Military Books

Malloy's deeply moving words about love, loss and life are so intense that the reader is actually able to experience what the author expresses so beautifully. I continue to collect her works as I have yet to find another author that compares. Her words fill in our "lack of" when describing the incredible depths of our human emotions. The reader will know the author intimately and will find self-realization in the everyday life subject matter about which she writes. Powerful and insightful. Reflection and renewal of one's own emotional being will be envoked after the first page. Malloy is highly deserving of the recognition that she was never awarded. Only the Bible could be more moving. ....

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

If you are looking for a collection of poetry to make you laugh, cry, and smile, then this is the book!

I was introduced to Ms. Malloys words by my 9th grade English teacher while preparing for a speech tournament. I had never read poetry like that before, didn't know poetry could be like that before. Her words were honest and real and no holds barred.
Because of this one book I have been writing poetry for the last twenty years myself. Everytime I go into a book store I look for her books, old or, hopefully new. They are a rare find. I even wrote this poem in her honor, circa 1985.

Merrit

How could I know exactly
What you meant
Understand your heart
When I'd never seen your face.

I felt like you
Were close to me
It didn't matter that
We'd never met
You had touched me
With your pen
Said things I'd felt
All along
It was as though
You knew what I was feeling
Before I even
Felt it

I had met you
on paper
You were like an
Old friend
That maybe
I understood
your soul
Because you
Understood
Mine

I just wondered
How you Knew
Your words
Were on my mind

I cannot recall who handed me this book of poems in 1976. Obviously it was someone who knew what an "incurable romantic" I was during my years as a single male. Although I was a big fan of Wordsworth, Byron, Keats and many of the pop music lyricists, I was so moved by Merrit Malloy's prose the all the so-called "classics" have never since seemed so lofty. Merrit and I were both living in L.A. at that time, and I could not resist finding her through her local publisher who offered me a mailing address. With my letter of gushing praise, I boldly included a couple of my own poems. Shortly thereafter, she actually wrote to me and included a phone number. We spoke -- she also has a lovely voice -- and set a date for tea (I think that was the beverage mentioned). Shortly before our scheduled rendezvous, she called to cancel, but said we could try again. I phoned once or twice after that, but do not recall ever getting through to her again. Merrit, if you're reading your reviews, I have not forgotten your poems and the kindness you showed by contacting this fan. We can still meet for tea whenever you're ready.

This is such a beautiful and poignant story about one man's love for his daughter and how far he's willing to go to protect her from harm. The story has so much honesty and faith. I ended it with a lump in my throat and a wish that everyone in the world had the faith and love of this father.

Heartfelt. Emotional. Love and faith driven by a father's devotion in a tragic situation. Presented in a well-writen two dimensional world, John Cassell, again, lives up to his extraordinary ability of story telling. Very poignant. Having a daughter her age--and being one who still "smells" the cordite and "hears" screams at night--John Cassell poised a thoughtful question for me. The answer was yes! The power of the pen is within his hand!

Incredible pain; incredible love, that is what the author, John W. Cassell, has fashioned in this truly heartfelt tribute to his daughter. John sends his daughter, Christine, off to war because she has told him it is her desire and duty to do what is right and honorable. Like any good father, John is filled with worry over the horrible possibilities such a deployment might provide for his beloved Christine.

But John has already been where his daughter is about to venture. A different time and place, to be sure; but identical in so very many ways. To lessen his worry for the safety of his daughter, John makes a pact with a Higher force, real or imagined may be fuzzy in our minds but we realize not so in John's, to be, in a very tangible way, a vicarious substitution for the deadly fate that could very well be awaiting his precious Christine. Given the circumstances and John's intimate relationship with those circumstances he understood only too well what his own duty was and he fulfilled his obligation.

A great read and a great tribute. Thank you, John.

Joshua Berry, Andrea's Dream and Amazon Shorts. Take a look. And take a look at all the other works of John W. Cassell.

