The Military Operations of General Beauregard in the War Between the States 1861 to 1865: Including a Brief Personal Sketch and a Narrative of His S

Book Description

In 1970, twenty-three year-old Army nurse, Mary Reynolds boarded a plane bound for Vietnam. Uncertain and alone, Mary had no idea what lay ahead.

Almost thirty years later, Mary tells of that year in her life: a year of discomfort, fear and anger, as well as courage, hope and love. She includes the stories of seven of her friends, among them a dustoff helicopter pilot, an infantry captain, a Vietnamese aide, a drug counselor, and an emergency room nurse, who were with her in Vietnam.

A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam describes a war "winding down," while thousands still died. The survivors discovered that their perspectives about war, their country and themselves were forever changed.

Customer Reviews:

This should be required reading at all schools.......2004-01-29

Mary Reynolds Powell has written a wonderful book titled A World of Hurt: Between Innocence and Arrogance in Vietnam. Some of what she has shared in this book is her own feelings while other parts are those from some of the people she came to know while stationed at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh, Vietnam.

Mary interviewed seven other individuals for A World of Hurt besides including her own personal stories of what it was like for her in-country and upon her return to the states. Stephanie Genthon Kilpatrick, John Miller, Frank Chamberlin, Son Dinh Nguyen, Chris Slavsky, Terry Corneil, Doug Powell and Mary shared so much in this interesting perspective 171-page book.

These individuals shared a lot with Mary who has now shared it with her readers. Their stories will amaze you as they all came from different lives as well as parts of the country. They all had feelings about the war before and after they served their country.

Retired Army Colonel David Hackworth wrote in his Foreword "Mary Reynolds Powell's powerful book is the perfect antidote to blow the revisionists out of the water-with the facts eloquently presented....Frequently...I found tears running down my face." I could tell that he had read this book and was as deeply moved as I had been.

In 1965 Mary "marched in a New York City parade backing the war." By 1969 she "wore a black armband in support of the national peace moratorium." After being "a registered nurse for only twelve months" in 1970 Mary found herself in Vietnam at the 24th Evac with the US Army Nurse Corps.

Mary recalled her stopover in Hawaii enroute to Vietnam walking past a group of Marines headed stateside "staring into the oldest eyes we had ever seen....their eyes were ancient, their faces blank." She quickly realized what she was getting into. She described her first night in-country as "Artillery hammered in the distance, mosquitoes feasted on me, and diarrhea induced by the malaria pills...kept me running to the latrine all night. Sleep came in brief, restless spurts."

The hospital's chief nurse asked Mary where she would like to work. When Mary said that she had done most of her work in internal medicine the chief nurse said there was an opening there and she was to start right away. I think this is one of the first books I've read where the author then tells the reader everything you'd ever want to know about the 24th Evac including a map of the area. I found it most interesting.

One of the items she described was the amphitheater where shows were put on. She pointed out something I was well aware of already. The site was where the "annual Bob Hope Show" was put on every "Christmas afternoon....You want to know something? Bob Hope has never spent a night in Vietnam. He flies to Thailand after every show." I'm so glad I wasn't the only one to point this fact out.

Mary explained the first day at Wards 7 & 8. She wrote of her name being added to the DEROS chart "in Vietnam, Marines stayed for thirteen months while Army and Navy tours were twelve-`364 days and a wake-up.'" She now had "359 days left." Mary took the time to describe several patients who stuck in her brain all these years. She also remembered "running...smiles....olive drab fatigues....endless IVs....gecko lizards....the proud, smiling face of a young soldier as I pin on the Purple Heart medal he earned with his body."

Mary's wrote "As a nation, it is time for us to take the burden from the kids who fought our war. All of us were part of the lie that wasted an American generation and devastated an ancient culture half a world away. Until we acknowledge the wrong that we did in arrogance, we will not have learned. And if we have not learned, we will do it again." And sadly I see that happening as I write this with our invasion of Iraq. I only pray our troops will come home quicker than they did when they were sent to Vietnam a generation ago.

This is a book well worth investing in. Mary's interweaving of stories and memories from her friends make it special. It should get more attention than it does but then again it's about an unpopular war and the people who served during it.

