Customer Reviews

Country Boy Gone Soldiering

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

 

 

George Waple III is a charming story teller both in writing and in person. He tells of humble beginnings in Waple Mills, VA up to the present time. I found it fascinating that Waple worked with Patton prior to WWII and that he handled the ceremonial horses at the White House. You'll get a touch of what it was like to be that country boy gone soldiering around the world--World War II in the European Theater to Korea and Nam. He writes as he speaks--real country, real people

I found this book most enjoyable, personal, real-life, and a picture of soldiering not often portrayed. It's warm and humorous style carries the reader along the trails of his life with charm and flow, keeping one always engaged in the adventure of his career, and building admiration all the way through, from the spunky farm kid who was not put off by any adversity, but who made the most of all situations.

I think the U.S. Army owes George Waple a vote of thanks.

Mr. Waple is a terrific story teller.

The value of the book is in providing an authentic account of one man's life that is important and interesting. It's the story of real life by a very real person. It spans growing up in Virginia, early Army life and tours in Europe in WWII and in Korea. He has some very interesting experiences and touches many people, some famous, like General Omar Bradley, Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio. A well written book and a great read.

"A Great Read" - Pat Buchanan, MSNBC and former Presidential Candidate

"I hasten to advise that we found your story not interesting, but fascinating, not moving, but inspiring - both candid and reflective." - Zane E. Finkelstein, Army War College Foundation Press

This review was recommended for Army Magazine: "This is a book about high profile soldiering written by a soldier. As a senior enlisted soldier, George Waple held important positions within the leadership of the US Army following World War II. He offers insights into the lives of the giants that lead the Army at mid-century. Later commissioned by General Bradley, he went on to hold important positions to cap off a successful 24-year career. More importantly, this book is an example of the kind of communications we should encourage among our soldiers. It is a good read of a personal story. Obviously, the Army made him proud and in turn he made the army proud. The autobiography of a proud and happy soldier cannot help but encourage future soldiers to join the Army. All of us soldiers can find parts of George's story that we can identify with - from combat ceremonies to retirement. I would like to see a hundred more personal stories like this on soldiering written by soldiers." - Neal Cosby, Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandris, VA.

"What a magnificent package! You do indeed have a rich and fascinating tale to tell-What a career-What a life...I assure you, all items will be in our museum...the book too. We won't forget you service old comrade..." - Colonel Gardiner, Commander, 3rd Infantry, Fort Meyer, VA

"I have just read the book, "Country Boy Gone Soldiering." I found it most enjoyable, personal, real-life, and a picture of soldiering, not often portrayed and I think the US Army owes you a vote of thanks." - General Gordon R. Sullivan, (Retired)

"I finished your book on a lovely day in Cambria, CA, this past weekend. I laughed and cried along with you. The soldier crawling in front of you (who got the bullet in his forehead) could have been my own son. Thank you for sharing your book with me, I loved it! " - Marjorie Whitney, Santa Barbara, CA

George Waple III does a great job describing his childhood in West Virginia, and his subsequent service in the army in World War II and in Korea. His memory for details is excellent, and he has adequate photo documentation. His array of medals and decorations is truly impressive. Although his book is well-written, it suffers from numerous misspelled words and errors in grammar and syntax. It is too bad that CAPT Waples did not see fit to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a competent proof-reader to handle these small details. Nevertheless, it is a fine read from a man who accomplished wonders with very little to work with. HOOAH!, Captain Waple