A painful truth emerges from the heart of author John W. Cassell. His story -telling ability is second to none.The title, "Lest We Forget," fits the mood of this towering piece.Emotional, grabbing, and entrenched describes the words that take the reader to a level of understanding not found in most reads.
The autobiographical flavor adds a striking dimension to this story, factual and a special recount from one who has been there. Mr. Cassell leaves no doubt for the strength of his love so passionately held for his daughter and the present fears for her safety as she relives today what he once experienced.
I found Mr. Cassell's portrayal of personal demons most remarkable, a soldier with a wounded psyche, "War is Hell."
Finally, I thank Mr. Cassell for giving me a profound definition of love for a daughter;
Love is courage and commitment to forgive oneself, not the act of weakness but one of strength. Once you realize there is something or someone greater than you are, only then can you love with perfection.
A must read and definitely 5 star material.

Robert A Meacham, author of poetry, suspense novels, and contributor to Amazon Short Program.

`Lest we Forget' is a story about a father's love for his daughter and an underlying sense of regret over an event in his life in which he had no control.

Thru it all, the two loves of his live converge as his memories of the past haunt his life and his wish for his daughter's safety carry the story forward.

It is well written, highly emotional, and it gives a peek into the life of a man who has suffered many travails, but still carries on because of his faith.

A friend had given me WT Grants book "Wings of Eagles" and asked if I knew these guys. I laughed and said yes. I showed it to my oldest son and he ordered it and Bill Meachams book. Sometimes it is hard to express what we did over there but I thought these guys did a great job of telling the story....especially Bill. After my son had read "Lest We Forget" he brought it to me to read. His perspective of interlacing how each day progressed on the ground and in the air made it a very enjoyable for me. Shortly after my son had read the book, he and my grandson brought me a model of Huey that had the Ace of Spades on it for my office. Sometimes those little things are better than the medals they give you. Thanks for a great job Bill. Kingsmen 23, out.

This is an excellent book. It will bring you to tears, it will have you laughing so hard you will fall off your chair. This book is hair raising, it will curl your toes. This is one mans account, that of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and his adventures. It is very interesting reading.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author (Bill) before finding out he was a Vietnam Vet. One of the most friendliest guys I have ever met! Once we exchanged interests and handshakes, Bill tossed me a book. I went straight home to read it, and didn't stop until I was finished (it was a 3 day weekend). One of the first books I've read by an officer (Ret.) and it was a good one, I only wish I was around to befriend and learn from this honorable man. Next time we meet Bill, I'll buy the drinks!

I Corps, in 1968 and especially Northern I Corps, was an area that could be called "Ground Zero"in the Vietnam War. The presence of large concentrations of Liberation troops and NVA in the Laos/Vietnam border area was huge. They were well trained, well equipped and possessed mobile anti-aircraft weapons which were devastating for helicopters of the Kingsmen and the 101st Aviation Battalion. "Lest We Forget" is a great story of "cheating the odds" while flying exclusively for the grunts and LRP's for the 101st Division. However, let us start at the beginning....the bloody beginning.

Bill Meacham, alias "Wild Bill" Meacham, began his year long tour in Vietnam assigned to the 17th Assault Helicopter Company at Long Binh. Even before he sat in a cockpit for his in-country orientation, he was tapped to be the investigating officer for a gunship incident deep within the jungles of III Corps. The distasteful job led Bill to realize that Vietnam was truly a dangerous place and he was knee deep in "reality."

The very first month with the 17th, Tet of 68 erupted everywhere across Vietnam. Bill came face to face with NVA, in the wire, all-around the 17th compound for a bit of nighttime excitement. Never one to sit idly by and let himself be killed, Bill took the aggressor group under fire, killing almost a squad as they raced across the 17th's compound. The onslaught was finally halted and the story of Tet 68 became one of slaughter for the enemy. However, the US media never really saw it that way. Bill Meacham couldn't believe he was knee keep in ground combat. He was supposed to be a helicopter pilot!

The nick name "Wild Bill" was not yet coined for William Meacham as the 17th Assault Helicopter Company was uprooted and shipped to I Corps. There they would join and be re-designated, Bravo Company of the 101st Airmobile Division's 101st Aviation Battalion. Still proudly know as the "Kingsmen", the unit faced new challenges and threats within the mountains and weather of North I Corps. And, for the next year Bill and his buddy W.T.Grant would slowly but surely be consumed by the "meat grinder" as they experienced days and days of the same old thing....bad weather, NVA and long, long hours of flying.

