Top Sergeant [Mass Market Paperback]

William G. Bainbridge (Author), Dan Cragg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1996

In a military career spanning more than three decades, Bill Bainbridge saw service in three wars, fought in two of them, and was captured in one. He received ten Good Conduct Medals, two awards of the Combat Infantry Badge, three Army Commendation Medals, and the Distinguished Service Medal, among others. But the greatest moment in his career came when he was selected to be Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army, its highest NCO position, an office he was the first to hold for four years.

But Bainbridge's most important job in his illustrious career was tending to the welfare of his soldiers. Top Sergeant is all about doing what a good sergeant does best -- attending to the needs of his men -- and what it takes to be a great noncommissioned officer in an army that officers are proud to command but NCOs really run.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bainbridge grew up in Illinois and volunteered for the draft when he graduated from high school in 1943. He ended his military career in 1979 as sergeant major of the army?the highest enlisted grade. His memoir, written with Cragg (The Soldier's Prize), reflects the stereotypical values of rural America: hard work, discipline and self-confidence. Bainbridge was a citizen soldier, deciding to make the army his career only when recall for duty in the Korean War ended his chances to become a farmer. While he proved himself in combat, his career also highlights the complex, tripartite role of senior NCOs as fighters, administrators and advisers to the officers. Bainbridge consistently sought input from subordinates. Just as consistently, he told superiors the truth as he saw it?but with enough tact to keep his stripes and add to them. This is the story of a man who served both his country and himself well. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This work is the story of the 31-year army career of Bainbridge, who for four years served as sergeant major of the army (SMA). This is the highest enlisted rank in the army and the liaison between the army administration and the enlisted men. Compared to other stories of enlisted men in the army and navy, such as Point Man (LJ 7/93), Tin Can Man (LJ 2/1/93), and Codename: Copperhead; My True-Life Exploits as a Special Forces Soldier (LJ 6/1/94), this work is disappointing. Except for the parts dealing with Bainbridge's World War II service and his times as SMA, the book seems to be a military travelog and a list of people he met while in the army. Bainbridge could have included more stories about combat and other episodes experienced by army enlisted men. Still, this would be a good book for libraries with both strong and large military history/science collections. Other libraries should consider this an optional purchase.?Terry Wirick, Erie Cty. Lib. System, Pa.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804107580
• ISBN-13: 978-0804107587
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,721,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That Gives Valuable Insights And Anecdotes, July 12, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Top Sergeant (Mass Market Paperback)

My brother gave me this book a few months ago and I finally made time to read it - and I'm glad I did.
This book is full of great information about the life of a great soldier. It contains information that leaders in all walks of life - military and civilian - will benefit from. It also gives some great insight on Army life. I spent eight years in the Navy and was fortunate to work for several NCOs and Officers that shared Mr.Bainbridge's view on leadership - they really knew how to treat their men.
I might have enjoyed it even more had it contained more personal information - not very many details are given into home or family life unless it relates to the subjects military life.
Overall, a very down-to-earth account of life that many would do well to emulate in both character and content.

5.0 out of 5 stars Underdog to the Top, January 8, 2011

By 

Spoon Canoe Man - See all my reviews

This review is from: Top Sergeant (Mass Market Paperback)

This wonderful book tells how a down to earth country boy becomes a veteran of three wars and the most respected man in the U.S.Army.