Ordinary Heroes: A Tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: Reflections of Freedom, Faith, Duty and the Heroic Possibilities of the Everyday Human Spirit [Hardcover]

Tom Casalini (Author), Timothy Wallis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2001

This collection of moving black-and-white photographs of recipients of the Medal of Honor shows not the glory of war, but the underlying spirit and humanity of true heroism. Forty-eight portraits are combined with comments, observations, and statements from the recipients of America's highest military honor. This compilation of words and pictures of men who served in the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps is both humbling and poignant. Their actions and lives vary as much as the conflicts (World War II, Korea, and Vietnam) and include a conscientious objector who never wielded a weapon and a man known as the "Last Eagle," as he was the last World War II pilot to retire. Each recipient's full official citation is included in the appendix.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Absolutely magnificent. Shocking it is so well done." -- Jim Swett, Medal of Honor Recipient

"I couldn't put it down. Such honest pictures. It was a project that was done with complete integrity." -- Barney Barnum, President, Congressional Medal Of Honor Society

"I love it! I am giving it to all my children." -- Walt Ehlers, Medal of Honor Recipient

Everyone in American admires the Medal of Honor Recipients. Here, thanks to Tom Casalini, we get to know them today. -- Stephen Ambrose

I couldn't put it down. Such honest pictures. It was a project that was done with complete integrity. -- Barney Barnum President/ Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Ordinary Heroes has captured a view of Medal of Honor Recipients that has never before been portrayed so dramatically. -- Harold

Ordinary Heroes speaks of the ordinary lives from which heroes emerge and to which most return. -- Walter Cronkite

Tom Casalini's photographs show us how we are - ordinary citizens who honor our flag and love our nation. -- Charles P. Murray/ Medal of Honor Recipient

From the Publisher

Most of my life, my photograghs have spoken for me. I communicate through the lens of a camera. This book is no exception.

I wanted you to see these men as I saw them. To learn about their experiences, their thoughts and their lives, just as I did.

Now, I would like to share the personal journey I have taken during the development of this book. It was a jouney of miles and meetings with strangers who became brothers. And it was also about long-ago memories and the love of family.

The most important part however is the message I have been entrusted to deliver to you on behalf of these men...these Ordinary Heroes.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sweet Pea Pr (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970441002
• ISBN-13: 978-0970441003
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #291,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching on a different level, July 28, 2001

By 

J. M. House "Matt" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ordinary Heroes: A Tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: Reflections of Freedom, Faith, Duty and the Heroic Possibilities of the Everyday Human Spirit (Hardcover)

Mr. Casalini's book is incredible -- I found myself tearing up at some of the descriptions and pictures. These men are incredibly brave, but at the same time, none seemed to be anything but the guy next door. The wonderfulness of ordinary was truly captured and championed in this amazing book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable and memorable compilation of portrait studies, July 5, 2001

By 

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

This review is from: Ordinary Heroes: A Tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: Reflections of Freedom, Faith, Duty and the Heroic Possibilities of the Everyday Human Spirit (Hardcover)

Ordinary Heroes is a remarkable and memorable compilation of portrait studies showcasing winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Each photo is accompanied by an insightful caption or quotation arising from photographer Tom Casalini's personal interview with the recipient. Ordinary Heroes is a virtually unique contribution to military studies and a very highly recommended addition to community library collections -- especially as a Veteran's Day memorial acquisition or as a memorial donation by a Veteran's group or association.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discover the Wonderfulness of Ordinary, February 6, 2001

By 

Dustin Janes (Holland, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ordinary Heroes: A Tribute to Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients: Reflections of Freedom, Faith, Duty and the Heroic Possibilities of the Everyday Human Spirit (Hardcover)

While attempting with words to enter into the souls of the Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Tim Wallis' commentary ebbs on the ordinary heroes, who are protectors of the Medal of Honor. The tremendous impact of the words that are spoken is second only to the full page photographs of the father/husband/patriot's in all their splendor. The photographs are not of men in full dress with the Medal around their neck, as you would think, but of them on the back porch, in the orchard or merely on the couch in prayer. The book shows us all what can be found if only we look a little harder. We too might discover the wonderfulness of ordinary.