From the Heart.......2003-05-13

Mary's book holds a special interest to me since I was one of the original dustoff pilots to come with the 45th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) from Fort Bragg to Long Binh, Vietnam in July of 1967.

Her story is from the heart and is an excellent explanation of a nurses point of view of the ugliness that could only describe what Vietnam was about.

I have the greatest admiration for those who toiled in our hospitals in Vietnam and knowing first hand of the many, many casualties that we dustoff pilots delivered to their front door (in various degrees of trauma), the book was a confirmation of the horrible trauma that the medical staff faced.

A wonderfully written book. Hats off to you Mary!

World of Hurt.......2002-07-15

I loved this book! I got so attached to some of the nurses and pilots. The last chapter was the best, I cried through the whole thing.

This is one of those book that I will not sell or give away. I am sure I will read this again.

A World of Hurt............2002-01-31

I met Mary prior to my shipping out to the Gulf War, she told me that she was working on a book about her experiences in the Vietnam War, and also interviewing those that she served with. When the book finally came out I bought the book right away. Upon doing this, I could'nt put it down, I completed it in 2 days. The book had me laughing and on the verge of tears. Many books have been written from the eyes of a men serving in war, but too few have been written about a womens experience in that same war. I have to say her book was easy to read and understand, but at the same time conveys her feelings and alot of the frustration she felt durin her tour in Vietnam. I have to highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to see the war thru the eyes of a Vietnam nurse, or any women serving in a war zone. To all that served with honor in all wars including the one we are now engaged in, May God Bless you all and keep you safe, and also your loved ones.

The Real Deal.......2001-11-16

With this slim book, Mary Reynolds Powell gives us a true and poignant picture of her year as a nurse in Viet Nam. She writes with simple elegance and fine attention to detail, and her images and words bear a memorable impact. For those who think of wars as glorious, and feel that the truth of combat lies in military strategy, this is a sobering account. Believe what you read here; this is the Real Deal.

Memoirs of Service Afloat During the War Between the States

Average customer rating:

A REAL MAN!
A brilliant piece
Excellent insight into the thoughts of a naval hero.
romantically detailed account
Semmes was perhaps the best naval officer of his generation.

Memoirs of Service Afloat During the War Between the States
Raphael Semmes
Manufacturer: Louisiana State Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Life & Institutions | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0807120863

Customer Reviews:

A REAL MAN!.......2002-05-20

The only bad thing I can say about this book is that on a very few occasions Semmes tends to get into some scholarly explanations about natural phenomena that, while interesting, slow the pace of the reading some.

Otherwise, Semmes tells of his adventures on the high seas with clarity and wit. The book's first few chapters give his legally sound (Semmes was also a lawyer) justifications of the Southern case for secession and his participation in the preparation for equipping a navy from practically nothing.

The Alabama's defeat of the iron-plated USS Hatteras and the final battle with the USS Kearsarge are there in detail in addition to the tale of her very successful commerce raiding upon the civilian commerce of the North.

Contrary to the rabid Northern newspapers of the time, Semmes reveals himself and his officers to be the gentlemanly knights of the high seas in stark contrast to the conniving Federal consuls who, in nearly every port, attempted to foil the Confederate sailors' coaling and supplying of the ship despite international maritime law that allowed it.

Semmes most effectively fought the mercantile world empire of the Union, all the while working within the confines of maritime law. (The few actions of his that were officially disputed were eventually settled in his favour.) This, again, is in contrast to the Federal navy that, under Welles' and Seward's leadership, played the bully and ignored international law when it was inconvenient.

The CSS Alabama (along with a few other CS ships) virtually shut down the US merchant marine -- a blow from which it never fully recovered. His fight with the Kearsarge proved to be the last best use of a ship that was otherwise bound to be blockaded in port by the Federal navy (that proved itself remarkably inept, apparently cowardly, and negligent in its mission to stop Semmes).

