Encyclopedia of American War Heroes (Facts on File Library of American History)

Rating:
Summary: At a Time When We Need to Learn About Heroes!
Review: I have just finished re-reading Encyclopedia of American War Heroes, by Major Bruce Norton, USMC, (Ret.), and I must say that I will read it again and again. This book describes the heroic deeds of American men and women in mortal combat from 1600- to present. Some names will not be new, but there are many individuals cited who are not generally known to the American public. This is the kind of book that will be on every American veteran's coffee-table for years to come. While we have been inundated, lately, with images of "heroes" (police and fire-fighters) surrounding the 9/11 trajedy, this work covers 300 years of heroic achievement by our Nation's military. Many of the citations will make the reader pause and think about what it takes to be a "real" hero. The incredible exploits of men such as Chamberlain, Coffman, Day, Fox, Millett, Paige and Williams will bring tears to eyes of any proud American veteran. Major Norton has done a valuable service in creating this marvelous book. I hope that there will be additional volumes to come. A great and valuable book.

Rating:
Summary: A "Must Have" for every American Veteran!
Review: I have just finished reading Encyclopedia of American War Heroes and I'm very pleased to have bought it. Major Norton has done a great job in presenting a "historic sampling" of many of our Nation's military heroes. With approximately 400 entires and numerous photographs to support the work, this reference book will be a welcomed addition to any military reader's library. The names and faces of many selected heroes are new and interesting. Major Norton has produced a "fair-share" of soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airman. The work covers entries from as early as 1650 through 2001. Additionally, those entries include, female Union/Confederate spies, Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, Hispanics and African-Americans.
While we have been inundated, lately, by media coverage of recent "heroes;" those NYPD, FDNY and Emergency Medical Technicians who were killed on 9/11, this encyclopedia is a refreshing addition and a historical tribute to those brave men and women who dared to do great things on our Nation's battlefields during the last 400 years. These military men and women are the real "role models" that the youth of America should recognize and salute.
I know that this reference book will be well-received, as it should make every veteran proud of his or her military heritage. Another well-written and well-researched book by Major 'Doc' Norton, USMC. Well done!

Rating:
Summary: Our Debt to Our Heroes
Review: It is frustrating at times to mention the names of men like "Manila John" Basilone or "Silent Lew" Walt in conversation, only to be met with blank stares. Sadly, America all too often forgets her heroes.
The Encyclopedia of American Heroes is an excellent source for rectifying that situation. Author Bruce H. Norton, who has seen the face of battle, has put together a fine book describing the
deeds of men our nation owes a debt of gratitude to.
Clearly written, this book is an ideal gift for young people and adults.
Heroes are not only to be honored from afar, but are examples of courage, loyalty, dedication, honor and leadership, to name a few. This book is a fine resource for learning those lessons.

Rating:
Summary: A "wake-up" call for American youth!
Review: There is little doubt that the United States will soon be engaged in a land, sea and air war with Iraq. The current operational information given to us civilians will have a "green light" for action by mid-March. I would hope that anyone giving serious thought to serving in our Armed Forces would take the time to read what it takes, in the form of personal courage to being an infantry-man or Marine.
This encyclopedia is full of the descriptive citations which detail hazardous situations. The thought of having to sacrifice
one's life to save fellow soldiers is vividly described in this fine work.
I would hope that this book is bought and circulated through every high-school library in the USA. It not only describes what it takes to become a "war hero," but it transcends four hundred years of American guts and glory on the battlefield.
There are numerous accounts of individual heroism that literally bring tears to my eyes. The price these men and women have paid is unbelievable.
I, for one, am glad the Major Norton has taken the time to remind us of exactly what it takes to become an American war hero.
I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Our Debt to Our Heroes
Review: There is little doubt that the United States will soon be engaged in a land, sea and air war with Iraq. The current operational information given to us civilians will have a "green light" for action by mid-March. I would hope that anyone giving serious thought to serving in our Armed Forces would take the time to read what it takes, in the form of personal courage to being an infantry-man or Marine.
This encyclopedia is full of the descriptive citations which detail hazardous situations. The thought of having to sacrifice
one's life to save fellow soldiers is vividly described in this fine work.
I would hope that this book is bought and circulated through every high-school library in the USA. It not only describes what it takes to become a "war hero," but it transcends four hundred years of American guts and glory on the battlefield.
There are numerous accounts of individual heroism that literally bring tears to my eyes. The price these men and women have paid is unbelievable.
I, for one, am glad the Major Norton has taken the time to remind us of exactly what it takes to become an American war hero.
I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: A tribute to those that gave all
Review: This book should be in every school library. Honoring war heroics doesn't glorify war but pays respect to those who do the most to bring war to a just end. Reading this book is like going to a party and finding all your favorite people are there, you also meet people that you didn't know, but find that you like. And there are a few ladies there too. All the legends are there, there's John Paul Jones, U.S. Grant, Sgt. York, Audie Murphy, Chesty Puller, and Roger H.C. Donlon. There are also plenty of unknown legends, heroes that are known to their peers but not well known to the public. This book includes the stories of highly decorated men like Lloyd "Scooter" Burke, Ola Mize, Lewis Millett and Matt Urban. These men survivied a sustained record of valor beyond the glow of the public's praise. Like any party there are no shows. Any military buff will note ommissions that they feel should be included in this book. Men that I felt should have been included are Vietnam's most decorated heroes Robert Howard and Joe Hooper. These tough as nails NCOs gave it all to win and then gave care to their captured enemy. Another no show at this party is Mike Thornton. Mike Thornton is the only enlisted Navy Seal to recieve the Medal of Honor and it is because of him that the Seals can claim to have never left a man behind. No Seal walks taller than Mike Thornton, I suppose. Another no show is Doc Bruce Norton, the only Navy Corpsman to be a team leader of a USMC Force Recon Team. This book is a national treasure.