It didn't take "Wild Bill" Meacham long to realize that he was best suited to working closely with the LRP teams of the 101st Div. He and W.T. Grant made many good friends and comrades with the LRP's as they concentrated completely on the tricky and specialized work of the LRP units. Their flying skills were quickly recognized by the LRP's as "just what the doctor ordered" and they were assigned almost exclusively to fly for the them. Together Bill, W. T. and the LRP leaders formulated many techniques which proved to be most effective in getting the job done, yet keeping everyone as safe as possible, under hazardous conditions. Higher HQ's basically left them alone to performed their missions almost in their own world. That is not to say they had it easy, just that they were very good at the job. No one within the LRP leadership wanted anyone else...they were the best!!

"Lest We Forget" is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Throughout the book, William Meacham allows the reader to "tune in" on the radios and tactical frequencies to hear the tension and terror from the LRP's on the ground. He also lets the reader hear the commo between he and his wingman, Grant. You will "feel" the sweat dripping from inside his helmet as it burns his eyes. Your gloves will become wet as he hoists LRP team members out of the jungle with a 120' long rope, called a McGuire Rig. You will ride to the hot PZ to extract the "whispering" LRP teams as NVA watch and fire from a tree line only yards away. Yet, most will be extracted safely! "Wild Bill" Meacham will live to fly another day! What a ride! What a book! What a story!

Tom Payne
VHPA
Sec/Treas.

I Corps, in 1968 and especially Northern I Corps, was an area that could be called "Ground Zero"in the Vietnam War. The presence of large concentrations of Liberation troops and NVA in the Laos/Vietnam border area was huge. They were well trained, well equipped and possessed mobile anti-aircraft weapons which were devastating for helicopters of the Kingsmen and the 101st Aviation Battalion. "Lest We Forget" is a great story of "cheating the odds" while flying exclusively for the grunts and LRP's for the 101st Division. However, let us start at the beginning....the bloody beginning.

Bill Meacham, alias "Wild Bill" Meacham, began his year long tour in Vietnam assigned to the 17th Assault Helicopter Company at Long Binh. Even before he sat in a cockpit for his in-country orientation, he was tapped to be the investigating officer for a gunship incident deep within the jungles of III Corps. The distasteful job led Bill to realize that Vietnam was truly a dangerous place and he was knee deep in "reality."

The very first month with the 17th, Tet of 68 erupted everywhere across Vietnam. Bill came face to face with NVA, in the wire, all-around the 17th compound for a bit of nighttime excitement. Never one to sit idly by and let himself be killed, Bill took the aggressor group under fire, killing almost a squad as they raced across the 17th's compound. The onslaught was finally halted and the story of Tet 68 became one of slaughter for the enemy. However, the US media never really saw it that way. Bill Meacham couldn't believe he was knee keep in ground combat. He was supposed to be a helicopter pilot!

The nick name "Wild Bill" was not yet coined for William Meacham as the 17th Assault Helicopter Company was uprooted and shipped to I Corps. There they would join and be re-designated, Bravo Company of the 101st Airmobile Division's 101st Aviation Battalion. Still proudly know as the "Kingsmen", the unit faced new challenges and threats within the mountains and weather of North I Corps. And, for the next year Bill and his buddy W.T.Grant would slowly but surely be consumed by the "meat grinder" as they experienced days and days of the same old thing....bad weather, NVA and long, long hours of flying.

It didn't take "Wild Bill" Meacham long to realize that he was best suited to working closely with the LRP teams of the 101st Div. He and W.T. Grant made many good friends and comrades with the LRP's as they concentrated completely on the tricky and specialized work of the LRP units. Their flying skills were quickly recognized by the LRP's as "just what the doctor ordered" and they were assigned almost exclusively to fly for the them. Together Bill, W. T. and the LRP leaders formulated many techniques which proved to be most effective in getting the job done, yet keeping everyone as safe as possible, under hazardous conditions. Higher HQ's basically left them alone to performed their missions almost in their own world. That is not to say they had it easy, just that they were very good at the job. No one within the LRP leadership wanted anyone else...they were the best!!