A brilliant piece.......2000-03-14

In another life Semmes might have been a poet or artist. Circumstances forced him to become the greatest seaman in the 19th century. I have read from an independant source that Kaiser Wilhelm insisted his high ranking officers read this book in preperation for the First World War. The Norths hypocracy is shameful. This book is by far the greatest review written by anyone on either side of the war. Sadly political correctness has kept Semmes greatness buried at this point.

Excellent insight into the thoughts of a naval hero........1999-11-03

I found this book to be a refreshing insight into the exploits of one of the most interesting naval men of his era. Semmes comes across as a man that prizes duty to his beliefs as the soul motivation to his actions. This dispels any of the myth that he was a pirate as often historicaly believed.While many pages are devoted to navigation and tidal patterns,which can be a bit boring to the non-seaman, the book is excellent overall.

romantically detailed account.......1999-02-22

Admiral Semmes allows us to truly feel the times and to touch our hearts with Southern pride and honor.

Semmes was perhaps the best naval officer of his generation........1997-07-25

The book begins with an arguement for states rights which history has failed to record as the primary cause of the civil war. He goes into a detailed analysis of his beliefs and he reflects the thinking of his times. His story then goes into detail of his exploits as the greatest privateer in the history of naval warfare. Had he been on the winning side his name would be mentioned in the same breath as Grant and Sherman. Can anyone name one US naval officer that served in the civil war? His story takes the reader from Annapolis to New Orleans to the South Pacific to Gibraltar and to the final demise of the CSS Alabama off the coast of France. His tale explains his actions and defends them with an indepth look at maritime law. He explains the laws involved with a detail and style that makes it easy for anyone to understand. His story should not be allowed to fade into past. It is something from a terrible time that should be looked at by naval officers today. He is a man to be honored, not cast away as a pirate

Yankee Correspondence: Civil War Letters Between New England Soldiers and the Home Front (Nation Divided)

Average customer rating:

Yankee Correspondence: Civil War Letters Between New England Soldiers and the Home Front (Nation Divided)

Manufacturer: University of Virginia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Life & Institutions | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0813916682

Love and Valor : Intimate Civil War Letters Between Captain Jacob and Emeline Ritner

Average customer rating:

How it really was during the Civil War
Wonderfully Interesting correspondance!
Fascinating
Startling insight
From the Great-Great Grandson of Lt. Baron H. Crane

Love and Valor : Intimate Civil War Letters Between Captain Jacob and Emeline Ritner
Charles F. Larimer
Manufacturer: Sigourney Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Letters & Correspondence | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0967386306

Book Description

Throughout the Civil War, Captain Jacob Ritner and his wife exchanged an extraordinary series of letters vividly depicting both life on the battlefield and at the home front.

Jacob recounts in compelling detail most of the major military events of the Western Theater: Wilson's Creek, Vicksburg, Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain, the Atlanta Campaign including the Battle of Atlanta, Sherman's March to the Sea, the Occupation of Savannah, and the Carolina's Campaign. Emeline movingly records the lives of those left behind.

Theirs is also the story of a family of Iowa abolitionists whose patriarch wrote on the day of the Emancipation Proclamation: "... if we as a nation refuse to acknowledge the rights of the black man then it may cost us our national existence."

Here is an unforgettable saga, a part of our national legacy.

Customer Reviews:

How it really was during the Civil War.......2004-08-05

As I read this remarkable volume I felt I was being transported back to those Civil War days, telling me how it was both in the war zone and back home in Iowa. Jacob Ritner is a remarkable figure, inspiring admiration and eminently worthy of emulation. His accounts of the battles he was in are vivid and immediate, and the editor of this volume has performed a most worthwhile service in resurrecting from the buried past this correspondence to inspire all who value patriotism and fidelity to duty and to one's marriage vow. One cannot but be enriched by following Captain Ritner and his wife thru those perilous years from 1861 thru 1865.

Wonderfully Interesting correspondance!.......2000-08-17

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!. Some times, historical correspondance can be dry. However, these letter are not! They are very readable, offering a interesting insight into the real lives of people during the turbulent era of the Civil War. Charles Larimer has done excellent research and his annotations add to the context of when the letters were written. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading his Scottish Stories from Loch Ness.

