Of Honor and Dishonor [Paperback]

David Crocco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

In July of 1969 fourteen hundred men entered the United States Military Academy at West Point. Against a backdrop of the Vietnam War, the Peace Movement, and anti-war protests that tore families apart, they learned the meaning of duty, honor, and country. This is the riveting story of that tumultuous year as seen through the eyes of Phil DeAngelo, a na¯ve mid-western youth who has wanted to go to West Point since he was nine years old. The crucible of the Plebe year forces him to come to grips with a wider world where good and evil often co-exist, and where each man must find his own, often lonely, way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a search for what is true and good and pure in a world spiraling out of control. -- Kris Mamula, Pitt Magazine

Captures the essence of Cadet Life... taking the reader on an exhilarating journey through the sally ports of West Point. -- Mike Noble, USMA '88

Captures the true essence of Cadet Life... an exhilarating journey through the sally ports of West Point. -- Mike Noble, West Point Class of '88

David Crocco writes with authority and grace about a place and time--West Point in the late 1960's. -- Robert Rebein, Indiana University

I fought in Vietnam with the 151st Airborne Rangers,... Mr. Crocco is right on the money in describing the era. -- Gregg Hutchinson, Carmel IN

Tough, life altering experiences are realistically portrayed. A talented endeavor. -- Charles F. Bragg Ph.D, LTC Indiana Guard Reserve

an assured and well-written story, full of personal nuances that help [the] characters transcend their genre roles. -- Rob Stout, Cincinnati Enquirer

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: PublishAmerica (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591291933
• ISBN-13: 978-1591291930
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,779,591 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars John Fowles Meets Lucian Truscott, July 31, 2002

By 

Zoolex "Occasionally correct; never in doubt" (Fredericksburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Of Honor and Dishonor (Paperback)

Does a good job describing the nearly indescribable experience of plebe year at West Point during the late 60s. As a grad (Class of '69), the story was a quick trip down memory lane for me. As a fellow "veteran" of that era, I think the author pretty well nails the Zeitgeist and how most of us felt coming of age with a foot in each of two very different worlds. Solid characterizations and about a 90% solution on technical accuracy (just a few quibbles) make this book a less cynical, less angry rendition than Lucian Truscott's (a classmate)in "Dress Gray." If your curiosity runs to '60s coming-of-age stories and how military fledglings coped with it all or why West Pointers will tell you they never liked the place, while retaining a deep a abiding love for it (a narrow demographic?), take the trip with Mr. Crocco. At the very least it's a good yarn and an easy read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story that children of the Sixties can relate to, May 27, 2002

By 

"maxwell_jim" (Indianapolis, In USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Of Honor and Dishonor (Paperback)

The worst I can say about this book is that it is a good read. From another perspective, "Of Honor and Dishonor" awakens and explores feelings well familiar to those of us growing up during the Vietnam years. Mr. Crocco tells the story through the eyes of a West Point cadet, but it could be any one's story.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised by, January 16, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Of Honor and Dishonor (Paperback)

In an effort to understand what my finace went through at West point I bought this book. Not only was I surprised at the candid depiction of some of the cadets: some with their undying loyalty to their country and others with a loathing of all things West Point, but I was surprised by description of the relationship between the protagonist and his girlfriend. It was disarmingly similar to what I went through while my man was in West Point. A great read. I finished it in one sitting. I wish more authors could give as much insight as Mr. Crocco did.