Reading was my first passion, before the models and of course still is. Love to read about history and 90% is of military in nature. There are so many that I have read over the years. And every book I have ever bought I still have them. I even still have my college text books. Anyway a couple of books I would like to point out as excellent reads are by Cornelius Ryan, "The Longest Day" which takes in account in great detail the first day of D-day 6 June 1944. Taking individuals, units that were about to partake in this great endeavor, even on the German side, the guessing, the thoughts of each CO of their particular mission in the operation.

A "Bridge Too Far", is about the debacle of Operation Market Garden, an elaborate complicated operation that did not take into account all the factors that could go wrong and did. Just too many pieces in this mission that had to fall into place in order to succeed. And most of it was not what the Germans did to counter, but how mother nature kind of asserted herself in ways the Allies did not count on and worked against them.

Another book that I refer to constantly and have had it since it was first published in 1992. Is World Air Power Journal's "Gulf Air War Debrief". Excellent reference to coalition forces and the aircraft used to conduct air operations during Desert Storm (Operation Granby). Detail briefings on USN,USMC, USAF,RAF,RN Ops. Some on the French and Italian and Middle Eastern Air Arms that flew with the coalition forces. Some Iraqi equipment are also mentioned but not as detailed. Weapons and electronics that were used. What I really like is the mention of our squadron within the pages. That was kind've cool to read in the Spec Ops part of the book.

Steve Coonts was mentioned on the fictional side THE TC, Tom Clancy wrote some fast paced techno thrillers that have more facts in a fictional series of books than some wrote in references.

LIke "The Hunt for Red October" and "Red Storm Rising". Fiction hmmm really, lets take Red October, fact or fiction?, did a Russian Captain really take a submarine and try to seek asylum? maybe, maybe not. There are theories being bandied about k-129, but it was not seeking asylum.

Red Storm Rising is WWIII as the Russians decide to invade western Europe. But what TC does with the story as all kinds of factors come into play in how NATO wins despite overwhelming number of tanks and equipment the Russians bring to bear, and the clever way the Russians were hoping to achieve that victory . Bad luck for the Russians when their plans are discovered by accident when one of their deep operatives is killed by a bus and he has the plans of Russian disruption within Germany.are discovered on his body Which now alerts NATO, and the story is high paced from there as several events start to take place as both ramp up for war. When the book came out the Pentagon was not happy to see TC introduce the F-117 Stealth Fighter with in the story. It was still a secret.

But of all the books combined, my all time favorite is and always will be with inspiration and guidance and read every day, is the Holy Bible, enough said. Amen

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That would be a collaboration written by some extraordinary men. Though they would be humble and say the inspiration came from a higher authority.

Hi Chuck, Within the last few months I've started rereading the Jack Ryan series but this time in chronological order and I'm half through The Hunt For Red October. I will say, Without Remorse is my favorite.

I too agree with your assessment on the ultimate guide to model one's life upon. Thanks!

Amen D-L.
Gary, thanks, I read the Hunt for Red October first then Red Storm Rising when they were first published. I was hooked. I have read them all including the reference books. Without Remorse is my 2nd favorite. Keep the faith.