulize the realities of war as being the dreadful scarifice it is, rather that some sort of unreal view of war as a "star wars" game.



5. From 1960-64 I worked with Ramsay almost daily as a member of the US Embassy in Tokyo while he was VP for Hughes Aircraft in Tokyo. Hughes and two other US companies were bidding on a large joint US/Japan air weapons control project that Hughes in 1963 won. During this time he never once mentioned his guerrila activites during WW II except except a for small clue when he got for my wife and me a Visa during a visit by him to the PI Embassy to visit Clark after the PI govt had refused them through regular channels. During the visit to Clark I asked a number of citizens if they had heard of Ed Ramsay and with little exception they said he was a National Hero. After reading a summary of Lt Ramsay's War in the Readeer's Digest I obtained the un-abridged version and agree with the comments of others about his disclipine and dedication to his country he exhibited in setting up and operating a highly effective guerilla force in the Philippines at great risk to himself and those that worked with him. The book has now been republished and is well worth reading.
   Bill Millis

5 comments about German Fighter Ace Erich Hartmann: The Life Story of the Worlds Highest Scoring Ace.

1. 
   This book was a gift for my husband who is interested in World War II German pilots. He enjoyed the written material and the wonderful photographs. I also enjoyed it. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn more about E. Hartmann and his life story.
   
   Bonnie Abendschoen



2. Erich Hartmann was so much more than the world's highest scoring fighter pilot. He was a man of great strength and character who was not in the least afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. This excellent book is filled with pictures and commentary from fellow pilots and a loving wife about an amazing individual. A must-read for any WW II aviation enthusiast. I couldn't put it down, so read it cover to cover in a day. This was easy due to the many high quality photographs with captions.



3. If you are wanting to read about the life of Erich Hartmann, then this book isn't for your. If you want to SEE an intimate, historic look into his life presented by the one person who knew him best, then this book definitely is for you. "The Blonde Knife of Germany" remains the best history of the World's Top Ace, so this is where to learn more of Hartmann's life. However, I think Ursula's book is a must have and fantastic companion book with "The Blonde Knight". The two belong together on your bookshelf, and you won't be disappointed. Hey, another fine product of Schiffer Publishing!



4. I readed it the same way I can look at a family album. The illustrations Ursula choosed to represent her husband, are surprisingly intimate.Throught out the book, I felt very close to Erich Hartmann. I can only admire that man who fought all is life for Germany against the Soviet Union. It's also amasing to think that just before he died, he saw the downfall of the soviet regime and the reunification of Germany. So until the end, he is a true winner! There is only one edition of that book and it's getting hard to find. I strongly advise anibody who's passionate about history and the german military aviation to purchase this precious and unique book.



5. For those familiar with Erich Hartmann and would rather see him than read about his life, this is your book. Text is limited.

5 comments about James Longstreet: The Man, The Soldier, The Controversy.

1. This is an interesting--albeit uneven--edited volume on General James Longstreet, one of the best corps commanders in the Civil War. In any edited volume, there is apt to be some unevenness in the contributions. Just so, this volume.
   
   However, there are some very interesting essays that warrant careful reading. The chapter on Longstreet as a modern soldier is quite interesting; the author of this chapter makes an assertion that Longstreet had a more modern perpsective on war and combat than many of his contemporaries. The chapter on Chickamauga gives considerable detail on his attack in depth. Even though Union errors created a gap into which Longstreet, by luck, had aimed his assault, his disposition of forces was extremely well done.
   
   Perhaps the best chapter explores Longstreet's selection of and use of staff in his corps. The points that he was better than most at deployinf staff resources is well made here.
   
   All in all, a nice addition to one's Civil War library.



2. As an avid Longstreet admirer and biographer so to speak, books on Pete strike very rare and shows the creeping comeback of this man's stellar record.
   
   A very early book of Longstreet was written in the 1930's called "General James Longstreet: My Old Warhorse". This book showed the south's view of the man still as very bitter toward his after war activities--which in turn turned to badgering his war record.
   
   As the years have gone by, Longstreet's memory has grown to be more respected, either by research by an individual or by the 3 or 4 books that have been published since that 1930's time period which detract many of the ant-Longstreet cabul.
   
   Lt. General James Longstreet served in the Confederate Army in high command positions from 1861-1865, from Manassas to Appomattox. "Old Pete" (nickname) became known as Lee's "Old War Horse" and the best fighter and corps commander in the Army.
   
   Despite a distinguished military record and several brilliant victories where his prescience, strategic vision and well-executed tactics saved the Army of Northern Virginia from certain destruction, General Longstreet was unfairly scapegoated and blamed for the loss of Gettysburg (and the war itself) for many years after the conflict.
   