Fascinating.......2000-06-30

I am not a reader of books nor a student of the civil war. However, I found this book to be fascinating. The horrors of war and the loneliness of soldiers are universal, and the insights into this particular war and historical era are compelling. It is very easy to read, and is both educational and entertaining. Please give me more by this writer!

Startling insight.......2000-04-13

As an amateur war historian, I find that all too rarely do we see the war on both sides. The hardships of everyday Americans during the Civil War were not only occurring on the battlefield, but in the homes left behind in the cornfields of Iowa. This unique perspective is presented in the heartfelt correspondence between Jacob and Emeline. A rare opportunity to behold the searching meditations of a man gripped by both love, and patriotism.

From the Great-Great Grandson of Lt. Baron H. Crane.......2000-02-26

What a splendid work of Civil War history! Hats off to Charles F.Larimer. I couldn't have imagined there was so much historical data in intimate letters. The details are all here. What trials and tribulations our forefathers and mothers went through to perserve our nation. I now find myself becoming a Civil War buff after reading this book, and it only took me three days! As I read on, I found myself in my great-great grandfather's shoes fighting along the side of Cpt.Jacob Ritner and the boys from the 25th. How involved you become. I enjoyed the little jousting that Jacob and Crane had. Buy it today and enjoy a sentimental piece of Civil War history..........

Lieutenant General Jubal Anderson Early C.S.A.: Autobiographical Sketch and Narrative of the War Between the States

Average customer rating:

Lieutenant General Jubal Anderson Early C.S.A.: Autobiographical Sketch and Narrative of the War Between the States
Jubal Anderson Early
Manufacturer: Smithmark Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0831711736

Between Tedium and Terror: A Soldier's World War II Diary, 1943-45

Average customer rating:

I am too a war vet. and I think is great.
A true story of young soldiers during WW II.

Between Tedium and Terror: A Soldier's World War II Diary, 1943-45
Sy M. Kahn
Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

I am too a war vet. and I think is great........1999-05-06

I was also 18 years old when I was sent to the Pacific and found everything that Sy Kahn wrote. Now at 71 years old I never thougth I was to find so realistic book and brought back so painful and glorius memories. This is my first war book I read and I do not regreted. I did realy enjoy it.

A true story of young soldiers during WW II........1998-04-22

I am the daughter of one of the book's character's (Rafael "Sancho" Sanchez). It was so interesting to read about not only my father's exploits, but the others in the company as well. It brought back many memories of the many stories my father use to tell me about his war experiences. It also brought a real perspective of the trials of war to someone who was born eleven years after it ended. Thank you Sy for bringing me and my family a part of my father we never would have known if you had not told your story.

Average customer rating:

a great research book for the student of WWII

Journey Between Mountains
Kathleen Havens Gezzi
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Customer Reviews:

a great research book for the student of WWII.......2006-06-18

Ms. Gezzi has used letters home from a American Red Cross 'Doughnut dolly' as an outline for the book to record events of WWII..the book reads like a novel. A great research item.

World War II was raging. Mary answered the call joining two brothers who were serving in the military.

Brokow hailed her generation as ` the greatest'. Ms Gezzi used Mary's letters home as an outline for' Journey', footnoting events of the war as they unfolded.

`Journey' adequately documents the role that The American Red Cross `doughnut dollies' played in boosting the morale of the young men in the service.

Mary's group served the flight crews of the 8th Air force 401st at Deenethorpe as they loaded bombs for missions to Germany.

At wars end Mary continued serving throughout war town Europe.

After six years of research, Ms. Gezzi came away recognizing that Brokaw was right on, and Gi Joe was indeed "The Man of The Century"

About the Author
Kathleen (Tootie) Gezzi was born in Clintonville, New York and grew up in Au Sable Forks, New York where she graduated from Au Sable High in 1949. She became Mrs. Orlando Gezzi in 1951.

In 1958 she moved to North Creek, New York with her family and became a neighbor of Mary Hall (Baroudi.) They became loyal friends.

