Customer Reviews:
Concise History of an overlooked Civil War Brigade.......2000-07-06
Never Were Men So Brave by Susan Provost Beller, 1998. This is a short book, (98 pages) intended for a younger audience, while providing a well-written and very complete history of this famous unit. Any person of Irish descent would be happy to own this book. Susan Beller records the glory garnered by the Irish Brigade in some of the most decisive and heaviest battles in the Civil War. Ms. Beller addresses the proven bravery displayed by the actions of the Irish Brigade, (made up of the 69th New York, 63rd NY, 88th NY and the 29th Massachusetts) at decisive battles, and she gives vivid descriptions of the actions of the Brigade through some important characters such as General Thomas Meagher (pronounced MAAAHer). For example, at the bloodiest single day in American history, September 17th 1862, Susan Beller not only tells the story of the vital contribution of the Irish Brigade at the "Bloody Lane", but tells how, when they ran out of ammunition, the Irish Brigade "right-shouldered arms" and marched away in good order from the enemy. She also describes how shaken General Meagher was when his horse was shot and subsequently fell on the General. In this brief book, Ms. Beller provides a complete synopsis of the life of the Irish rebel, Meagher, from his early days in Ireland to his exile in Australia and finally his escape and settlement in America. She also describes important historical events, such as the famous "general absolution" given by Chaplain William Corby. Either one of these individuals would make a fine central character in a movie about the "Irish Brigade"; .... The Irish Brigade, as Ms Beller relates, was involved in some of the most important Civil War battles, and were so effective that it caused Confederate General Robert E. Lee to state, "Never were men so brave", from which the author draws her title. Perhaps Mel Gibson might consider such a movie
Irish Suppression With A Little Civil War Mixed In.......1998-08-15
"Never Were Men So Brave" is a "nice" effort for the sixth or seventh grader looking for general information on Irish emigration in the 1840's or about the American Civil War at the unit level. But a high school term paper it isn't. Ms. Beller's book in no way approaches the detail satisfying those interested in reading regimental or brigade histories (e.g., "The Iron Brigade" by Nolan; "The Last Full Measure" by Moe). The book begins with an elementary -- clearly pro-Irish -- summary of 800 years of Irish Catholic persecution at the hands of the English. This is a subject unto itself, and Beller's cursory treatment is neither thorough or balanced.
The history of the Irish Brigade (63rd, 69th, and 88th New York and 29th Massachusetts) in the Civil War emerges as nearly an afterthought -- absent of detail or depth, leaving the reader hungry for more. Judging by the bibliography, Beller appears to have had the background research in hand but fails to use it to best advantage, even for the target audience. The pictures, illustrations and many of the quotations (espcially from Father William Corby) are nice supplements to an otherwise disappointing treatment.
Customer Reviews:
Mixed Media, Bad Form........2007-09-04
This book takes facts about those who served on the "Aaron Ward" and incorporates them in narrative as if they were fiction. The result is 211 pages of local color and 52 pages about what befell the ship off Okinawa. The author portrays relationships and the ship's culture, but a less tedious strategy would have sailors tell their own stories. A tribute to brave men on a brave ship, but in a form where prelude overpowers battle.
Brave Ship, Brave Men.......2005-07-28
This is a very well written and interesting true story of the Aaron Ward ship during World WarII.
If you're interested in WW2, look no further!.......2004-07-09
A literal day-to-day example of not only what the slow times were like aboard a naval vessel in the Pacific theater, but how quickly it can turn deadly and the bravery that ordinary men can exhibit.
Against overwhelming odds, the USS Aaron Ward fought and struggled...and the best of the men came forward to prevail. It's a heroic tale and, the entire time you read it, you'll have to remind yourself it's not fiction. It happened, they did what they did, and this book will serve to make sure it's never forgotten. It never should be.
Naval Culture.......1999-12-17
This book epitomized the work ups and life of a sailor on watch leading up to the invasion of Okinawa during WWII. It's amazing how close the history told 45 years before still remains remarkably close to shipboard life in today's Navy.
a tribute to all those who sail into harm's way.......1999-10-15
a tribute to all who have sailed into harm's way. a description of real heroism that was not limited to the uss aaron ward or the us navy. the terror of an engagement at sea for any sailor, officer or enlisted, regardless of the uniform worn is the same. no matter how often i re-read the book i cannot hold back the tears as the quartermaster calls the list of names of those missing. the book is honors to all sailors who unknowingly stood their last watch. it is a fine way to remember all marine casualties, naval and merchant, have no monument or national park constructed on the site to honor their death. as lott explains the sea simply closes over the scene as if nothing ever happened. a required reading.