"Lest We Forget" is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Throughout the book, William Meacham allows the reader to "tune in" on the radios and tactical frequencies to hear the tension and terror from the LRP's on the ground. He also lets the reader hear the commo between he and his wingman, Grant. You will "feel" the sweat dripping from inside his helmet as it burns his eyes. Your gloves will become wet as he hoists LRP team members out of the jungle with a 120' long rope, called a McGuire Rig. You will ride to the hot PZ to extract the "whispering" LRP teams as NVA watch and fire from a tree line only yards away. Yet, most will be extracted safely! "Wild Bill" Meacham will live to fly another day! What a ride! What a book! What a story!

Tom Payne
VHPA
Sec/Treas.

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.

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

This book describes what barely can be described. The hardships, the fear, the exhaustion, the hunger, the brutality, the uncertainty of ones fate. It's all right here, and all are apt descriptions of the life of Lt. Ramsey from the fall of Bataan until the time in 1945 that Gen MacArthur returned to liberate the Phillipines.

Lt. Ramsey (who was promotoed to Lt. Colonel over the course of his service in the jungle) was a very important leader of the resistance. He personally exchanged a few messages over the radio with MacArthur himself, and it was years before Ramsey even knew that MacArthur was getting his messages, as he went without radio contact for the first two years of the war.

Many of Ramsey's fellow resistance leaders, some of them officers he served with, or under, prior to the war, were captured, tortured, and beheaded. Informants were everywhere, and every move was a risk. Yet Ramsey never sat still, and his years were spent traveling, at great risk, throughout the Phillipines and organizing the resistance. Many close calls with the Kempa-tei, the Japanese secret police, followed. Ramsey eventually became the most wanted man on the island, after many of his fellow leaders were captured. He eventually went on to command a force of 40,000 resistance fighters.

The leader of the Kempa-tei, General Baba, personally conducted many of the raids and had a picture of Ramsey on his desk. Many times Ramsey was only yards from Japanese troops.

Of course, when this all started, Ramsey had no clue how to wage guerrilla war. But he learned, through trial and error, and it is amazing that he even survived the war. If that isn't enough, this is a man who survived having his appendix removed in the jungle by a doctor who had no morphine to numb the pain!

This is the kind of stuff Hollywood needs to make movies about. Instead we are stuck with the same dumbed down, recycled nonsense that apparently someone finds entertaining. And sadly the exploits of this true American hero go largely unknown by the majority of this country. I'm glad I am no longer one of them.

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.

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

If you are in any way interested in FAC's Forward Air Controllers, LRP's, Air Cav, and Vietnam... BUY THIS BOOK. Superb.

If you are remotely interested in aviation (military or otherwise
you simpy must read this book.
I've read it twice and I am still struck by the courage and bravery
of the author and his compatriots.
I've read practically every first person account of pilots flying
in Vietnam that I can get my hands on and this one remains my absolute
favourite.

Marshall Harrison, my hat off to you sir. You are a true hero.

Very exciting and spellbinding account of an Air Force OV10 pilot and his experiences in Viet Nam. Historically accurate, yet very entertaining style of writing. If you want to know what it was like to fly the OV10 in combat, read this book. it takes you there.

This has to be the best written book on the subject matter. Throughout the book I felt as though I was living his experience and now when I remember the book sometimes I can't remember if it was part of a movie or the book, that's how good the visuals were while reading it. I highly recommend it and hope that the author brings more out into print

I cannot count how many times I've read this book. A very well written account of the making of a forward air controller (FAC) and his tour of duty in Vietnam. This book is filled with non-stop aerial combat interspersed with wit and humor. I swear you can hear the engines, the explosions, the radio chatter and the myriad sounds of aerial combat. This is the definitive book on the FAC. Harrison's vividly writes about the inter-service rivalries, fighter pilot and elite unit culture. Vietnam had them all, from the ticket punchers to the true professionals, the "conscientious objectors" to the patriots, balls-out young men and know it alls, politicians and name dropers, clowns and cowboys, the scared and all too brave. Harrison's seen and flown with all of them. You will not put this book down once you start reading it. Harrison will hold you in suspense screaming, laughing and dying over and over. You will read it again and again in between browsing the web about the FAC and that "war" fought on the other side of the fence in Laos. How good is this book? I have seen precious copies churned out of copier machines circulating with pilots of the Philippine Air Force, 15th Strike Wing, one of the few users of the OV-10 Bronco in combat in the 21st century. This book should be made into a movie.

