No comments about Adventures of a Motorcycle Despatch Rider During the First World War.

1 comments about Beyond the Medal: A Journey from Their Hearts to Yours.

1. This book was truely inspirational. It made you laugh and cry. It amazed me how humble these living heroes are! I realize now how trivial some of my problems are. As a country we are blessed by there presence and should follow the lessons they teach. God Bless Them All!

2 comments about In the Footsteps of Robert E. Lee (In the Footsteps Series).

1. In The Footsteps Of Robert E. Lee by Civil War history buff Clint Johnson is both a comprehensive travel guide to many historical sites connected to the Civil War Southern general Robert E. Lee, as well as a collection of stories that reveal the importance each site had with regard to Lee's character. From Harpers Ferry in West Virginia to the famous court house at Appomattox, In The Footsteps Of Robert E. Lee is a comprehensive, "user friendly" guidebook filled with the most fascinating bits of historical trivia. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the career of this amazingly skilled Civil War general and memorable historical figure.



2. Armchair historians and civil war enthusiasts, it's again time to arise from your La-Z-Boy recliners and hit the Civil War trail. This time you will follow in the footsteps of Marse Roberts from his birth through his early days in the army to visiting the White House in 1869 when he payed a brief visit to President Grant.

   With 11 states, Washington D.C. and the brief inclusion of sites in Mexico you will need to spend several weeks going from site to site. However, the author breaks down the trips by state and gives excellent directions that will keep even the novice historian from loosing his way. You will be taken to several larger, well-known sites in West Virginia and Virginia as well as many smaller sites within these states and distant states such as Texas, Missouri and Florida.

   Many have been to Sharpsburg, Manassas or perhaps South Mountain but it's doubtful that few have made it Stratford Hall where Lee was born. Therefore, it's fitting that the book starts out at Stratford Hall and gives brief insight into the life and lack of homeownership by Lee. From his birth in 1807 to his death in 1870, he never owned a single place of residence. He slept at his parents' home, army barracks, his wife's inherited house, and several homes borrowed from individuals during and after the war. He never paid out of pocket for any property on which he resided.
   
   The research within these pages is top notch and gives the reader some excellent side bar material to whet his or her appetite for more on Robert E. Lee. The descriptions are concise and to the point and give just enough detail to allow the reader to understand how the specific location played a key role in shaping young Lee or perhaps how it effected his overall battle strategy in his later years. The accounts are well done and not overly detailed giving the average reader a nice foundation for a beginning study on Lee. The chapters are well laid out, state by state, but in order to keep this data from filling several volumes it does not include every little site associated with Lee. Not to worry, the author chose wisely and the selected material flows quite nice.
   
   In going through this work the reader will enjoy his or her journey into Lee's past with stops along the way at several key historic areas. This is not a paperback for the hard-nosed historian, but well-done research for those interested in following in "The Footsteps of Robert E. Lee". Mr. Johnson has done it again and I highly recommend this book!

1 comments about A Thoroughly Canadian General: A Biography of General H.D.G. Crerar.

1. General H.D.G. Crerar is one of Canada's greatest military heroes of the twentieth century, and sadly too often overlooked as a choice for military autobiography reading lists. "A Thoroughly Canadian General: A Biography of H.D.G. Crerar" is the story of this underrated figure in twentieth century military history. The controversial general is examined in and out through this history, including his views on using the Canadian military as a symbol of the Canadian identity and its civic responsibility, and the role of the Canadian military on the world stage. Highly recommended for Canadian military historians, and community library military history shelves in general.

1 comments about A Tiger by the Tail.

1. A year in the life of TSgt Wayne Babb at Ramasun Station, Thailand circa 1973-74 in the 6924th Security Squadron USAF.
   Ramasun Station. It sounds kind of romantic doesn't it? It was. Exotic location, tropical weather, friendly natives and the best base in southeast asia even if it was run by the Army. I was there in 1974-75 and I knew sergeant Babb. He was one of my instructors at Goodfellow AFB and then I met him again at Ramasun. I was surprised to find that he has become a prolific author upon retiring from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant. I did not know him as well as I should have because I was on Able flight and he was in charge of Baker flight and also I was a little afraid of him. Don't get me wrong, he was a good guy and an excellent instructor. Thinking back to tech school days, he was interesting, funny, demanding and you DID NOT want to tick him off. At Ramasun he was even more so. When you read the book you'll know what I mean. Reading this book brought back lots of great memories since I knew most of the characters in it, including most of his Baker Flight boys. Baker flight was the best and everybody knew it but we were not jealous because they were a great bunch of guys with great leadership. Tim Bergauer and Kenner Horton, two of the smartest and funniest guys I ever met. Add EZ Don Eade, Bear Hunt and Sergeant Babb and this flight just had to be good. And fun. So is this book. I can't swear that everything in it is true but as they say in Hollywood, it is based on actual events. Wayne Babb has written the only books that I know of that detail what the USAF Security Service did during the cold war and my hat is off to him.
   Here's to Ramasun Station and the 6924th, Baker flight and my old Able flight buddies wherever you are. Those were the days.

4 comments about Tours of Duty: World War II Veterans' Personal Stories.