Average customer rating:
- A really good book...My favorite of the Mr. Men series
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Mr. Brave (Mr. Men and Little Miss)
Roger Hargreaves
Manufacturer: Price Stern Sloan
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ASIN: 084317806X |
Book Description
They're back! Rediscover the zaniest characters you've ever met in this best-selling series which has sold millions worldwide. Just in time for Fall 1997's hot new animated TV show, Mr. Men and Little Miss are being relaunched in the U. S. Bright and charming, with easily recognizable characters and a small take-along format, Mr. Men and Little Miss books are easy enough for young readers, witty enough for humor-prone adults, and highly collectible for one and all.
Customer Reviews:
A really good book...My favorite of the Mr. Men series.......2000-07-18
My two year old son just LOVES this story! Whenever he doessomething "brave" (like let me rinse his hair when it isfull of shampoo) I call him "Mr Brave". Mr. Brave is a delightful story about a character who is in danger of losing his title of being called "Mr. Brave". Some of the famous Mr and Miss characters are in the story, and I would suggest purchasing those too! It's fun for the reader to learn about the other characters and their story too.
Customer Reviews:
"So the Regulars fought there, too?".......2007-04-10
Worth a look: Mark W. Johnson's "That Body of Brave Men". That rarity of rarities, a well written, interesting Doctoral Thesis. Major Johnson follows the fortunes of the Regular Army regiments in the Western Theatre, specifically the 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th US, who spent much of the later war as the "Regular Brigade" of the Army of the Cumberland. The Regulars provided perhaps 3% of the total Union Army field strength, a majority of which was concentrated in the two brigades of Sykes Regular Division in the Army of the Potomac. The four regiments that served in the West are much less well known, even though their combat record was excellent.
These "new regiments", designed to have two field and one depot battalion each, found it difficult to recruit to strength because of the more attractive enlistment contracts and large bounties of the Volunteer Regiments, and because so many of their lieutenants, captains and field officers were serving the Republic as Colonels of Volunteer Regiments, Brigadiers and Major Generals, while simultaneously filling a slot in the Regular regiments - a slot which couldn't be filled by promotion or recruitment, but which left the Regulars short of officers in the field.
In spite of these difficulties, and because of the recruiting skills and local connections of Colonel Henry Carrington of the 18th US, it was possible to raise and maintain a brigade of Regulars for most of the war. And, because of the frontier army experience embodied in their pre-war noncommissioned officer ranks, the regulars were trained to a standard that matched their brand new Springfield rifles and gleaming brass shoulder scales.
As Mark Johnson tells it, the regulars did their share of the work, more than their share of the fighting, and spent the rest of the time drilling. Certainly their battle record was impressive. At Shiloh, Perryville, Stones' River and Chickamauga the Regulars were thrown into the thick of combat where their courage and stamina made them a byword for skill and determination - at a fearful cost in lives. The excellent accompanying maps show where and how they fought with enough detail to allow the interested student to see why what they did was important and how it fits into the larger picture. The historian will appreciate Major Johnson's careful, complete footnoting, taking advantage of the wealth of scholarship developed in the last decade or so.
Near the end of the war, worn out and attenuated, the Regulars were withdrawn to garrison Lookout Mountain, and begin transition to post-war Army life. By this time in the narrative, the reader is familiar with all the personal and beaurocratic issues, the combat performance and some of the personality quirks of "That Body of Brave Men" who made up the US Regular Army in the West. An extensive biographical survey reveals what became of the major characters, and throws light on some of the minor ones (like Captain Fetterman, of Fetterman's Massacre fame). An excellent read for Civil War historians and a useful primer for students of the Indian Fighting Army and the Old West.
The Regular Brigade Lives On!.......2007-03-11
As a student of the Civil War for more than 13 years, I can say I've read my share of Civil War regimental and brigade histories. Mark W. Johnson's book "That Body Of Brave Men" has introduced a group of "professional" soldiers lost to the history books. From the introduction of key junior officers leaving their posts to assume commands in the North to the brigade's sad days on Lookout Mountain, this book thoroughly attempts to create a visual of what these soldiers experienced. A excellent example of what a history of a unit should be.
