Footprints Of HeroesRobert Skimin, a former paratrooper, army aviator, and artillery officer during his twenty years of military service, offers a compelling look at American history by tracing the life paths of its heroes and heroines. While many of the well-known heroes of history are included here, Skimin's unique account provides memorable vignettes and anecdotes, which bring the careers and contributions of these remarkable people to life. He also includes stories about more obscure heroes, whose courage was often as great as that of the most famous icons of history: for example, a Mexican-American kid who escaped a barrio gang to become one of the most impressive heroes of military history; and the Japanese American young men who created the most decorated unit ever while their parents were incarcerated in U.S. concentration camps. Skimin also discusses such questionable heroes as George Armstrong Custer, whose little-known brother, Tom, was a two-time Medal of Honor winner. A Pulitzer Prize nominee for his novel "Apache Autumn, " Skimin has a knack for telling a page-turning story. "Footprints of Heroes" is a fascinating tour through America's wars, highlighting the service of those who went beyond the call of duty and left an example that is a lasting inspiration for us all. |
Contents
US Military Medals for Valor | 11 |
CHAPTER TWO THE WAR OF 1812 | 41 |
CHAPTER THREE TEXAS THEN THE SEMINOLES | 55 |
CHAPTER FOUR THE MEXICAN WAR | 65 |
CHAPTER FIVE THE CIVIL WAR | 77 |
CHAPTER SIX THE INDIAN WARS | 123 |
CHAPTER SEVEN THE SPANISHAMERICAN WAR | 137 |
CHAPTER EIGHT WORLD WAR I | 145 |
CHAPTER NINE IN BETWEEN WARS | 169 |
CHAPTER ELEVEN THE KOREAN WAR | 251 |
CHAPTER TWELVE VIETNAM | 271 |
CHAPTER THIRTEEN POSTVIETNAM | 297 |
CHAPTER FOURTEEN THE CLOSING ACT | 323 |
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