Customer Reviews

Bank's Bandits (AKA Banks Bandits)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This thinly disguised fiction absolutely nails the origins, trials,tribulations and fun of the birth of what has become a force to be reckoned with in the international arena, the US Army's Special Forces. Although I came to Special Forces a decade after the author, many of his characters were immediately recognizable, and still live in legend, war stories and toasts to departed comrades. The details of Airborne training reveal that Fitzgerald was in my pocket and my mind, and will be there with every Jump School student, past, present and future. The fact that they really don't like being called "Green Berets", but rather "Quiet Professionals" is testament to the foundations set out by Aaron Bank as recorded by Ed Fitzgerald.

I'm not military--ivory tower and all that--but came away with an increased appreciation for the planning and psychology that goes into training people to do things like jump out of airplanes. I've read the funniest parts three times already, and still laugh aloud.

Early on and more than once, I laughed myself to tears. Besides being possibly the funniest book I've ever read, it gave me an education. Thank God the Green Beret are on our side! I was sad to complete Ed's book. It left me hungry for more of this author's hilarious writing style. I think a sequel is in order. Encore, encore! Readers from a non-military back ground might miss all the hardship and rigorous preparation it takes to crank out such a formidable fighting force as the Green Beret. Ed Fitzgerald, I salute you. Five stars are not enough to rate this book.
Erick W. Miller, Author of "Toll of War/Vietnam" and "Mother Warned You"

Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Colonel Bank in his later years applaud the author for this in depth story of a great man. Colonel Bank was our security officer at Beach Road Community and at age 80 was a tough enforcer. He would go out on the beach at night and confront any situation with a military bearing and confidence that brought any situation to an early and successful conclusion. Late in life, Col. Bank was always fit and quick witted..........he never let us know the true nature of his military heroics. Thank you for the book.....

Pete Siracusa

You don't have to know a thing about military training to wholeheartedly enjoy this funny, funny novel. From the first to the last page, you'll be right there with poor young James Fitzpatrick as he innocently takes one step after the other and ends up in a place he never imagined himself. Just like real life!

Mr. Fitzgerald has an excellent memory that is evident in this book. The experiences of his training brings back a lot of my memories--I only had 16 weeks of basic. We could have used his team, and more like it, in Korea but I am sure that they were used to our advantage in Vietnam and later in the Middle East wars. A very good and interesting read for veterans and their families.

This is the "untold story of the ORIGINAL Green Berets, written by one of those originals, Edward F. Fitzgerald. It's dedicated to and includes stories about Aaron Banks, the "father of the Green Berets." I now have a greater appreciation of the Green Berets. Although this is written as a novel, the names of the participants are changed to protect the innocent, but the events are real. This combination of fact and fiction gives the reader an insight into the training events and the actual encounters. It opened my eyes to the courage and sacrifices these men were and are currently all about. I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know anything about the Green Berets, and to all those who do. It's a keeper. Raleigh Pinskey

Ed Fitzgerald's book first came to my attention when he called me to ask for information about dealing with radio, TV and newspaper interviews. It was a happy coincidence for me because during my days as a "weekend warrior" in the late 60's and early 70's, I spent part of my hitch with a reserve unit of the 11th Special Forces Group.

I read "Banks Bandits" while making a round trip flight from Pittsburgh to Dallas, and I'm surprised I wasn't questioned by a suspicious flight marshall. I spent the whole time smiling devilishly -- or even laughing out loud.

The incidents in the book, and the characters Fitzgerald has "created," reminded me so much of my own experiences with the Green Berets I got to know. Dedicated professional soldiers all, but blessed with a sense of humor and a knack for finding something to laugh at even in the most challenging and uncomfortable of physical circumstances (like Jump School and sneaking around the countryside during war games).

I agree with those who say anyone who has been in the military will love this book. I certainly did and I highly recommend it.

And Ed...please...let there be a sequel!

George McKenzie
Publisher/Editor, Publicity Goldmine Ezine
www.publicitygoldmine.com

First rule: Never volunteer. They volunteered. Volunteered to join this new group, having no idea of what they were letting themselves in for. They did know that the term of service was one year less than Officer's Training School. Off they went to train to become the original Green Berets. Terrible things happened. Wonderfully brave things happened. And poignant things. But most of all, hilarious things. Bank's Bandits has to be one of the most hilarious books ever written about the Special Forces. You haven't laughed until you've read the chicken chapters! Priceless!