For me, my relatives did not serve in a regular unit, but one served from 63' till 64' attached to the 11th Michigan Infantry, probably till the regiment's muster out when he returned to his own regiment, the 9th Michigan Infantry. I am positive, being in King's Brigade with the 11th, that he whole heartedly experienced what the regular's did, though he did not have to attain the rigid discipline of the regulars being a volunteer. Very informative. I am very happy I have added this book to my collect.
Definitive Account of the Western Regulars & a GREAT Book!.......2007-01-04
When the United States found itself at war in 1861, the Regular Army was ill prepared and lacked the manpower to subdue the seceding states. To make matters worse, existing regiments were scattered across the country, mostly in the west, and would not be available quickly. As a result, eleven new United States infantry regiments were formed. Four of these new regiments, the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th U.S., eventually comprised the Regular Brigade in the Army of the Cumberland. Author Mark W. Johnson chronicles the Civil War journey of these four units from initial formation to their final garrison duty at Lookout Mountain. Though the Regulars might not have been the best unit in the Army of the Cumberland, given the difficulties they were forced to work through they provided much solid work, especially at Stones River.
The birth of what would become the four regiments attached to the Regular Brigade came in 1861. The antebellum United States Army was expanding with eleven new infantry regiments designed on a new model. Rather than ten companies to a regiment, the new units would have three battalions of eight companies each for a total of 24 total companies. These new regiments had difficulty recruiting members, especially given the advantages a prospective soldier gained by joining a volunteer regiment instead. Better pay, higher enlistment bounties, and less discipline were only some of the items in favor of the volunteers. Despite these shortages, recruiters slowly managed to bring in manpower, some based on the prospect of earning commisions in the Regular Army. Noteworthy in the recruting aspect were Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Shepherd of the 15th U.S. and Colonel Henry Carrington of the 18th U.S.
Once the Regular regiments formed permanent training camps, they found other difficulties to contend with. Chief among these was a lack of suitable officers. Many of these men were used in staff positions in Union brigades, divisions, corps, and armies. Others resigned to lead volunteer regiments. Still others were given the necessary duty of recruiting. Throughout the war, common themes for the Regular Army regiments would be lack of manpower and lack of officers to lead what manpower there was. As companies were trained and deemed ready, they were shipped off to the front. This led to some companies becoming stranded from their parent battalions while performing garrison and provost duty. Given the lack of Regular regiments, these units were coveted even in small portions by district and department commanders. Once at the front, the regiments usually did not have enough strength to field the regulation three battalions. Early in the war, the 15th, 16th, and 19th regiments each had one battalion in the field, usually composed of various companies from the three component battalions. Due mainly to the efforts of Colonel Henry Carrington, the 18th United States was able to field two battalions.
During their time in the Army of the Ohio under Don Carlos Buell, the 18th United States was in a separate brigade (and even a separate division) from the other three units. This resulted in several incidents which started when members of the volunteer regiments, especially the 9th Ohio, interfered with what they considered to be overly harsh discipline in the 18th. The regulars fought under this arrangement at Shiloh, their baptism of fire, and also later in 1862 at Perryville.
When William Rosecrans took command of what he would rename the Amry of the Cumberland in the fall of 1862, he brigaded all four of the Regular regiments into what he naturally called the "Regular Brigade", and he used this force as his army reserve. The Regulars would be used in this fashion at Stones River, where their stand in some woods in all likelihood saved the Union army from a disaster. This stand, though it cost the Regular Brigade dearly, allowed Rosecrans to form a final defensive line which ultimately blunted the Confederate attack. This brigade continued its solid if unspectacular service through the Atlanta Campaign, participating in battles from Chickamauga (where the Regulars were routed on the first day) and Chattanooga all the way to Jonesboro in early September 1864.
As the war wore on, the government realized that a fully manned army would be essential for the proper garrisoning of the South during Reconstruction. To make matters worse, the replacements the Regulars were receiving grew steadily worse. As a result, all Regulars in the east and west were taken off of the firing line starting in 1863 and extending into late 1864 in order to build up strength and train those new to the regiments. The Regular Brigade found itself on garrison duty at Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee for the end of the war. The end of the war found these units garrisoning portions of the South, just as the government had anticipated.
