Special Men: An LRP's Recollections

by Dennis Foley

Book Overview

Throughout his several tours of Vietnam, Dennis Foley served with America's finest warriors -- men like David Hackworth, the nation's most decorated living soldier, and Jim Gardner, who was awarded... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080410915X
• Release Date: July 1994
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.9" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

Huge Fan

I entered flight school in 68 and went on to a year and half of rotor work in SVN and parts, in 69. A must read. Glad I found it. This wonderful book took me everywhere..with perfect wit.

With More Foleys We'd Never Lose A War

I wish Dennis Foley could write an updated version of the very important lessons to be learned from his great book, SPECIAL MEN. His book should be read by anyone going into the military, and required re-reading for those who are careerists, rather than warriors. The lessons to be learned from this book are that vital. I enlisted two years prior to Dennis Foley. One of my mentors , Col John Paul Vann, told me the difference between a warrior and a careerist. One of Dennis Foley's mentors, the late Col David Hackworth, was the epitome of why we need more warriors and fewer careerists in our military. LTC Foley is another great example of why, as well. SPECIAL MEN is a great autobiography, beautifully told and written. One of its lessons is how we mismanaged to lose the war in Vietnam, by losing it in America first. Sadly, recent leaders of our country learned nothing from Vietnam and are mismanaging us in a war today that is far more important to our nation's survival than was Vietnam. As LTC Foley points out, we cannot afford a military run as a popularity contest. We cannot afford an undisciplined military. And, he is writing primarily about the 1960s and '70s military. What must he think of today's PC-driven, kindler/gentler bureaucratic military? But, I know what he thinks of the young men and women serving in our military, because a true leader and a good officer never changes. Like his mentor, David Hackworth, whom I knew, Dennis Foley cares about his troops...honestly, deeply and always. It shows on every page of this book. With more Dennis Foleys running our military we'd never lose another war. But, since he's no longer in the military, and is now writing about the military, I sure hope that more folks heed his important messages. Personally, I have a few ROTC cadets from a nearby university working for me parttime. As each graduates, he or she gets a copy of SPECIAL MEN from me as a graduation present. It's the best I can do for them.

A great writer

Dennis grasps of the military and understanding of the soldiers really shows through. Foley as an enlisted men first, he knew what it was like to be a buck-private and always had respect for the men. I know I served under him in F Compnay, 51st LRP (Abn.) Infantry and what he wrote about the unit is sad considering its great past records of what we did during Tet 1968 that saved thousands of Allied lives. A claim that no other Lurp unit in Vietnam could come close too. For a better understanding of Lurping, read Don C. Hall's book I SERVED or check out the web site at i-served.com. Dennis is a fine example of what outstanding men can do to carry the unit, in spite of, the poor performance by a few. It's in his book. Check it out!

rayjoy@ipa.net

Dennis has done it again. I think that I have read all his books, and can say without fear of contridiction that his book keeps you spell bound.He write with the auhority of one who has been there done that. Would have given 8 stars but five was the most I could givein this rating system.Roadrunner 6 out

Read this book.

Dennis Foley is a master in the field of writing. He is able to create vivid scenes in your mind. Reading his novels takes on the same qualities as watching a movie. He is able to describe the action and scenes in a manner that will compel you to visualize the scene in your head.Whether you were opposed to Vietnam or anxiously cheered our men from the sidelines, this book is a must read. If you know very little about the war, this book will give you realistic insight into the battle. It is a very thought provoking novel.When you order this novel, you may as well order his other books as well and save on shipping. The true gripping drama and details in his story will leave you craving more.