   Within the past decade historians and Civil War experts have refocused their attention on Longstreet with a view toward rehabilitating his reputation with a more balanced assessment. Various programs, roundtable groups and memorial funds emerged as a consequence of the Longstreet "revival," culminating with the unveiling of a Longstreet statue on Seminary Ridge at Gettysburg in July 1998.
   
   Despite these good efforts there remains a strong sentiment among Longstreet's modern-day admirers that more can and should be done to rectify the wrongs heaped upon "Old Pete" and his family for the sake of honesty and decency in the treatment of heroic (if controversial) figures and American History itself.
   
   Just as these negative, media-driven barrages took a toll on Longstreet and his family and countless other Americans, we are all reduced by these vicious, orchestrated falsehoods. Our history becomes distorted and truth becomes a casualty. Moreover, we as a nation are nullifying, even negating the enormous sacrifices made by our ancestors, particularly the noble soldiers like Longstreet, if we permit the erasure from history of their lives and achievements --the actions which have created our current bounty.
   
   James Longstreet's life encompassed much of the tumultuous nineteenth century. As a West Point-trained officer, Longstreet served with distinction in the Mexican War and matured with the young nation's Manifest Destiny, honing his military skills in the rough wilds of the West. Longstreet knew the frontier and its values, and he drew strength and vision from his experience which served him well in the Civil War and beyond.
   
   Longstreet's struggles with the exigencies of the South's military situation and his acute awareness of broad facets of the interlocking tragedy which unfolded after Appomattox did not inoculate him from one of American history's cruelest outbreaks of scapegoating and ostracism through which he endured an unrelenting barrage of personal attacks on his military record and beliefs. For nearly four decades Longstreet stood against the ill winds, did his duty, and helped the country grow into an industrial power.
   
   Serious students of American history need to understand Longstreet's life, especially after his last great battle at The Wilderness (where he was nearly killed by accidental wounding) -- what happened to him and why it happened to gain a fuller understanding of what has transpired in the past one hundred and thirty-five years. There are profound lessons for all of us in understanding Longstreet, his travails and times.
   
   This book--which is the most new addition to the Longstreet collection comes through as a "Gallagher essay" type format where various authors from Dinardo, to Nofi, to Piston, to Wert, all chip in with new and original essays on the man--Lee's Old War Horse.
   
   Regards,
   Cory



3. This book is a collection of essays much like Gary Gallagher does for his Civil war battle series. The book starts with an explanation of how Longstreet became the scapegoat for the south engineered by the post war attacks of former VA. officers some of which were not held in high esteem during the war. Suffering from this malignment, Longstreet's place in history has not been very kind or in some cases accurate. The authors cover Longstreet's career describing him as a modern general in thinking strategicaly about inside lines of communication utilizing railroads and concentrating forces against a stronger foe. Essays include Longstreet at not only Gettysburg but Chickamauga, the latter being the last great southern victory. Wert covers the controversial aspects of Longstreet's role at Gettysburg and puts the bed any thoughts of the infamous but false allegation of a "sunrise attack order". A fascinating essay is DiNardos comparison of the staffs of Longstreet's and Jackson's where Longstreet's staff come off as more professional with many receiving independent commands. Piston covers Longstreet in the antebellum prewar army where favoritism and connections were ripe and in the final essay covers Longstreet place in Southern History where he was succesfully vilified by Jubal Early.



4. DiNardo and Nofi have compiled a group of essays that fairly critique the different periods of the life of General James Longstreet. While the authors of these essays address the strengths of Lee's "Old War Horse", they also point out areas where the general could have made better decisions. The authors take a very scholarly approach to attacks made on General Longstreet and are able to refute many of the attacks made by the anti-Longstreet movement. If you are looking for a book that gives a balanced view of a great Civil War general and that succeeeds in trying to set the record straight, look no further. "James Longstreet-The Man, the Soldier, the Controversy" is an outstanding book.

   Steve Galligan




5. DiNardo and Nofi have compiled a group of essays that fairly critique the different periods of the life of General James Longstreet. While the authors of these essays address the strengths of Lee's "Old War Horse", they also point out areas where the general could have made better decisions. The authors take a very scholarly approach to attacks made on General Longstreet and are able to refute many of the attacks made by the anti-Longstreet movement. If you are looking for a book that gives a balanced view of a great Civil War general and that succeeeds in trying to set the record straight, look no further. "James Longstreet-The Man, the Soldier, the Controversy" is an outstanding book.

   Steve Galligan

No comments about Log Book: A Pilot's Life.

5 comments about When Hell Was in Session.