Author Mark Johnson has produced a masterful and definitive account of the western United States Regulars during the Civil War. Their tale is told comprehensively through their own and others' words. The author moves seamlessly from times of drill and training to campaign and then battle narrative with ease. The story of these men is told in an engaging and interesting way, with the author showing excellent writing skills in weaving together his various sources into a finished product. Many of these are primary sources, allowing the Regulars to speak for themselves concerning their exploits and failures during the war. The tacit admission by the author that these were not supermen is another strong point in his favor. The Regulars were crushed on September 19, 1863 in a devastating flank attack, and Johnson pulls no punches when describing the scene. Johnson's effort stands up well when compared with Timothy Reese's book Sykes' Regular Infantry Division, 1861-1864: A History of Regular United States Infantry Operations in the Civil War's Eastern Theater, by all accounts an excellent book in its own right. I would have liked to have seen the experiences of the 13th U.S. of the Army of the Tennessee covered as well, though this may have been unwieldy giving the need to discuss numerous other battles. The maps in this volume are excellent and deserve to be discussed in a new paragraph.
The thirty-one maps in That Body of Brave Men stand out to such an extent that they merit further discussion. Theater and campaign maps for various periods of the war detail the major battles fought in that time frame and the participation and location of the western Regulars. The battle maps really stand out. With few exceptions, the positions of every single brigade in each army are listed, and insets show the regimental alignment of the Regular Brigade and both friends and foes in the general vicinity. Multiple battle maps exist for many of the battles, including Shiloh, Stones River, and Chickamauga. The presence of these maps made it very easy to follow the action of the Regulars as they participated in these engagements. The maps in That Body of Brave Men exceed the industry standard to such an extent that I have not seen superior examples in any of the unit histories I own.
The four appendices also merit additional comment. Appendix A covers "Regimental Strength and Battle Casualties" for all of the Regular Brigade's fights. This section is ideal for wargamers, though it is limited in scope to only the Regular Brigade. Appendix B shows the reader "Orders of Battle" for the organizations containing regular battalions and regiments for each battle of the Army of the Ohio and the Army of the Cumberland, going down to company level in all cases. The unpublished (in the Official Records or Broadfoot's Supplement to the Official Records) reports of the Regular Brigade are listed in Appendix C. Johnson was able to find four such reports in existence. Appendix D lists the "Colonels of Regiments" for the regular infantry regiments that existed during the Civil War.
That Body of Brave Men is an exceptional unit history in all respects. Author Mark Johnson has in this reader's judgment produced a definitive history of the Western Regulars during the Civil War. The books follows the Regulars of the Army of the Cumberland from their formation in 1861, through numerous major battles, to their use as garrison troops at Lookout Mountain. Men integral to the development of these regiments are profiled throughout the book. This effort is able to hold up to scrutiny when compared to some of the best unit histories available, including Mother May You Never See the Sights I Have Seen. The book will appeal to multiple groups. In addition to holding the interest of students of the Civil War's Western Theater, this book can also be enjoyed and appreciated by those with an interest in the history of the United States Army, especially since this is literally the only book covering this subject. I cannot recommend That Body of Brave Men highly enough. It is an excellent example of a Civil War unit history which prospective authors should aspire to.
From a descendant of one of "The Regular Brigade".......2006-02-14
I bought Mark's book as soon as it came out. I had been searching over 20 years for a detailed account like this. My great-great grandfather spent 3 yrs. serving in the Regular Brig. with Co. E, 2nd Bat. of the 18th U.S. Inf. I had walked the battlefields of Stones River, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge almost 20 years ago. Until Mark's book came out I could not fully understand what my relative must have experienced. Being from Pennsylvania all you read about here is Gettysburg. Marks book gave me much needed detailed accounts of the campaigns and day to day life of what my great-great grandfather went through. I suggest anyone who is interested in "The war in the west" read this book. A copy of the picture of my great-great grandfather in his uniform has been attached to the title page of the book, and will remain with me forever. Thank you Mark Johnson for writing a great book, and if he could I am sure Priv. John B. Armstrong would also.
My People.......2005-04-28
Several of my relatives from Ohio fought for the Union during the years 1861-1865 with 4 from my mother's side dying. Other relatives in our family were from Indiana, and I have two Civil War discharges from Indiana units on the wall, plus one G.A.R. medal from 1886.
The 4 that perished were with the Army of the Potomac, Eastern Theatre, but the two extant discharges come from the Western Theatre. I've found it very difficult to find much in print other than regimental histories concerning the Western Theatre. With this admirable book, THAT BODY OF BRAVE MEN I now have a large amount of material at my disposal.
