Review of "Gone Native: An NCO's Story"

Cornett's credentials are beyond reproach. He's been there and done just about everything the Army has to offer. This is a well written and very personal story of his journey through more than six years of combat in the jungles of southeast Asia. It is an amazing story. The author shares a lot of personal information that often would make a retired senior NCO uncomfortable, but he delivers it with the same candor as he does the combat stories. He saw parts of the war that few other men saw and lived to tell his story. He also made nearly every mistake it was possible to make. As a former Infantryman myself, I am in awe of men like Cornett. His story simply must be heard. He does it in an extremely straight-forward, direct way in this book that brings across the brutality of war and the bond of combat. His honesty and candor are laudable.

Alan Cornett was sometimes in conflict with his superiors over a rebellious streak, but he delivered when it counted. He managed to survive a rocky start to his career and to survive nearly seven years in combat. Being able to recover from a stay in Leavenworth Disciplinary Barracks to the ranks of upper NCO is remarkable. Being willing to admit it is even more remarkable.

This is an amazing account of an amazing life. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys military memoirs or Vietnam history. Actually, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story. I think it would be useful for any young person to read...especially one who is struggling to make it. It's a great book!

Donations...

I just sent donation copies of SAT & BAF! to the National Infantry Museum and The Cold War Museum! A copy is going to Pritzker Military Library in Chicago as well.

The active duty unit

Here's a link to the active duty battalion if anybody would like to see what they're up to. 2nd Battalion 4th Infantry Regiment

Feather Quill Book Review

"SAT & BAF!" got a terrific review from Feathered Quill this week! Feathered Quill Book Reviews