1. With the passing of time, it is too easy to forget the sacrifices that members of the US military make for the residents of the United States and the free world. Of all the men most mistreated in the history of the US, the Prisoners of War in North Vietnam suffered most grievously, and for the longest period of time. Here Jeremiah Denton, a navy pilot at the time, and future US Senator, chronicles his captivity in North Vietnam. This is one of the best books written on the subject, as he never enhances the story, and reveals his faults and fears candidly. Rarely has a more modest and well grounded man been treated so brutally for so long with so much mental and emotional strength.
   
   Denton was launched in his A-6 from the USS Independence on his fateful flight while being observed by Robert McNamara who was there on a fact-finding junket. Needless to say most military members and especially pilots loathed and disrespected McNamara and his insane ideas about warfare, but did their best in spite of obstacles erected by both North Vietnam and Washington. For his trouble that day, Denton was singled out by his captors for extra torture as he was "sent by McNamara personally", and was, like all captured American fliers, a "war criminal."
   
   Throughout the book, Denton returns to the theme of self-discipline and the Code of Conduct. Never have men endured more torture and been more selfless and noble: this book gives a glimpse into what makes these men so great. Men like Denton, Leo Thorsness, Bud Day, Robbie Risner, Jim Stockdale, Everett Alvarez, and, yes, John McCain kept the faith under conditions far worse than anyone who wasn't there can imagine for the good of the United States and the American way of life. Free people everywhere should be eternally grateful to all these men.
   
   This book is harrowing and sad, but is also unexpectedly uplifting as it reveals the power of the human spirit to endure even when things appear darkest. Denton mentions several quotations that inspired him throughout his life, but my favorite is early in the book when he quotes an anonymous man who said "The greatest heroes known are those that are afraid to go; but go." Never have truer words been spoken. The book gives insight into how to survive physical, but more importantly, mental and psychological torture, and emphasizes the spiritual thinking required in a time of such duress. Sadly, after coming back to the US, Denton was confronted with changes in the fabric of society that saddened and disappointed him: the sixties ravaged our society while he was a POW, with an especially strong toll on families and youth. For this reason Denton has devoted himself to the cause of the American family with a greater vigor than anyone I can recall. I thought that his endurance as a POW would be the thing I admired most about Denton, but after reading this book it is clear that there is so much more to him.
   
   I cannot recommend this book more highly. Though it grimly reveals the inhumanity that human beings can show each other, it presents a calling for all of us to be better people every day. If men like Jeremiah Denton can make it through a Vietnamese POW camp, surely the trials most of us face on a daily basis will seem trivial indeed.
   
   Thank you, Senator Denton.



2. And I just came upon it by accident at a friend's house in his "Shaklee Store" in his basement back in the early 80's. It was just sitting over to the side on top of some other books. I historically have Never purchased a book "because, well, it just looked interesting". In this instance, however, I did. It changed my whole outlook on life. There was a one page magazine advertisement that one of Denton's "Hotel mates" (Everett Alvarez) did for Phillip Morris after he had returned to the U.S. and became successful. It talked about "everything tasting better" and "smelling better" in Freedom and that "nothing in life was a problem" (or something to that effect) after what he had gone through and survived. That advertisement and the book "When Hell Was in Session" should be required reading for every high school and college social studies class.



3. This book is intensely disturbing, gut-wrenching and horrific... That being said, it may sound cliche, but Jeremiah Denton provides an entirely new insight into what our servicemen have endured for our country -- what he went through will hit you hard. I dare anyone to read this book and not come away a changed person in some way...



4. I was impressed by Denton's horrifying experiences as a POW in Hanoi for 7+ years. He accurately describes the torture he and his fellow POWs experienced for several years before the tides of war slowly changed in the early '70s which lessened the tortures they were receiving. You, as a reader, are right there with Denton in his cell as he learns the tap codes and other methods of communication; how he is horribly punished and tortured for communicating and not cooperating. One has to ask oneself, "How would I have handled this situation?" To be locked in Alcatraz for several years in solitary confinement and wondering how to cope with it...what would YOU do?
   
   I had seen the film of Denton's return in the movie, Dear America: Letters Home from Viet Nam and never really understood his horrible times in the Hanoi Hilton. Now, I do. A treasure of a read to add to any library. The only drawback...not enough maps to put his location in perspective.
   
   Nevertheless, fascinating. In the words of his captors, "Shut mouth. Read book!"



5. This is one of the best books I've ever read. I have so much respect for Denton and the prisoners of war he was held in captivity with for over 7 years. It amazes me that anyone could survive within that environment. These soldiers helped each other survive under great distress -- even while many of them were in solitary confinement and their story is amazing. This book isn't just a recap of Denton's experience; it contains deeply thoughtful content throughout the book about love, patriotism, encouragement and more. There is much wisdom contained in this book. I learned a lot and highly recommend it to others.

No comments about The Colored Cadet at West Point: Autobiography of Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper, U. S. A., First Graduate of Color from the U. S. Military Academy (Blacks in the American West).