Customer Reviews

Into the Tiger's Jaw : America's First Black Marine Aviator - The Autobiography of Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's one thing to hear about how great someone is; it's something totally different to have met that person and to KNOW how great that person is. Lt. Gen. Petersen was my Wing Commander while I was stationed in Okinawa (Headquarters, G-3) during my '83-'84 tour of "The Rock." Though we chatted briefly on a few occasions after his afternoon workouts (yes, he ran daily with that bad hip), he helped me forge an extremely strong sense of duty and honor, and he has been a very positive influence in my life that carries on even today. What's great about the book is that it grabs you and dives right in, taking you on a spellbinding trip that explores the heart and soul of a true battle-hardened, no-nonsense warrior. It could also serve as a seminal work on the history of race relations in the military over the past 50 years. Readers will be thrilled, fascinated, and even brought to tears as they become one with the words which flow so well that it's almost as if General Petersen has a direct link to your brain. There is high drama on all fronts, whether it's in the cockpit of an F-4 Phantom sustaining 37mm anti-aircraft fire, or in the military courtroom showcasing some of the world's most notorious people. The story of Lt. Gen. Petersen's personal life and his career in the Corps will be very inspirational and highly motivating for anyone who reads it. What else would you expect from a Marine?

Semper Fidelis.

"Into the Tiger's Jaw" is a literary knitting which weaves together the best and the worst of the American fabric. Yet, it so dramatically displays the opportunities of which General Peterson availed himself that it inspires every reader to recognize and take advantage of all that is offered to each of us on a daily basis. This book is not only an inspiration, it is a lesson in history. A lesson which causes feelings of pride in the accomplishments of an outstanding Black American and gives us hope for the future.

As the author of a military book, I like to read the competition and wondered how I, a white woman, would respond to the autobiography of a black general. Not expecting to be particularly interested, I was surprised to be immediately pulled into a compelling story that raised my social consciousness and kept the pages turning.The author, J. Alfred Phelps, has done an incredible job of portraying an intelligent, ambitious and angry young man through his years of rebellion fighting the odds and triumphing. Into the Tiger's Jaw is a book that should be read by all, for it aids in the understanding of injustice and encourages with the knowledge that it can be overcome. This is a book that goes beyond the military audience. It is a book for all who wish to better understand the realities of life in the racial lane.

This book should be required reading on college campuses thru-out America. My opinion. I was fortunate enough to meet the General also on the "rock" in '83. I was busy working in the pharmacy(Hospital Corpsman) at the flight-line clinic and turn around to see this tall General standing there. He ask me for some aspirins for his bad hip. I guess he'd just finished flying. I have never forgot that meeting. I could see how he could succeed against any odds, he had a presence that could not be denied. Truly an American treasure.

Into the Tigers Jaw is a very impressive account of Lt. General Frank Petersen's life in the Marine Corps. J Alfred Phelps does a splendid job here depicting the determination and perserverance of a highly decorated Marine who paved the way for today's generation of Black Marine Officers. Petersen's strong will and devotion to duty enabled him to succeed in a organization at a time when Black American's represented such a minute percentage of the ranks in the Armed Forces. There is never a dull moment in this book, it grips your attention from beginning to end.
I borrowed the book from the library, after reading it I bought it, and today it's part of my private library.

As a black Marine (1961-1965) I found the book to answer a lot of my questions, and to help me understand what was going on in my world at the time. That's because I had a very good relationship with the others members of my team who were all white. The only person I had a problem with was my Lt. and I know he just didn't like black folk. His book said the things that needed to be said, he told the truth about the times and what he had to do to overcome things. I felt that in many ways his story was mine, although I only spent 4 years in the corps. Again thanks for your work. Once a Marine always a Marine.

INTO THE TIGER'S JAW has been an inspiration to my students and to me. In Lt. General Petersen we met a courageous man who was not afraid to stand up for what he felt was just and honorable---a man of integrity who overcame obstacles that would have defeated a lesser man. We felt shame at the injustices that he often endured and pride in his accomplishments. Thank you General Petersen and J. Alfred Phelps for this magnificent book and for introducing us to another American hero and role model.

It was truly wonderful to find such a book into day's market place...As a person of color it was absolutely amazing to find such an American Hero. Thanks General Petersen and Joseph A. Phelps for the insight!!!

From seaman recruit to a three-star general? What a tremendous achievement. And what a tremendous book. Petersen and Phelps (Phelps being one of our most important writers), has managed to take us to another level of pride and determination. Well done, Gentlemen. And thank you for it.

I was so impressed that I couldn't put the book down. I can't stop thinking about this book, Into the Tiger's Jaw. This is a book that needed to be written. The theme of family running through out is just enough to keep the connection. In fact, there's a perfect mixture of family, career professionalism, integrity, morality and ethics. Tiger's Jaw is a book about the history of racism in this country, and it gives the reader an almost first-hand view of what it was like to grow up as a black person in the U.S. I would like to suggest to whomever is responsible that they recommend this book be sent to the Social Ecololgy Dept. at UC Irvine and the Ethnic Studies Dept. at CAL State Fullerton. General Petersen's book should be required reading in ALL schools.