Even though I am adult, I have read a lot of books by this author. I find that with this author, the fact that it was written for young adults just means she is leaving out stuff I would rather not read about anyway (graphic rape scenes, graphic torture scenes, or whatever). The characters are good, plots are generally good, and pacing good. However, this book is not one of my favorite Sutcliff books. The plot is about the main character taking the place of the heir "horse lord" who was blinded by a rival years before. Sort of a "prince and pauper" storyline. Didn't like it and didn't find it believable. The heir's family was dead and he hadn't been seen in years, but it really wasn't believable to me that he could fool anyone who had known the heir before. I would recommend Eagle of the Ninth or Frontier Wolves instead.

I love the connections, briefly and elegantly painted, between people in this book. Great story, so well written. Highly recommended. Not the average kind of historical fiction.

I basically agree with all the reviews so far. I read this in my teens and it left a lasting impression on me. I've re-read it since on a fairly regular basis. Brilliant evocation of an early culture far removed from our own but peopled with those whose emotional reactions one can so empathise with - doubt, uncertainty and deepening friendship.

I am delighted it is back in print, although a bit ambivalent about the cover design. When will "The Sword at Sunset" be re-printed - preferably unabridged and with the map that some of the early editions had?

The "Mark of the Horse Lord" is a beautifully written story of loyalty, honor and sacrifice. The ancient Scottish setting and characters are masterfully portrayed and the story line grabs the reader on the first page and holds on tight to the very end!
Rosemary Sutcliff writes wonderfully engaging historical novels. While her books give the reader a great feel for the time period and setting, story line is never compromised! Most of her books are written for children and young adults, however, this book is more appropriate for adults and older teens. Younger readers may find the wording a little difficult to follow. Highly recommended!

I really love this book. I picked it up in high school for a book report and got sucked into Rosemary Sutcliff's world. I'm glad to see a new printing is coming out, because you couldn't find this book anywhere, and the copy I have I stole from school, that's how much I love this book. I also highly recommend The Sword and the Circle, a telling of the Arthurian legend.

I purchased this book as a gift for my husband for Christmas. He is interested in Military History from the French and Indian Wars down to the present. He is also a military collector. He has read it and enjoyed it! For those who are interested in Military History - this book will make a nice addition to your collection.

The Millionaires' Unit is a very good book with a great story to tell: an elite group of Yale students took it upon themselves to prepare as pilots for the United States' entry into World War I. Not only is the story remarkable, it is remarkable that it hasn't been told before, (except in a privately published history in 1925). Starting as a privately funded militia, the First Yale Unit trained as pilots without recognition from the Navy until the U. S. officially entered the War. The young pilots were then among the first aviators flying for America to see combat over Europe.

The book is very good at setting the tone and profile of upper class Americans before the Great War, then shattering the romantic ideas of our isolated country about industrialized warfare as the young men struggle to uphold the highest ideals of duty and honor. The book evocatively portrays Yale as more of a social club than an academic institution, the difficulty of maintaining and flying primitive aircraft, and the nascent attempts of the Navy to come to grips with the importance of aviation.

Above all, The Millionaires' Unit is a human story told mostly through the correspondence of these erudite, passionate, and committed pioneer pilots. Those that survived went on to serve the country at the top of their fields in politics, finance, and aviation. Those that died elicit some of the most heartbreaking reactions from friends and families in wartime literature. It's a well-rounded book, touching on social, aviation, and military history as it delves into the personal reactions of a young America coming of age at the dawn of the 20th century. I found it a great read.

Darroch Greer

As a kid, my favorite book was, "Iron Men with Wooden Wings" by Lou Cameron. Stories of World War I pilots doing battle in the skies over France and Germany in primitive, cloth covered biplanes ignited my imagination. Years later, I earned a pilot's license and have enjoyed flying my own cloth covered plane.

Recently, I was delighted to learn about and read Marc Wortman's title, "The "Millionaires' Unit", which documents the grass-roots formation of a flying squadron of fresh-faced Yale boys almost a hundred years ago. A war was raging in Europe and America was decidedly unprepared for their eventual involvement. Their experiences together at Yale gave them a deep sense of duty to a greater cause. Their privileged upbringing and family connections gave them access to the money to fund their own military flight school and to the captains of industry and state to endorse and champion their mission. Millionaires' Unit is not simply a tale of "iron men with wooden wings", although we certainly grow with each of them from boys to men.

