Customer Reviews:
 Understanding and Honoring Our Heroes June 19, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Oliver North has written a fantastic book that is part chronological history, part political-military analysis, and one-hundred percent informative and interesting account of our involvement to date in the war on terror. His unique combat veteran-turned-combat reporter perspectives were fully complemented by honest, accurate descriptions of weapons, equipment, and operations, and the words and lives of countless American heroes fighting for the freedoms of millions of people in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Philippines.
Rather than try and describe the book, below I have included selected quotes that I believe will provide a much better description of what this book is and what it offers to readers. I would be remiss, however, if I did not highlight what was beyond a doubt the best part of the book to me--the final four chapters: "Hero Values," "Wounded Warriors," "The `Other Heroes,'" and, "Getting It Done!"
-"My heroes wear flak jackets, flight suits, and combat boots. This book is for and about them." (p.9)
-"Real heroes are selfless. Those who serve in harm's way in this war have that quality in abundance. And so do their families and loved ones at home." (p.12)
-"One female correspondent from a European news service was over heard asking--or was it telling?--one of the Marines that she had "never seen so much bravado, machismo, or arrogance" in her life. The young [Non-Commissioned Officer] NCO listened and appeared to mull over her grievance before replying, `Yes ma'am, that's why they call themselves U.S. Marines.'" (p.68)
-"`Now think of this,' said 1st Lt. Ken Williamson, one of the squadron's pilots. `Here's a shipment worth more than sixty million dollars being signed for by a twenty-two-year-old Marine sergeant. Where else would you get that kind of responsibility at that age?' Where else indeed?'" (p.70)
-"The Marine veteran, tongue planted firmly in his cheek, replied, `Dust storms aren't allowed to affect us. It's contrary to Marine Corps policy.'" (p.73)
-"...I find Jerry Driscoll alone in the rear of the ready room tent, drafting the most difficult correspondence anyone ever has to write: letters from a commander to the relatives of his dead Marines. Having had to write such missives myself, I know exactly how he feels. The burden of command is never heavier than at a time like this." (p.95)
-"Many [of the embedded journalists with coalition forces] expressed surprise at the humanity and compassion of coalition troops--young men going out of their way, often at great personal risk--to care for Iraqi civilians, enemy prisoners, and wounded combatants." (p.101)
-"`I turn to the lance corporal, `The New York Times says the Marines are out of food, water, and ammo. Are you hungry?... No, sir...Are you thirsty?...No, sir...Are you short on ammo?...No, sir... `Well, what do you need?' I persist...Without a moment's hesitation, the young Marine replies, `Just send more enemy, sir.'" (p.123)
-"When election day [in Iraq] was over, [Lance Corporal] LCpl Jeffrey Heath stood in front of our FOX News camera while I asked him if the day had been a success. His reply: `Absolutely. This is why we're here--to help the Iraqi people gain the kind of freedoms that we take for granted back in the States.' I couldn't have said it better myself.'" (p.197)
-"Some people here at home claim, `I support the troops; I just don't support what they are doing in Iraq or Afghanistan.' Those who believe that statement need to try this experiment. When you get home after work, walk in the front door and tell your spouse: `I love you...but I really don't like the way you drive, cook, look after the house, or care for the kids--and that needs to change right now.' Then see where you sleep that night." (p.221)
-"In all my years in and around the military, I have never seen so many men flock to chapel services, Bible study groups, and prayer sessions. I have seen them put pocket Bibles into their flak jackets and gather in a prayer circle before and after dangerous missions. In the midst of terrible gunfights, I've heard these men take vulgar language to the level of a new art form. But when the shooting stops, I've seen them reading the Bible in a quiet moment." (p.229)
-"I [Marine Sergeant Gregory Edwards, father of two] lost my legs for the people of Iraq, so their children will be able to run around, just like mine. If time was turned back, I'd do it all over again." (p.237)
-"Danger is a constant companion, but the source of their motivation is no secret--they hunt down the savages overseas in order to safeguard their loved ones at home." (p.254)
If the measure of a book is the emotions and reactions it elicits from readers, then this book was a definite winner with me: I laughed out loud, I cried tears of joy and sadness, I shook my head in disgust, and I reminisced fondly about my twenty-plus years in and supporting the Marines. When my son is old enough to read about and understand the origins and initial actions in our war on terror, I want him to read this book.
Makes it Real June 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The photographs are amazing. This book is telling the story from "ground zero" in Iraq of the heroic men and women we have serving and giving their lives for our freedom. I am purchasing one each for two men that I am very proud of who served there, and one for my son who may go soon to either Afghanistan or Iraq.
American Heroes by Oliver North June 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book about people who truly believe in what they do. You will like it no matter what your politics. Maybe it will help people realize what the military is realy all about. Oliver North is truly one of our great heroes himself, although someone should tell him he is not in the Corps anymore and he should go home and "sit on the porch". I'm sure his wife would agree. He has done more for our country than any other ten men, but he is a great storyteller and I love reading his books.
Fresh outlook June 13, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This is a well written, easy read. Really gives you a fresh outlook on what is going on in the trenches of the war. Oliver North should be a National Treasure.
Wonderful Book! June 11, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Normally I would not choose to read a military/war book. I purchased this book for my teenage sons because I had heard so many wonderful reviews about it. When it came in the mail, I peeked inside and the pictures were so compelling, I started to read it. I didn't want to put it down! Before long I had read the whole book and I loved it!!!! It was refreshing and also eye opening to hear about what it's been like in Iraq from someone who has actually spent so much time there up-close and personal. Thank you Oliver North for sharing so eloquently the reality of the amazing sacrifice our troops (and their families) make for us every day! Also, thank you for reminding us why they are there!!! Listening to the main stream media has become akin to reading the "National Enquirer" while standing in the check out line. Since reading this book, I have a new perspective on the war and our heroes!
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