The other reviews here have given synopsis of content, so I will spare you that. I will only say in way of recommendation for this volume that I can count on one hand the number of books in print on the U.S. Regular Infantry in the West. And probably have a finger or two left over.
Though the cost of this book is not small, I still will recommend it.
Semper Fi.
Book Description
The Greek pre-Socratic philosophers Thales, Anaximander and Anaximenes of Miletus are generally considered the intellectual revolutionaries and founders of Western philosophy and science. They appear in the literature as "the first" in long lineages of individuals who have contributed to the advancement of ideas and knowledge. They are, however, not the only Milesians who have made their imprints on the pages of history and literature. The classical texts mention in excess of 200 historical and legendary citizens, and occasional residents, who prior to and following Thales made their marks in astronomy, geometry, mathematics, history, law, politics, cartography, town-planning, poetry, rhetoric, architecture and more. The story begins with the establishment of Minoan and Mycaenean settlements in southern Anatolia, and the legendary founders and citizens of Miletus. It moves on to a more detailed discussion of the lives and contributions of the natural philosophers Thales and his associates Anaximander and Anaximenes, and beyond them to an interesting variety of gifted citizens and residents, all of whom brought fame to the ancient city during the Ionian rebellion, the Persian and Peloponnesian wars, the conquest of Ionia by Alexander the Great, and the fragmentation of Alexander''s empire during the time of the Diadochii, or "War of the Generals". It concludes with the domination of Asia Minor by the Romans during the late Republic and Empire up to the end of the Byzantine period. It is an exciting ''Anthology'' of a city and its talented achievers as set against a background of widely different political circumstances, regional conflicts, rebellions, wars and occupations first under the Hittites, and then under the rulers of Persia, Greece, Sparta, Macedonia, Egypt, Syria, Rome, Byzantium and the Turks. The subject is of ongoing interest to historians, archaeologists and students of classical history, literature, science, religion and philosophy, as well as to
Book Description
Europe was in the throes of World War II, and when America joined the fighting, Ernie Pyle went along. Long before television beamed daily images of combat into our living rooms, Pyle’s on-the-spot reporting gave the American public a firsthand view of what war was like for the boys on the front. Pyle followed the soldiers into the trenches, battlefields, field hospitals, and beleaguered cities of Europe. What he witnessed he described with a clarity, sympathy, and grit that gave the public back home an immediate sense of the foot soldier’s experience.
There were really two wars, John Steinbeck wrote in Time magazine: one of maps and logistics, campaigns, ballistics, divisions, and regiments and the other a "war of the homesick, weary, funny, violent, common men who wash their socks in their helmets, complain about the food, whistle at Arab girls, or any girls for that matter, and bring themselves through as dirty a business as the world has ever seen and do it with humor and dignity and courage—and that is Ernie Pyle’s war." This collection of Pyle’s columns detailing the fighting in Europe in 1943–44 brings that war—and the living, and dying, moments of history—home to us once again.
Customer Reviews:
Brave Man.......2006-11-04
What can I say about Ernie Pyle? One of the most well-known correspondents in WWII, he wrote with an empathy for the common infantryman that transcended his simple, eloquent prose. "Brave Men" is a collection of the articles he wrote while covering the war in Sicily, Italy, England, and France. Exceedingly modest, Pyle always downplayed his role while extolling the infantry fighting on the front lines, his beloved "dogfaces." Pyle may not have thought that he was doing anything of importance, yet his articles served to bring the war home to an American public that was being fed a somewhat sugar coated version of the war by the government; in turn, the GI's loved Pyle as one of their own. He immortalized as many of them as he could in his articles, stating the names of the many men with whom he had contact, and often their full home address for good measure. He shared many of their hardships on the front lines, and now, more than 60 years later, his articles offer an insight into WWII for today's readers that is as poignant now as it was then. He makes the reader feel as if we know these men personally-they are our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, neighbors, friends. Impossible to put down, this book is the enduring legacy of a great man whose life ended much too soon (after surviving the European theater, he traveled to the Pacific at the request of the Navy, where a Japanese sniper took his life on the tiny island of Ie Shima, just off the coast of Okinawa); I would recommend this book to everyone I know with an interest in WWII.
