Thomas F. (hardtack) -
Helpful Score: 1
A fascinating World War II story of a young man who learned the hard way that just because you put your life on the line for some person or an organization, doesn't mean you are actually appreciated. Bob Stahl heard Douglas MacArthur say, "You're no good to me dead," but didn't realize he wasn't worth that much to MacArthur alive either.
MacArthur didn't want the OSS in his theater of operations because he couldn't control it. He also didn't want an allied organization in there either. So he developed his own group which he could control. Don't believe me. Read the "Introduction" written by a military historian who alludes to this problem, but is not as vocal as I.
I've read numerous books on the guerrilla organizations in the Philippines during World War II, and Stahl's book is a good contribution.
I do take exception to his dislike for Colonel Fertig, which is a reflection of MacArthur's staff disliking Fertig. To understand this more, you need to read "They Fought Alone." Fertig commanded more than 30,000 guerrillas, but was not promoted to general rank because he threatened MacArthur's claim to liberating the Philippines. Whereas many generals on MacArthur's staff commanded only a few dozen men. But they knew whose ass to kiss.
Stahl makes a reference to Fertig eating better than his men in one instance. MacArthur had fresh fruit and vegetables flown in daily from Australia, while an entire division, in camp a few miles down the coast, were on half rations. And they weren't even in combat. (See "The Ghost Mountain Boys")
Excuse my rant, but I wanted to set you right if you read this book. Personally, I am filled with admiration for what Bob Stahl accomplished. Read his book, you'll enjoy it. I forget where I got my copy, but he signed the inside page. It goes on my World War II keeper shelf.
MacArthur didn't want the OSS in his theater of operations because he couldn't control it. He also didn't want an allied organization in there either. So he developed his own group which he could control. Don't believe me. Read the "Introduction" written by a military historian who alludes to this problem, but is not as vocal as I.
I've read numerous books on the guerrilla organizations in the Philippines during World War II, and Stahl's book is a good contribution.
I do take exception to his dislike for Colonel Fertig, which is a reflection of MacArthur's staff disliking Fertig. To understand this more, you need to read "They Fought Alone." Fertig commanded more than 30,000 guerrillas, but was not promoted to general rank because he threatened MacArthur's claim to liberating the Philippines. Whereas many generals on MacArthur's staff commanded only a few dozen men. But they knew whose ass to kiss.
Stahl makes a reference to Fertig eating better than his men in one instance. MacArthur had fresh fruit and vegetables flown in daily from Australia, while an entire division, in camp a few miles down the coast, were on half rations. And they weren't even in combat. (See "The Ghost Mountain Boys")
Excuse my rant, but I wanted to set you right if you read this book. Personally, I am filled with admiration for what Bob Stahl accomplished. Read his book, you'll enjoy it. I forget where I got my copy, but he signed the inside page. It goes on my World War II keeper shelf.
