Heroes: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients [Hardcover]

Barrett Tillman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

The honored few...From the bloody fields of the Civil War to the global conflicts of the modern age, here are the stories of 100 Army Medal of Honor winners.

Since its Revolution-era formation as the Continental Army, the United States Army has earned a hard-won reputation for duty, courage, and brotherhood. But there are those whose exploits in combat have set them apart from their fellow soldiers, earning them the most cherished and honored citation there is-the Congressional Medal of Honor.

From the killing fields of the Civil War, through World Wars I and II, to the jungles of Vietnam and America's fight against terrorism around the world, this comprehensive book features detailed information on 100 Army Corps Medal of Honor winners-including many lesser-known recipients- whose courage and sacrifice in the service of their country remain the foundations of the United States Army. Their achievements are chronicled in this complete and compelling memorial of those who have earned the right to be called "The Bravest of the Brave."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Barrett Tillman grew up on an Oregon ranch, where he was exposed to agricultural aircraft at an early age. He learned to fly at age 16 and became involved in restoring and flying antique aircraft, including two World War II navy planes. He is the author of several books including Heroes: U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor Winners and The Normandy Invasion A-to-Z.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 273 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Caliber; 1st edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425210170
• ISBN-13: 978-0425210178
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,139 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barrett Tillman (b. 1948) was born into a NE Oregon ranching family and developed an early interest in aviation history. He learned to fly as a teenager, was first published at age 15, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a journalism degree in 1971. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, book publisher, and magazine editor, but has been self employed all but seven years since graduating from college. Though best known for his histories of US naval aviation, he also has published six novels plus short stories, and has sold a screenplay.

Tillman continues writing nonfiction books and has written more than 550 articles in the US and abroad. He frequently appears as a commentator on TV documentaries in addition to his speaking appearances. The recipient of six writing awards, he lives with his wife in Arizona.

Tillman's web site and blog are found at www.btillman.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Reality of War., October 16, 2006

By 

Andy C. Tillman (Bend, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heroes: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients (Hardcover)

Barrett Tillmans review of 600 some Medal of Honor recipients brings the reality of war home to even the most jaded reader.

This is war.

Not like you have seen on television, or any movie (not even Platoon). To read page after page of one paragraph descriptions of mortal combat is a very chilling experience. Mens lives reduced to a few words by the sheer number of MOH recipients. A common theme is revealed. Men fight for their fellow men. And they surrender their lives for them. The author documents that depending on war and theater, between 1/2 and 2/3 of recipeints who recieved the MOH did so postumously.

In Tillman's book, the MOH recipients are divided by theater of operation and war. Yet they are remarkably similar men.

The hand grenade plays an important part in this story. Many men were so close to the enemy that they exchanged not gun shots but grenades. A chilling book that will bring the reality of close quarters combat into your living room.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories of the Bravest of the Brave!, April 30, 2008

By 

Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heroes: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients (Hardcover)

In 2002 noted aviation author Barrett Tillman wrote ABOVE AND BEYOND: THE AVIATION MEDALS OF HONOR which related the heroic deeds of U.S. Air Force MoH recipients. HEROES, published in 2006, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers who were likewise awarded the Medal of Honor. As with the previous book, HEROES is a fascinating, well-written and inspiring memorial to some incredibly brave warriors.

The Medal of Honor story is fascinating not only for heroic deeds but also the somewhat tortured development of the Medal itself. The Medal of Honor dates from Civil War times. In separate chapters Tillman relates representative MoH actions from the Civil War, the Indian campaigns, the Spanish-American War and other 'wars of expansion,' World War I, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and recent conflicts in Somalia and Afghanistan. Over 2,300 men received the MoH; Tillman chronicles 100 of that total. He deliberately focuses on lesser-known recipients while briefly touching on Alvin York, Audie Murphy, etc.

Yet the backstory of the Medal is just as fascinating. Over the years the criteria for being awarded the Medal has evolved. Some early awards, such as those given to an entire Union Army regiment for extending their enlistment, were patently undeserved. Others, such as that given to Douglas MacArthur, were political in nature. Still others, such as those awarded to Teddy Roosevelt in 1898 and, 45 years later, to his son for his actions on D-Day, are questionable. Their actions objectively don't fulfill the 'Above and Beyond' criteria of the Medal. Rather both men's actions reflect Commanding Officers doing what they are paid to do.

Tillman does a marvelous job of weaving the combat narratives and beyond-the-scenes machinations into a smooth-flowing narrative. Reading HEROES leaves one with feelings of amazement, sometimes sadness and pride. HEROES is a must-read for all Americans.

*****
N.B. Hopefully volumes on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps recipients are in the works.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Their stories are vividly brought to life here., October 14, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heroes: U.S. Army Medal of Honor Recipients (Hardcover)

Heroes: U.S. Army Medal Of Honor Recipients provides a fine collection of battle stories behind the 100 Army Corps Medal Of Honor winners, pairing these stories with over a hundred photos and providing a military history which will please a wide audience. The Medal of Honor is awarded for outstanding courage and sacrifice in combat, and is the greatest honor awarded to a soldier: their stories are vividly brought to life here.

Diane C. Donovan

California Bookwatch