Re-living Time in the ETO.......2006-02-22
I read many of these stories when I was an infantryman in the ETO during WWII. I just wanted to re-read them again to satisfy the feeling of respect I have always had for Ernie Pyle and what he did for the American soldier during that conflict. It was good to smell the smells and hear the sounds while in a safe environment.
It is an excellent 'Chronicle' that takes one back to a time of long ago.
We need Ernie now more than ever!.......2005-08-15
I have read this book several years ago and was touched by his writing and empathy toward the GI's. I saw a biography about him on the tube and found out how the war torn the man apart inside. That and the burden of his wifes dive into madness and all I can say is there was a man! Rest easy Ernie you did good!
Simple clarity, personal touch.......2005-03-30
Ernie Pyle was truly the soldier's reporter. I have the original wartime copy of "Brave Men," and it's a work of genius. Pyle knows how soldiers feel, Army, Navy, Army Air Corps, from Privates to Sergeants to Lieutenants to Generals, Pyle brings their stories to life with a simple sort of clarity that nonetheless retains every ounce of power that original stories had. Many reporters told the stories of World War II, grand theaters, massive battles, staff meetings, generals, leaders, strategies. Ernie talks about privates, sergeants, lieutenants, the adrenaline highs and sheer terror of close combat or being surrounded by flak, the miseries of mud and rain and the joys of the girl at home and that package of fried chicken that some thoughtful mother sent. All the little things that make soldiers soldiers, and men as well.
Pyle was nothing less than a genius, and his death on Ie Shima resulting from a Japanese sniper's bullet was a loss to journalism. But then, I'm at Indiana University Bloomington, within spitting distance of the Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, so I guess I'm biased. =D
A wonderful book.......2004-09-05
I'm a french reader and I discovered Ernie Pyle through an excerpt of Brave Men published in a french newspaper.
Obviously, this man was a great reporter! I was looking for Brave Men in a French edition but it seems to be impossible to find it, what a pity !.
I was very happy to find it on Amazon.com.
I think that this book is far above all the films or novels you could read on this subject. With Ernie Pyle style, you can catch the real feelings and the fears and the heroism of this men who were caught in this Maelstrom.
Book Description
A spellbinding war memoir of a torpedoing and the fight for survival of 24 men in a lifeboat. Hank Rosen, Cadet-Midshipman aboard a Liberty ship, tells the dramatic story of 30 days adrift in the Indian Ocean."Gallant Ship, Brave Men" is an epic tale of heroism and sacrifice that builds suspense and proudly records the role of the Merchant Marine in World War II. "What an amazing story! I found it completely engrossing. Couldn't stop reading it, until I finished." Rear Admiral Joseph Stewart USMS, Superintendent United States Merchant Marine Academy
Customer Reviews:
A true tale of heroism.......2004-05-25
Everyone who loves the sea: everyone who is in awe of the sea; everyone who yearns to go to sea and everyone whose blood tingles with smell of salt air should read this book. And everyone who admires courage and heroism should read this book. In short, everyone should read this book!
WOW!!.......2004-05-14
The best way to sum this book up is 'WOW'. It is an unbelievable story of heroism, and courage that will leave you in awe. I couldnt put the book down. I read it start to finish. I simply could not stop reading!! Beautifully done.
dredged from watery depths.......2004-04-22
The tension builds in this gripping true account of the journeys of a Liberty ship and its men during WWII. The prose is sparse and clean and it reads like a ship's log, with lots of attention to detail. We get a feel for the routine of shipboard life, and when it comes crashing apart, we are as disoriented as the crew. We also can sense the author/narrator's wonder and joy of working with these men on this ship.
Book Description
There are more than one million law enforcement officers in the United States. In Police Heroes you will meet police officers from all parts of the country who take their oath seriously, and when confronted with life-threatening circumstances, have acted courageously.Youll read about a patrol officer who, after discovering a house on fire eary one morning, rescued its inhabitants before the fire department could arrive. Imagine the courage required by one state trooper who single-handedly brought five armed robbers to justice in Alaskas wilderness. One stalwart officer used his body to shield a homeless man from an angry armed mob while his partner helped fend off the attackers. Readers will meet one officer who distinguished himself throughout his incredible career with numerous feats of heroism.Youll be touched by the valor of the K-9 officers and their handlers. And of course, there is a powerful piece on police heroism on September 11th. Filled with stories about Americas finest officers, Police Heroes is a moving tribute to our countrys unsung heroes.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring Stories of Policemen/women in Action!.......2006-04-14
A hero is defined as someone distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility and strength. Though heroes are often thought of in terms of the military, there have been thousands of courageous and noble men and women who have put themselves in harm's way while serving in police departments across America. Dozens of their stories are collected here in Chuck Whitlock's informative, inspiring, and sometimes sad tribute to police heroes.
