Widely acclaimed as the Vietnam War's most highly decorated soldier; Joe Ronnie Hooper in many ways serves as a symbol for that conflict. His troubled; tempestuous life paralleled the upheavals in American society during the 1960s and 1970s; and his desperate quest to prove his manhood was uncomfortably akin to the macho image projected by three successive presidents in their "tough" policy in Southeast Asia. Looking for a Hero extracts the real Joe Hooper from the welter of lies and myths that swirl around his story; in doing so; the book uncovers not only the complicated truth about an American hero but also the story of how Hooper's war was lost in Vietnam; not at home. Extensive interviews with friends; fellow soldiers; and family members reveal Hooper as a complex; gifted; and disturbed man. They also expose the flaws in his most famous and treasured accomplishment: earning the Medal of Honor. In the distortions; half-truths; and outright lies that mar Hooper's medal of honor file; authors Peter Maslowski and Don Winslow find a painful reflection of the army's inability to be honest with itself and the American public; with all the dire consequences that this dishonesty ultimately entailed. In the inextricably linked stories of Hooper and the Vietnam War; the nature of that deceit; and of America's defeat; becomes clear.
#245819 in Books 2014-05-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .59 x 6.00l; .95 #File Name: 0802868010320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Daring raids along the MississippiBy James D. CrabtreeThe need for Union scouts able to track and defeat Confederate guerrillas led commanders to organize ad hoc units capable of moving swiftly through enemy territory; collecting intelligence and conducting hit-and-run attacks. Lt. Isaac Earl; a soldier with the 4th Wisconsin; proved to be an able counterinsurgency fighter and his story is interesting and noteworthy. Earl operated along the Mississippi River; defeating enemy guerrilla bands and smugglers in this area. His raids did much to keep the Confederates from mounting efforts to retake territory.Olson's writing keeps you involved in the narrative and does justice to this rarely-told story. Illustrated with maps and black-and-white photos.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... the book but it is very informative and a wonderful book!By Jana LindhHave not completely finished reading the book but it is very informative and a wonderful book!3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. I gave this book to a history buff friend as ...By Thomas L SteffelI gave this book to a history buff friend as a gift; and he was very impressed with Olson's exciting story of this historical figure.
