Hazardous Duty [Paperback]

John Singlaub (Author), Malcolm Macconnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1992

From the front lines of World War II to behind the scenes in the Iran-Contra affair, Major General John K. Singlaub recounts 40 years in the military. Mixing personal anecdotes with well-researched history and previously classified documents, he provides a unique look at the military, including the early days of the CIA. Photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Major General Singlaub (U.S. Army, Ret.), who served in the OSS and was a founding member of the CIA, and whose career spanned 1943-78, gives insights into unconventional warfare in China, Korea, and Vietnam. There are many details of Army life in this highly readable autobiography, but the most valuable portion of the book concerns the Army's covert special operations. While some may not agree with Singlaub's political views, this is the only book in which general readers will find a personal overview of Army covert operations in Asia from World War II to almost the present day. After retirement, Singlaub became involved with the Contras in Nicaragua. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Dennis L. Noble, Washington State Lib., Clallam Bay Corrections Ctr.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

A fast-paced, though often rigidly ideological, account of ``covert operations'' by a 40-year veteran of the intelligence battles of the cold war. Singlaub, who served with the legendary OSS in WW II and then with the early CIA, describes military and intelligence missions in Nazi-occupied France, and in China, Korea, Vietnam, and Nicaragua. Singlaub makes clear his own view of the significance of these missions--he was always a soldier, often playing a heroic role, in America's just war against ruthless Communist aggression. Singlaub appears to view geopolitical issues, even in the wake of glasnost and perestroika, in terms of a battle between the forces of darkness, led the Communist world, and the forces of light, led by America. Whether one accepts this view or not, Singlaub's account of intelligence operations--written with the help of novelist/journalist McConnell (Into the Mouth of the Cat, 1984, etc.)--make for fascinating reading, particularly his description of contacting French resistance leaders prior to D-Day, working on the Nationalist side during the Chinese Revolution, and managing the secret war along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The author demonstrates that, through four decades of service, his world view and his devotion to his duty as he sees it have remained constant. A firsthand perspective on America's long secret war against Communism, rendered by one of its primary combatants. (Sixteen pages of b&w photographs--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (September 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671792296
• ISBN-13: 978-0671792299
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,036,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful, Necessary book, July 6, 2002

By 

Jeanne W. Baker (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hazardous Duty (Paperback)

I have read about two-thirds of this book and must stop to send copies to my friend and to my daughter. General Singlaub's experiences and insights show the pattern in all the seemingly unrelated events between WWII and Viet Nam (that's as far as I've gotten), events that affected us all. I have been angry, amazed, amused, impressed and proud as I've read this book. I agree with the other reviewer: this should be the text for a history class. General Singlaub's integrity and intelligence illuminate many issues that were hidden in the shadows.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st Rate Story about one hell of a Stud, March 5, 2006

By 

David D. Lawson "A Legend in his own mind" (The Peoples Republic of California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hazardous Duty (Paperback)

A great story about a model Major General in todays world. If you want a great war story about the story of a Stand and Deliver Man. Then go no further! I actually felt sorry when the Clueless James Earl Carter went up against this bandsaw of a man!

5.0 out of 5 stars Hazardous Duty Lessons Applicable Still, October 12, 2011

By 

LtCol ret E. Kennedy, Jr. (Leavenworth, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hazardous Duty (Paperback)

This is an outstanding book about an Army officer who was not politically correct. Unfortunately, a clueless and naive politician terminated this "dirty-boots" soldier's career. We need more Singlaubs in our military today and we need namby-pamby politicians to stay out of their way. Had Reagan been the President instead of Carter, Singlaub would have been promoted. A fascinating read of a man who sacrificed for his country and paid the price. Not only does this book give great insights into the war in Europe from behind the lines, it chronicles the start of our agencies mobilized to fight a new kind of armed political aggression by the communists. Want to read what happened on the ground in the early days of the OSS / CIA; this is the book. Two thumbs up!