Reviews
"An enjoyable and fresh contribution to documenting the experiences of America's 'Greatest Generation.'" - Publishers Weekly, "Anne Kazel-Wilcox and PJ Wilcox deliver an entertaining history of the American way of war from Pearl Harbor through Vietnam as told by graduates of the U.S. Military Academy. Along the way, West Point '41: The Class that Went to War and Shaped America reminds why the service academies remain so vital to keeping the promise of providing for the common defense."-Army, "An enjoyable and fresh contribution to documenting the experiences of America's "Greatest Generation."" -Publishers Weekly, "The memories, adventures, and introspections of the West Point Class of 1941 are unique to the literature of conflict and a valuable insight to the workings of the military system."-Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, U.S. Army (Ret.),, "The memories, adventures, and introspections of the West Point Class of 1941 are unique to the literature of conflict and a valuable insight to the workings of the military system."-Gen. Barry R. McCaffrey, U.S. Army (Ret.), "West Point '41 is an absorbing book about an emerging generation of leaders faced with extraordinary challenges in times of war and peace. Never has a book about one group of officers been so illuminating and far-reaching in scope."-Fred Kempe, author of Berlin 1961, "A fascinating read about brave men who were not only soldiers but often diplomats and scientists who played a large role in forming the last half of the twentieth century."-Larry King, "Anne Kazel-Wilcox and PJ Wilcox deliver an entertaining history of the American way of war from Pearl Harbor through Vietnam as told by graduates of the U.S. Military Academy. Along the way, West Point '41: The Class that Went to War and Shaped America reminds why the service academies remain so vital to keeping the promise of providing for the common defense."- Army, A fascinating read about brave men who were not only soldiers but often diplomats and scientists who played a large role in forming the last half of the twentieth century., The memories, adventures, and introspections of the West Point Class of 1941 are unique to the literature of conflict and a valuable insight to the workings of the military system., An enjoyable and fresh contribution to documenting the experiences of America's 'Greatest Generation.', "An enjoyable and fresh contribution to documenting the experiences of America's 'Greatest Generation.'" -Publishers Weekly, "A fascinating read about brave men who were not only soldiers but often diplomats and scientists who played a large role in forming the last half of the twentieth century."-Larry King,, Anne Kazel-Wilcox and PJ Wilcox deliver an entertaining history of the American way of war from Pearl Harbor through Vietnam as told by graduates of the U.S. Military Academy. Along the way, West Point '41: The Class that Went to War and Shaped America reminds why the service academies remain so vital to keeping the promise of providing for the common defense.
Synopsis
Bataan. North Africa. Sicily. Omaha Beach. The Ardennes. West Point 41: The Class That Went to War and Shaped America is an uplifting story of ordinary young men in extraordinary times, in extraordinary places, who graduated directly into the teeth of battle and displayed unwavering leadership, honor, duty, and determination. From Sandy Nininger, awarded the first Medal of Honor of World War II for his actions leading Filipino guerrillas in the early days of the war, to Charlie Fletcher, Ed Rowny, Paul Skowronek, Herb Stern, and dozens of others who quickly found themselves leading companies, battalions, and regiments, these young officers struggled with the fog and terror of war and early command. In a postwar era of unprecedented military latitude, they helped shape defense strategy, led development of America's rocket programs, and created the theory and practice of helicopter airmobile combat that came to dominate in Vietnam. In Europe, Asia, and with the Soviets, 41ers practiced diplomacy and tradecraft as architects of American Cold War policy. All the while, they clung tightly to tenets of duty and moral courage inculcated at West Point: often tested, but holding firm to the bonds that make up the "Long Gray Line.", The inspiring true story of the West Point class of '41, which graduated into combat leadership in World War II and went on to shape policy in Korea, during the Cold War, and in Vietnam, Bataan. North Africa. Sicily. Omaha Beach. The Ardennes. West Point 41: The Class That Went to War and Shaped America is an uplifting story of ordinary young men in extraordinary times, in extraordinary places, who graduated directly into the teeth of battle and displayed unwavering leadership, honor, duty, and determination. From Sandy Nininger, awarded the first Medal of Honor of World War II for his actions leading Philippine Scouts in the early days of the war, to Charlie Fletcher, Ed Rowny, Paul Skowronek, Herb Stern, and dozens of others who quickly found themselves leading companies, battalions, and regiments, these young officers struggled with the fog and terror of war and early command. In a postwar era of unprecedented military latitude, they helped shape defense strategy, led development of America's rocket programs, and created the theory and practice of helicopter airmobile combat that came to dominate in Vietnam. In Europe, Asia, and with the Soviets, 41ers practiced diplomacy and tradecraft as architects of American Cold War policy. All the while, they clung tightly to tenets of duty and moral courage inculcated at West Point: often tested, but holding firm to the bonds that make up the "Long Gray Line."