Mary heralds her friend Kathleen as a person who wore many hats. Kathleen began her working career as a long distance switchboard operator in Plattsburg, New York. A self-taught figure skater she was admired for her ability on the ice, and spent many years with the youth of the area teaching the basics of skating. A natural athlete she also spent a few years as a lifeguard and as a swimming instructor, where she worked with the youth who would eventually present their offspring to Kathleen for skating lessons. She also was engaged in long distance running with her husband and has a collection of trophies for her effort. An avid golfer she plays most every day.

By the year 2000 both Mary and Kathleen had retired, Mary from teaching and the family business-----Kathleen from her employment as full charge bookkeeper. She was `Gal Friday' to lumber magnet Lieut. Colonel Martin D.Schnall who had been and an aide to General Eisenhower during WWII. Mary retired to Florida, where she now lives with her daughter and husband Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Lomax. Ms. Gezzi still resides in North Creek, New York.

Free Preview

We Will Not Be Strangers: Korean War Letters between a M.A.S.H Surgeon and His Wife

Average customer rating:

THE REAL M*A*S*H!

We Will Not Be Strangers: Korean War Letters between a M.A.S.H Surgeon and His Wife

Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0252022041

Customer Reviews:

THE REAL M*A*S*H!.......1997-06-14

This book is very good. It has complete detail of life and death at a MASH unit. It is sad yet unbelievably true. A must for M*A*S*H fans. This book is about the real thing

The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm (Memories of War)

Average customer rating:

Excellant book about an american hero...
A Love Story of Miracles. Faith, Honor and War!
Love and Terror in Desert Storm
ONE OF THE BEST POW/WAR STORIES
An honest review from a grateful reader

The Gulf Between Us: Love and Terror in Desert Storm (Memories of War)
Cynthia B. Acree , and Cliff Acree
Manufacturer: Potomac Books Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Military & Spies | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Iraq | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

Kuwait | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

Military Science | History | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1574886045

Book Description

When Col. Cliff Acree was shot down and captured on the second day of the Gulf War, Cynthia Acree began her own form of captivity at the center of an international media storm. This compelling memoir provides two very different perspectives of the war.

Customer Reviews:

Excellant book about an american hero..........2007-01-18

Addressing the memoir "The Gulf Between Us" by Cynthia and Cliff Acree is a bit difficult. It came out around 1998, and thus a completely different era than our current misadventure(aka quagmire) in Iraq. Since I am a moderate Democrat, I kind of have a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of the Bushes. However "Gulf" is really the story of the Acrees, and thus I do recommend this because these two are great people. Col. Acree is a hero because he withstood torture and would not reveal critical intelligence to the Iraqis during the first Gulf War. His wife is also a hero because despite her own pain, she fought to get better recognition of POWs and their families. The stuff that Col. Acree had to go through is heartwretching, and it is a miracle in itself that he lived to tell us. For that, I salute him. The book also makes a good move in mostly avoiding political matters(both parties seem to be portrayed well), but Acree should not have kept mentioning how he wouldn't even give in to the demand that "he call [President George H.W] Bush a donkey". Well Bush 43 is certainly worse than that for treating de facto POWs in Gitmo the way he has, but again Acree couldn't have forseen that, so he gets a pass. Recommended reading. Should be read by any who believe torture is a good way to get intelligence(Acree never gave up anything that was good) and by those who believe in the Geneva Conventions, and of course by those who want to admire true American heroes: our soldiers.

A Love Story of Miracles. Faith, Honor and War!.......2006-11-24

I truly believe that there are never any random accidents of fate at work in our lives--everything happens to us for a reason, even if we do not understand why! Reading the inspiring memoir "The Gulf Between Us: A Story of love and Survival in Desert Storm" you cannot help but believe that prayers are truly answered; and that there must be a divine purpose to our lives even if it is not understood at the time of the events. One thing is evident; this book is about the power of faith and love.

The Husband and wife writing team of Cynthia and Col. Cliff Acree have written a duel storyline that is more than just about war--it is a love story. They chronicle the compelling emotions and the events surrounding the Colonel's capture and his time spent as a POW during Desert Strom. It is a triumphant tale of courage from both Cliff and Cynthia as they endure, survive, suffer and embrace once again. They both have this underlining strength and faith that comes through very loud and clear.

