An altogether exciting and unique; almost priceless documentary. — Library Journal. Camp Sumter; more commonly known as Andersonville prison; opened in February 1864. Over the course of the Civil War 45;000 Union prisoners were received at the prison; of which 13;000 would never reach homelands again; as in the abhorrent conditions of the camp they succumbed to malnutrition and disease. John Ransom; Quartermaster of Company A; 9th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry; had been captured in November 1863. He would remain in Confederate prisons; including the notorious Andersonville; until his eventual escape in December 1864. Recording the day-by-day events of life under guard; Ransom notes how his friends around him fought to stay alive or gave up the struggle. Ransom himself goes through moments of despair when he believes he will not last another day; and only survives through the camaraderie and support of his fellow prisoners. A whole array of characters are noted through the pages of the diary; from the Andersonville Raiders who were ruthless Union prisoners that persecuted those around them to survive; to more benevolent figures like George Hendryx who was always looking for a way to escape and the Native American Battese who helped Ransom through his darkest days. "The Civil War produced many diaries; but few as appealing and readable as this one." — Publishers Weekly. "A tale of adventure; of suspense from beginning to end; of fierce hate and great love; of the incredible callousness of man and the incredible warmth of man — with the added knowledge that 'it really happened.'" — Bruce Catton. “As compelling and powerful as a novel†– Los Angeles Times. John Ransom was a printer in Jackson; Michigan before the war. He eventually escaped from Confederate prisons and returned to the north. He features as a character in Mackinlay Kantor’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Andersonville. His diary was published in 1881. He died at the age of 76 on 23rd September 1919 in Los Angeles County.
#2306784 in Books 2016-07-15 2016-07-15Original language:English 9.00 x 1.59 x 6.00l; 2.03 #File Name: 1514480042636 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Having been assigned to two the units mentioned and visited ...By Old JimHaving been assigned to two the units mentioned and visited many of the places during the Vietnam war; I am really enjoying the memories.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. It wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it ...By Kindle CustomerIt wasn't exactly what I was looking for but it should make for fairly interesting reading! My time in Air Force Special Operations started just about the time the story; in this book; ends.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Air Commandos - The USAF's Special ForcesBy LH SkeltonThis book by LtCol Eugene Rossel; USAF (Ret.) answers many questions concerning involvement of the U.S. Air Force special forces "Air Commandos" from their beginnings during World War II through their reactivation as the "Jungle Jim" unit under President Kennedy in 1961 at Hurlburt Field; Florida (aka Eglin AFB Auxiliary Field 9) to later deployments to Southeast Asia and worldwide. Rossel who originates from a small town in southern Illinois can best be described as "A real go-getter; restless when idle." Although there was extensive public awareness of the Southeast Asian conflict; little-reported; often classified missions involving special air operations are addressed in some detail here. Whereas at home losses were casually reported be the media; Rossel has issued heretofore unpublished or generally under reported data concerning losses of aircraft and their crews. Many readers have likely seen information on use of helicopters in Viet Nam but few realize that 2;709 pilots; crew and passengers were killed just in UH-! "Huey" helicopters. Copies of Special Orders that assigned special air operators to worldwide locations have been searched out and are included in this book. Operations in Laos; South and Central America and Africa are addressed.This reviewer; a 21 year USAF veteran; was surprised to learn of some of the locations and actions. This 619 page book contains a useful glossary of military acronyms; a seven-page list of published and internet references for those wishing to learn more and an index. USAF Air Commando Secret Wars From Laos to Latin America is a thoroughly researched book by an unsung hero who was there. It is recommended to every American who becomes teary when Taps is played and whose heart beats a little faster when a military jet passes overhead.