It could be argued that every police officer is a hero, facing the possibility of death every time they live their house for work. The people chronicled in this book found themselves in such life-and-death situations and how they responded is, at once, inspiring and thought-provoking. Some found themselves in deadly gunfights with drug dealers; others were involved in hostage situations; still others were involved in high-speed pursuits. Several died in the performance of their duties; most survived.
Reading these accounts it is obvious the training these brave men and women received helped them survive those encounters. Often a super-human effort was necessary to triumph against some very deadly opponents. This begs the question: why did they persevere even after sometimes being horribly wounded? Time and again the same answer runs through these accounts - a love for family and community that motivated them to press on in the deadly situations each found themselves in.
Most of the book is given over to 25 accounts of individual or team heroics, each account being 6-8 pages long. The final part of the books consists of capsule summaries of over 60 law enforcement men and women lost in the 9/11 attacks. Whitlock also includes examples of police dog heroics, which I have mixed feelings about. I feel he could have deleted the K-9 sections and fleshed out the 9/11 stories more.
It is a humbling experience to read of these wonderful men and women who risked all. Greater love hath no man than...
Hard to put down..........2004-06-30
This book has many short stories from the men and women on America's beats. Stories of lifethreatening situations that these men and women dealt with to save lives. Really puts police work into perspective and knowing that things can go bad quickly out there. At the end of the book is a tribute to the officers lost in 9/11.
Book Description
STRIKE HARD. STRIKE FAST.
STRIKE FEAR INTO THE HEART OF THE ENEMY.
They operate by sea, air, and land, descending from the night sky, rising from the ocean depths, striking their targets with deadly efficiency, then vanishing into the darkness from which they emerged. From the dank jungles of Vietnam to the tropical shores of Panama to the blistering sands of Saddam Hussein's Iraq, the U.S. Navy SEALs have become the most fearsome special operations force in the world, living by the motto "The only easy day was yesterday."
In this unparalleled account of the origin, evolution, and future of this revered military elite, Orr Kelly brilliantly reveals their tactics and their methods, their past triumphs and scandals, including the celebrated Richard Marcinko (Rogue Warrior) case. Brave Men-Dark Waters leads us into the shadowy realm of danger and deception where SEAL commandos live -- and sometimes die -- by their own rules.
Customer Reviews:
Flawed effort.......2002-09-15
This otherwise solid account of naval special warfare (NSW) history is marred by two severe flaws: understating the roles of Scouts & Raiders and Capt. Phil H. Bucklew in NSW history, and providing an inaccurate account of SEAL origins.
Though Orr Kelly used Capt. Bucklew's oral history, he did so selectively and exclusively. Therefore, readers aren't told that S&Rs were always part of the amphibious force, earned 8 Navy Crosses for Opn TORCH; that they participated in every European theater landing,trained counterpart units such as the 6th Ranger Bn, worked with guerrillas in the Balkans (later in the Philippines & China); that Bucklew earned 2 Navy Crosses & a Silver Star for missions at Sicily, Salerno & Omaha Beach, then went on to become 1st CO, NavOpnsSupportGp, Pacific, supervising SE Asia ops for UDTs, SEALs, boat units and Beach Jumpers, then on to the Pentagon, in charge of all NSW ops. Which is why the Navy named its NSW Center building after Captain Bucklew.
In Ch. 6 we read that SEAL teams were established as the result of a letter to CNO written by UDT-22 CO, LCDR Bill Hamilton, circa June 1961; that as a result he was assigned to a CNO office overseeing SEAL establishment. In fact, months before Hamilton ever arrived there, the Navy had already discussed & approved SEAL mission profile, training, manpower, equipment, etc. Authorization was preordained. So, Hamilton entered a fait accompli situation & became part of the team effort, working for Capt. Harry S. Warren.
Roy Boehm was never "acting commander" of SEAL Team 2, nor did he send men to special schools beforehand. That came AFTER ST-2 was established, which occurred on 8 Jan 1962. Like Hamilton, Boehm was part of a team effort to get ST-2 underway.