No matter what you have read about the experiences of the POWS in Desert Storm there was much more to that story that was left untold --or incorrectly reported. Some of them were subjected to brutal beatings and life threatening treatment. Colonel Acree was subjected to a harsher treatment than others for various reasons, including his strong loyalty and patriotism and the fact that he was a Marine pilot and company commander. He would not give an inch or compromise on his core values and for those reasons he had to endure the brute force of his Iraqi capturers. Truly an American hero!

Equally courageous and inspiring is the corresponding story of Cynthia's experiences, as she has to face all the uncertainties of the situation. Working from a base of great faith and personal strength she takes positive actions and organizes a movement to get world attention focused on the fate of all the POWS and MIAS. Her personal and emotional journey did not come without its own form of pain.

We learn a lot about who the authors were and how they met and became high school friends. The background story gives us a look inside their relationship and what kind of people they were prior to the life changing experiences of the war. I think this adds greatly to the power of their story. These two individual souls seemed destined to become spiritually connected in the very fabric of their lives. This book is more than a war story it is about their own personal spiritual journey. It is a story that will inspire many others and perhaps change a few lives along the way. And maybe, that was one of the divine purposes that the universe had in mind for all that they went through. I know that I was touched by their story on many levels. I am a better person for having read their book.

It is a well-written, easy to follow story. The authors share a huge part of themselves with the reader and that honesty comes through and makes you feel good about them as people. The MWSA gives this book its highest book rating of FIVE STARS. I also add my personal endorsement and recommendations that you buy and read this book.

Love and Terror in Desert Storm.......2005-03-22

I found it hard to read much of what Cliff Acree wrote, because he tells us how badly he was treated while he was in captivity. He was tortured; badly beaten, denied food and in so many ways humiliated and ill-treated. Still, he never lost his faith and dignity.

Since Cliff Acree was a higher ranking officer, it was obvious that he was better informed than his fellow prisoners of war. When he refused to share any of this information with his captors, it made Saddam Hussein's men treat him harsher than many others.

Col.Cliff Acree decided he had to lie to Saddam Hussein's men, and that may be a reason he is still alive. If he had kept on refusing to speak, the ill-treatment may even have been worse. Another reason he is alive is: When Saddam Hussein used the captured pilots, as well as members of the SAS and a CBS TV crew as human shields, only two instead of five bombers attacked the building they were kept in. The bombers didn't bomb the part where the cells were sited.

One of the comments in the book also made me think of Captain Scott Speicher, since he is the American air man that Saddam Hussein most likely kept.

ONE OF THE BEST POW/WAR STORIES.......2003-08-21

I have read many POW stories since WWII and this is one of the best. The perspective is a little different as the wife talks a chapter about what is going on at home and then Col. Acree talks about his ordeal while a prisoner of war in Iraq during Desert Storm. The internal fortitude and resolve of Co. Acree is astounding and what he went through is heart rending. At the same time his wife did much in creating a force of help and an attitude of compassion among the entire citizenry of the U.S.A. You will rally 'round the flag after reading this and appreciate the downfall of Hussein!

An honest review from a grateful reader.......2003-03-30

When I first bought this book, I thought it would be something I MIGHT pick up and read...if I didn't have something better to do. Being a new Marine spouse in a post-9/11 world, the story was, at least, an intriguing one, and any new information I could get was a bonus. I had NO idea what was in store.

This is a story of patriotism, of survival, of fear, of strength, of new and old friendships, of new and old adversaries. A story of triumph and most of all an enduring love; Cindy and Cliff's story is one that will touch anyone.

It is written in perfect format as Cindy chronicles her daily life in unison with what happened to Cliff thousands of miles away in captivity. It demonstrates how even in the most grim of circumstances, the spirit perseveres and is, indeed, made stronger. From a military point of view, their amazing story can also serve as a reference for families on how to handle difficult situations, when their loved ones' lives could be at risk. It certainly has for me.

I am a better person for having read this book. I am better Marine spouse after reading this book. It truly is one of the best investments I have ever made. It demonstrates, beyond a doubt, the Honor, Pride and Commitment that signifies the Marine Corps, and all our servicemen and women. I appreciate the Acrees sharing their story with the world.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books