audiobook Hear the Bugles Calling: My Three Wars as a Combat Infantryman by Lionel F. Pinn; Frank Sikora in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My Uncle Lionel was pretty amazing! Everything about him was interestingBy Ruchele McCoyMy Uncle Lionel was pretty amazing! Everything about him was interesting. As kids we always looked forward to visits with him; Aunt Judy and my cousin Wenonah. We never knew what stories we would hear this visit or what crazy thing he might do for a laugh. I can still smell his cigar and picture he; Aunt Judy (my father's sister) and my parents together. Walking through his house was like walking through a museum. I've seen his many medals; pictures of him with famous people; and his indian headdress (much heavier than you would imagine). I miss Uncle Lionel; just as I miss my own father; ( Calvin "Chink" McCoy) who passed away 9 years later in 2008 from lung cancer. I feel privileged to have known him and proud that he was my Uncle and my friend. Reading his book; was like being back in my parents living room listening to Uncle Lionel tell another story. He has his cigar; a glass of Crown Royal and we couldn't wait to hear what happen next. When I hear anything related to Veteran's or "Serving your Country" etc...I think of Uncle Lionel. I feel he was a rare breed; a true soldier and someone this country should be proud to call an American Soldier. This book is a must read for anyone who is interested in knowing about history; war; leadership etc.....from a true; up-close account. I agree with Lionel Jr.; the book is much too short. The surface of has barely been scratched. Though I feel Uncle Lionel dictated what was important to him at the time; I know there is so much more he could have written. Had he not already been in the fight of his life against leukemia; no doubt the book would be much longer. When we see him again in heaven; I'll be sure to tell him how much I enjoyed his book.J. Ruchele McCoy2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Hear the Bugles CallingBy James PackardThis was a well written first person story which depicted the trials and struggles of a career military soldier. It was very interesting and was hard to put down. I read this in two sittings. The World War II episode appeared to have some "fantasy" in it--some of our author's reactions on the battlefield reminded me of Hollywood's efforts to build up the story line. For the most part; I think Pinn wastelling us a very convincing portrait of how it is to be in wars in which you sometimes have to use every imagination to survive. War conducted by the Asian forces do not necessarily follow the same rules that have been set down through the years that western forces have followed. Pinn showed that to us very well in his narrative.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. My Dad's BookBy L. Francis PinnI am the son of Lionel "Choo Choo" Pinn and I am very honored by that distinction. Knowing my Dad as well as I did; I know he would be satisfied with this book and I am very happy to recommend it. It does a great job at sharing a little bit about a remarkable life. Reading the stories was like hearing him tell the stories. All my life I have been fortunate to get a glimpse into the world of my Dad. He did not share a whole lot when I was younger but as I got older he did finally begin to start telling the stories and I am glad I was there to hear them.The book will weave you through three different wars (WWII; Korea and Vietnam) and his first hand account of the events of those conflicts; the big picture of the planning and strategies of war as well as the view point from the fox-hole. Dad was also on special assignment in Grenada in the early 1980's and traveled the world over in support of his MIA/POW comrades. At the age of 68 he tried his best to get to Desert Storm but was denied the opportunity. This book will also introduce you to some one-of-a-kind moments and people. These are "backs against the wall" kinds of situations that will never leave your memory. Chief Red Hawk; as he was know by his tribe; was also extremely proud of his Native American heritage and felt strongly that it was through those roots that he was able to survive all that he did. 9 Purple Hearts; the Silver and Bronze Stars; Distinguish Service Cross and Master Parachutist were just a few of the honors he worn over his heart but the one that he was most proud of; the one that he presented at the Vietnam Memorial Wall; the one he had in his pocket the day I buried him at Arlington National Cemetery was the "Combat Infantry Badge" (CIB) with 2 Stars. To stand in the rarified air of a warrior who gave it all in three different wars had deeper meaning than anything else in his career.Unfortunately his death in 1999 would never allow him the opportunity to see his finished product however; the stories live on in the book and hearts of all of us who knew him. He once told me as he approached the end of his life that "I was able to survive all these gun shots and hand-grenades because I could get my hands on them but I can't reach this damn cancer and that's got me worried." Co-author Frank Sikora does an outstanding job at letting that story be told.Like my Dad's life; the only thing I regret about the book is that it was far too short. For those of you who have served and carried the torch of freedom for our country; I promise you will not be disappointed. For those of you who want to know more about this man and his life; beyond the book; please let me know; I would be happy to share!Lionel Pinn; Jr.Littleeagle9@hotmail.com