Much less a documentary and much more a narrative, Wortman weaves their personal ambitions and flaws together with their collective mission to fly and to serve. Not since "The Blue Max" has such a complex story of class, ambition, romance and defiance - set against the exhilarating and dangerous backdrop of the pioneering age of aviation - been told.

The Millionaires' Unit recapitulates in beautiful prose the story I first learned about as a child. It was the story, in part, of my grandfather, Erl Gould whom I called Grandfeathers, as he was Naval Aviator #68.

Marc Wortman has combed historical and private records to harvest the best picture of Trubee Davison and his family, flying boats, 1916 and Great World War, and these intrepid young men from Yale. It is simply a terrific read but also an inspiration at a time when few Americans rise above the fray and dedicate themselves to something larger than their own self-interest. As a former Naval Aviator myself, I wore Grandfeather's wings of gold with an inexpressible pride and humility.

Marc Wortman should be congratulated on this fine piece.

It walks the line between history and adventure and achieves a tremendous blend in the process. Not only does it recall the origins of a fledgling form of warfare, but it also provides a tremendous insight into the world of Yale and American aristocracy as it existed in the early twentieth century.

Highly recommended.

Owen Zupp
Author of 'Down to Earth'. (www.owenzupp.com)

One of the most detailed accounts of being a successful ace fighter pilot. Mr Goebel's wartime experiences again show us all what sacrifices our veterans make.

We trained together in the FTC but were sent to different Squadrons,
Wonderful memories!

Woodbine 30

In doing research for a book of my own, I have read -- and continue to read -- as many accounts of the air war over Europe as I can, from many perspectives. Mr. Goebel's book, which he was kind enough to personally autograph for me, is not just an amazing, technical account of the details to flying and fighting in what is arguably the most significant fighter plane ever developed, but also tell the story of the American spirit, as an individual, and collectively in the Armed forces, which represented an era that is the foundation of what we enjoy in a free land today. His ability to tell his story, and the story of those around him -- in America's and the world's most pivotal time in history -- is first class reading from a first class author, in addition to his being a first class gentleman and a first class American Ace. Set around the 15th Air Force's 31st. Fighter Group flying out of Italy, 'Mustang Ace' is great reading on every level. It brings both smiles and tears as you get close to real people who won or lost each day by their skill, their courage and crazy luck -- good or bad -- that often made no sense. If you like airplanes, WWII air combat history and personal achievement on a scale few can imagine, then there is nothing better. This is the real deal; an untypical story portrayed with the typical modesty of a real hero, a real Ace, from an elite group of men that have never been fully appreciated for what they did, and how they did it.

Helped by fameds historian Eric Hammell, who helpe shape the original manuscript into a cohesive and envolving story, Robert Goebel, an eleven-kill ace in WWII, wrote a very pleasant book, from training in the United States till ace status in Italy and Europe. If you're into fighter pilot biographies, this one will not disappoint. But I dare to say: the best ever written was "THE BIG SHOW", by Pierre Clostermann.

This book puts you in WWII aviation. It takes you throught flight training and into combat in the Mustang. I am a current flight instructor and believe me this book is realistic as it gets. If you love aviation you will love Bob Goebel's book.

For those who were there, it will take you on a trip back in time and in a lot more enjoyable way than memories. For those who weren't it's a personal tour of what it was like for someone that still loves the country that sent him and believes in what it stands for. This book is a real step in fostering an understanding of the never acknowledged heros of a time when the person in uniform was blamed for the choices of the government.

I loved this book, so I told some close friends about it. The feedback I've gotten from the Viet Nam era Vets are such phrases as, 'I could smell the Napalm again', and 'Very descriptive writer', 'He's caught the feeling we all had there', etc. This is a book highly prized by Mr. Sutton's peers!

Mike Sutton, who spent three tours of duty as part of the Military Assistance Command/Vietnam, wrote this fact-based book ("novel" is too soft a word). The characters are believable because they are real people whose names were changed to protect privacy. Virtually all events described in the book actually happened, according to the author. Needless to say, there are scenes of graphic violence and also coarse language that may be offensive to some. No Survivors helps those of us who were not in Vietnam to better understand the role of the "advisor" in training the South Vietnamese in weapons systems and tactics. Those of us who know the author as "Sarge" appreciate his understanding that it is human beings who fight wars, and who bear the physical and psychological scars of armed conflict for the rest of their lives.