SEAL Team 1, LT David Del Giudice CO, was established 1 Jan. 1962, thus becoming the first SEALs.
For documentation of the above, see "What A Tangled Web we Weave" in the 2nd Qtr 2002 UDT-SEAL Assn. mag, THE BLAST.
Chronology.......2002-01-08
I have read this book and it provides a documented history with names, places and times from DOD, and firsthand accounts of actions SEALS have participated in (including Viet Nam,to Patilla Airstrip, Panama, later in ODS. It finishes with the conclusion that there is a dilemma as to where the future of SpecWar is going. The individual chapters make great short period reading.
Need to do research? Get this book.
The essential "History of the Navy SEALs".......2000-05-16
There are a lot of books on the SEAL teams out there, but unfortunately most are largely fiction. This is as good as it gets. Orr Kelly has done an outstanding job getting inside this closed community, as evident in his spot on terminology. The chapter on the invasion of Granada is one of two sources used in just about everything written on that incident. From a research/historical perspective, this book is worth the price for that chapter alone. No Special Ops library is complete without it.
Strong Stories.......2000-04-21
I thought this was a good book because of the consistant storylines. The experiences of these men were similiar yet distinctly different. I especially enjoyed reading about the "Fire in the Gut" determination that it took for each man to complete the BUD/S training and how this carried over into SEAL operations.
Decent historical account.......1999-04-08
While the book didn't keep me awake at night like others, it was a decent historical account of the SEALs. It gives important and relevant perspective, drawing from many sources, which I believe adds to the credibility of the book and author. It provides details of specific missions, but in a historical, rather than a story telling way. In other words, if you're looking for a book that deals specifically with the stories of the individual missions, this one isn't for you. It gets into the politics behind the SEALs a bit and is a good first SEAL book to read.
Customer Reviews:
#1 of MEN of STATION SIX.......2002-12-11
Have thoroughly enjoyed these stories of the Men of Station Six.
Jay Tolliver was a great lead-off man in a series of hunky firemen.
His rescue of Kimberly Lydell was conveyed with great intensity.
But his living in darkness was spooky [have you ever tried it?] and he really did need Kim to help him through the waiting period.
My interest just starts to go down hill when premarital sex in put into a story that otherwise was going great. They go into the scene with no ideas of commitment. Ugh! By the time they have worked out their problems I can't wait to finish the book.
The general story is great -- the author spiels in great style -- I wouldn't change that - except that little black spot that really is useless -- Can't they fall in love without sex? Just curious.
Recommended --M --- Love the characters -- now onto Mike Gable's story --
[URL] Book Reviewer.......2002-06-30
Playing with fire could get you burned . . .
Kimberly Lyndell thought she had the world at her fingertips when she managed to land a position as television newscaster. To land such a prestigious job almost guaranteed that her career was headed in the upward direction. Unfortunately, all her dreams were cruelly snatched away when an unexpected earthquake struck her new studio. Because it hit at such a rapid pace, she was unable to escape an enormous studio light that came crashing down where she sat. As she lay pinned among the debris and wreckage, an Angel of Mercy appeared in the form of Firefighter Jay Tolliver. Would he have the strength to free her from certain death?
Second chances only come once in a lifetime . . .
Jay Tolliver never contemplated on finding his secret high school crush lying as a helpless victim from the devastation that was left of an earthquake. He recognized immediately she was injured far more seriously than she realized, but to him she never looked more stunning. After all these years, the spark she ignited in him is still present. Since both of them come from different parts of the track, he knew that to consider such a relationship was foolish. As he freed her from the wreckage and sent her off in an ambulance, he silently said goodbye to something that could never be possible. Days later he once again found himself in another dangerous situation. This one involved a fire at a highly flammable chemical company. In offering his helmet to the person he was rescuing, he found himself unprotected when an explosion propelled him into a world of darkness. The doctors predicted his blindness will only be temporarily, but he feared the worst. When he heard a knock at his door, he was stunned to hear the deep sexy voice of Kimberly Lyndell. He was shocked to hear her confession that she was there to save him.
Charlotte Maclay, you have used all the elements that I crave in a heart felt romance. Exceptional is such a small world to use to describe BOLD AND BRAVE -HEARTED. More than once I found myself reaching out and grabbing a Kleenex. Writers such as you are why I proudly declare myself a true romance reader!
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