1. Nurse Ellie Bertrand's "Tours of Duty" is an exceptional accounting in first person voices of what it must have been like to serve in WW II. There is immediacy and truth in the many stories of the men she includes in the book. If you want to know how it was on Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinian, the Battle of the Bulge, etc. how it really was to think your next breath might be your last, yet continue to do your job for yourself, your buddies, your country, you'll find it here. A great read!
   Dr. Jerry Brooker



2. Ms. Bertrand has captured the soul of the Greatest Generation with her frequently heart-wrenching book of World War II veterans' stories. During her years of travel as a nurse with Military Historical Tours, the tour agency which specializes in taking veterans back to their battle sites, Ms. Bertrand collected wartime memories and lasting friendships. Now, as these World War II veterans pass into the winter of their years, Ms. Bertrand has gone one step further and put into print the kind of warmth and caring that these veterans had come to appreciate in person. As a real heir to the best tenets of the Greatest Generation she does them further service by revealing to future generations how our veterans can and should be befriended and honored. While her book is a definite "keeper", I plan to place a copy of Ms. Bertrand's book instead of a flower at the World War II Memorial on my next visit to our nation's capital.
   Rebecca M. Jackson



3. Tours of Duty just 'gets it.' My father was a POW in Oflag 64 and endured the hardships of loss of liberty and freedom. Eleanor Bertrand captures all the inside feelings of this life as well as tells of Abe Baum's gallant efforts to carry out his orders.
   
   I believe she has brought to life the best of "If not me, then who: If not now the when?" The military persons picked represent America and how better to learn than to read about their lives in Tours of Duty.
   
   George Patton Waters



4. Whatever your station in life, Tours of Duty will touch you. In its pages Eleanor gives us a warm understanding of those who gave their hearts to us in defense of our nation. It is personal, touching, and accurate.
   This is a keeper, one you will want to share with family and friends.
   Bill Broach
   Retired Navy flyer, P3 F/E
   Retired airline pilot, L188, DC8, Boeing 727

No comments about From Blue to Gray: The Life of Confederate General Cadmus M. Wilcox.

5 comments about A "Guest" of the Confederacy The Civil War Letters and Diaries of Alonzo M. Keeler, Captain, Company B, Twenty-second Michigan Infantry.

1. Excellent! Well defined, well written, and precise in the accounts of A. M. Keeler during the American Civil War, pre, during and post the war. The Allen's put heart and soul into this book, and is simply a must read for any and all Civil War historians. We all read, we all study, and we all try to remember, but without a good story-line we forget, this book makes the imprint, and the feel for what took place at the time. The book compliments the historical regiment known as the Michigan 22nd. Douglas M. Casamer, Author "The Michigan 22nd Infantry and the Men Who Served".



2. I have never been a student of American history and have regretted that fact many times. Reading this greatly researched and well written book was just wonderful for someone like me. I have loved reading every detail of Keeler's confinement.There were a lot of facts that surprised me such as his family and friends sending him money, food and other items. It must have been extremely difficult for them to accomplish that in those times.
   I graduated from Armada Agricultural High School and was so surprised to find out that he taught there after his service. It was exciting to read names and places that are familiar to me having grown up in Macomb County.
   Write another book,Bob and Cheryl!!



3. An easy read, this day by day account of the life of Captain Alonzo M. Keeler, a "Guest" of the Confederacy, paints a vivid picture of a Michigan soldier's experiences in a Confederate prison camp.
   William & Muriel Beltz, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable



4. Any serious study of a battle or regiment is enhanced when the conditions the troops fought under can be included. Because so much time was spent in camp as compared to actual time spent in battle, to understand how the weather, terrain and health of the soldiers contributed to the outcome, adds depth and texture to the strategies of military maneuvers. Bob and Cherie Allen have brought together Captain Alonzo Keeler's diary, letters and speeches to the GAR to provide us with just such a look into the daily life of a 22nd Michigan Union Officer. Captain Keeler's own words illustrated the highs and lows of his confinement in Libby prison and, after the war, his return to civilian life. His depth of feeling and dedication to his regiment never wavered. This book is a great companion piece to anyone studying battles involving the 22nd Michigan.
   -Bill Grandstaff, Facilitator, Israel B. Richardson Civil War Roundtable



5. Very well written. The investigation and detail show the author's extensive knowledge of the Civil War. The many original diary entries show this book's authenticity and helps you to empathize with the emotions of Keeler as well as the many trials that the soldiers faced on a daily basis.
   
   Great for the history buff who wants factual details about the Civil War.

1 comments about Captain of the 95th (rifles) An officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters during the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo campaigns of the Napoleonic wars.

1. Captain of the 95th (rifles) An officer of Wellington's Sharpshooters during the Peninsular, South of France and Waterloo campaigns of the Napoleonic wars provides a fine gentleman's view of life as a Captain in Wellington's campaigns. Illustrates the narrow view of the world and British society in the early 1800s. Do not expect much action. Provides an interesting companion to the Richard Sharpe series.

1 comments about More Than a Uniform: A Navy Woman in a Navy Man's World.

1. Captain Collins gives a very interesting and insightful look into the early trials of Women in the US Navy. Unfortunately one is left with the impression that this nerrative is a little short sided (like Captain Collins claim that she doesn't know of anyone discharged for being Lesbian in all her time in the WAVES.) That being said, the Captain is an inspiring woman and the book is a very nice read. If you are interested in WWII, or women in the Navy, this is a must read, due to the fact that the author is such an influancial figure in the time.