Customer Reviews

No Trophy No Sword: An American Volunteer in the Israeli Air Force During the 1948 War of Independence

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Mr. Livingston does a superb job of describing the dedication and bravery of these Americans who sacrificed their careers, families and most of all their lives in the quest for Israel's freedom. The majority of these volunteers had already served in the U.S. Armed Forces in defeating the Nazi, but the former didn't adapt the "let someone else fight this war" attitude, instead, they stepped up when called upon.

The author keeps the readers interest in tact with very accurate details of events, individuals and the different government sources involved (with the later often to the detriment of the mission.) The author adds the reality of differing philosophies when it came time to place Israel's future in front of individual contributions. Especially interesting was learning how these volunteers undertook missions that offered little or no safety precautions for them in case of an air crash, or what to expect from foreign, and sometimes their own governments during these operations.

There is much to learn from this book, mostly new information, and some already known, such as the Truman Administration being intimidated and manipulated by the Soviet Union in the former Palestine as it was throughout Eastern Europe during this era.

When the reader finishes this book they will be amazed by how much was accomplished by these individuals and the Israeli forces in such a short period of time.

Anyone interested in history and human sacrifice will benefit from Mr. Livingston's story.