This is by far the best book I have read on this very confusing period in American History. Mike Sutton understands America and the issues better than anyone writing about Vietnam today.

In one simple word, this book is "REAL". For someone who has never been involved in a war, there is absolutely no way you can understand what is involved. It is so easy to have opinions based on an outsiders view. This book gave me a new appreciation for those that defend us so that we may have the freedom of those opinions. This story is based on true facts and will capture you without any hope of release until you finish it. This is a GREAT read!

The Oxford Companion is a must-have shelf reference for anyone intending to seriously study the Second World War. As with many encyclopedias, this means that the amateur or buff will use the entries themselves, and the expert will use the bibliography and suggestions for further reading. It is, at least at this moment, quite reasonably priced for such a serious work of reference, and I likely would not have bought it otherwise. The only drawback is that in changing over to the current edition, the editors seem to have removed the full-color maps that used to be placed at the end of the volume. I do not remember enough of those maps to tell if they are now among the black and white maps placed throughout the body of the work; I do know that the color maps were one of the highlights of the old edition and are much missed by this reviewer.

the Oxford Companion to World War II is very complete and simple to use for poeple who study the WW2, he contains a hundred maps, stats and chronological fact, englobing the totality of the allies or the axes. he's the best way to find all the information you'll need.

I have both the current and first edition of this book (in hardcover). As far as I can tell, the new edition is only shorter because it uses a smaller typeface, allowing several more words per line.

However, the new edition is also a bit easier to read despite the smaller size, because the new edition uses a glossy paper and the text seems more sharply defined on the page. This is particularly noticeable in the text of the maps, which I have struggled to read in the first edition, but seem clearer in the new edition.

As an aside, I agree with the general view that this is the single best reference book on World War II. I can't really tell what is changed in the new edition, although it may just be minor corrections, since the several longer articles I have compared seem identical.

This is a wonderful one volume encyclopedia of WWII, covering all fronts, participants, and major events. This outstanding work is an absolute must have for any serious student of World War II in my opinion. More than 100 scholars and professional historians contributed to this book. This work is certainly detailed, well written, and well researched, but it is not comprehensive (how could one describe WWII in one volume of about 1000 pages?). I think the description of this book as a `Companion' is entirely appropriate, it has been my companion for more than ten years now. I've flipped through pages of this book several times a week for the past ten years and (effectively) read the entire book through at least half a dozen times. This book is filled with an unbelievable amount of information. There are major sections on each of the combatants that include discussions about the military, political, economic, and cultural developments and changes that took place throughout the war. All the major battles are discussed, as well as people, equipment, and events. In my opinion, this is not a reference book, it is a learning book. If you already know a great deal about the Battle of Kursk or Uboats, for example, you will not find much new here. You will find, however, a wealth of information about all aspects of the war that you probably weren't even aware of. I have no complaints about this book and would consider it a bargain at twice the price. My only warning is that this book is probably not suited to someone who has only passing interest in World War II; if Steven Ambrose is your idea of a good historian, you probably aren't going to like this Companion.

I'm a fan of the first edition (1995) of this fine book: I'm a World War Two buff, and this is the best one-volume reference book on World War Two that I know of. So why would I give only four stars to the revised edition of 2005? Here's why. Prospective purchasers of the revised 2005 edition might like to know that it is 1,039 pages long, whereas the first edition of 1995 was 1,343 pages long. That's a loss of 304 pages, representing 23% of the material in the first edition---a considerable loss.

In the case of The Oxford Companion to Music, there was a beautiful, lavishly illustrated edition of 2,017 pages of 1983; it was replaced by a revised edition in 2002 that had 1,434 pages---a whopping loss of almost 600 pages of material. In this case I know what I'm talking about, because I have both editions: the 2002 edition represents a substantial abridgement and cheapening of the 1986 edition; I doubt that anyone who had the chance to compare the two would choose the newer edition.

I don't know if the same thing is going on with this Oxford Companion to World War Two (I don't have the new edition at hand to compare the two), but the loss of 23% of the material in the first edition, and my experience with The Oxford Companion to Music described above, would incline me to approach the new edition with caution.