This book tells two stories regarding how Tom Norris and Mike Thornton each earned the Medal of Honor. The narrator of the story is Dick Couch. He tells the story with large segments of the story told from the first person perspective of Norris and Thornton.
Norris and Thornton were both Navy Seals. In April 1972 Norris was selected to lead a team behind enemy lines to rescue 3 downed pilots. Operating at night Norris led his team to rescue the pilots. After the first rescue the forward operating base where the rescuers planned their activities came under mortar and shelling attacks.
As the dangers increased Norris planned to rescue the second pilot alone but a Vietnamese soldier would not allow it and accompanied him. Together they rescued the pilot. Unfortunately the third pilot was killed before a rescue attempt could be made. These two rescues earned Norris the Medal of Honor.
In October of 1972 Norris was selected to lead a mission behind enemy lines to gather intelligence. Three Vietnamese soldiers would accompany him along with another American soldier. He selected Mike Thornton.
The mission started off poorly. The Vietnamese Officer who was to be a part of the mission was injured just before they were to leave and had to be replaced. Then unknowingly they went ashore in the wrong position.
As they were trying to leave they were engaged in a battle with North Vietnamese soldiers. Norris and Thornton were fighting in different locations. The Vietnamese soldier who was with Norris made it to Thornton and reported that Norris was dead.
Thornton believed him but also knew that you never left anyone behind so he went back to get Norris and found out he was still alive. Thornton rescued Norris and earned the Medal of Honor.
The last portion of the book describes the lives of Thornton and Norris after they received the Medal of Honor.
Overall this is a good book that outlines two heroic actions. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams
As they barreled along in the subway Alexander turned to Sammy and asked “who are your heroes?”
“Like me personally?”
“Societal. In my age there were Achilles, Odysseus, Ajax and so many more. I want to know who the new heroes are.”
“Those are Greek dudes right?”
“Yes.” Alexander said disdainfully.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me cus I ain’t super booky?”
“I assume that means you don’t read much.”
“The last time I picked up a book was like third grade man. I live in the streets.”
“You have no place of domicile?”
“Dom a what?”
“A dwelling. A place where you sleep.”
“You take things too literally. I’m just sayin I was always roaming the streets. I had an apartment. It was small, so I spent as much time as possible outside in the city.”
“Who are the heroes of your age?” Alexander asked trying to get the conversation back on track.”
“I don’t know man. Everyone is so divided these days.” Sammy hedged as he looked around the subway to see who might be listening.
“Do you know of the Trojan War?”
“That’s the one with the horse. Right?”
“I have much to ...
