In an impromptu interview with two grunts of the 4th ID, North, in an attempt to ascertain the truth and to dispel the unfounded rumors of an ill-prepared and ill-equipped US military, asked the soldiers: "The New York Times says the Marines are out of food, water, and ammo. Are you hungry?"
"No, sir."
"Are you thirsty?"
"No, sir."
"Are you short on ammo?"
"No, sir."
"Well, what do you need?"
'Without a moment's hesitation, the young Marine replies, "Just send more enemy, sir."'

Suffice to say, you won't find that on your network evening news or in The New York Times. North gives us not only unbiased accounts from foot soldiers, but also great previously unseen footage from Operation Iraqi Freedom on the enclosed DVD. With the book and the DVD, how can you go wrong?


In the tradition of Ernie Pyle   January 2, 2004
 11 out of 14 found this review helpful

WHAT A GREAT BOOK! Colonel North tells the stories of the warriors on the ground and in the air. This has got to be one of the finest war correspondant books ever written.

The stories in this book ran my emotions the whole range from laughter to tears. Col. North focuses on writing the stories of the Lance Corporals, Privates First Class and Speciailists that are actually fighting this war. Laced with conservative commentary on the politics involved, and bringing to light the biases of the other networks, Col. North puts together a highly entertaining and captivating book on this phase of the Gulf War.

Received it for Christmas from my daughter and read a few "sit reps" a day until finished. I loved this book.

Semper Fi


A Soldier's Story   May 9, 2004
 11 out of 15 found this review helpful

Oliver North's "War Stories: Operation Iraqi Freedom" is a straightforward and compelling view into the Iraqi war as told through the eyes and voices of the young American's who were fighting it. This is as refreshingly-far from the armchair generals and TV talking-head analysts as one can get, providing unique insight into what was happening as seen by North while embedded with the Marines as they fought their way from Kuwait to Baghdad to Tikrit in March-April, 2003. Told in a series of vignettes - "sitreps" in mil-speak" - Retired Marine Colonel North relates the story as he sees it, depending more on the perspective of the enlisted men than of the senior officers of his unit. North captures the details of day-to-day life in desert, where sacrifices are routine and acts of heroism common and mostly unsung. He delivers these tales with straight prose and clinical precision, resisting any temptation to sensationalize or to evoke pity. It is an honest and unvarnished view of the Iraq war, at least as seen through the rather narrow sights of the unit with which North traveled. (In fact, as North notes frequently, he and he troops on the ground had scant insight to the progress of the war in the "big picture". An occasional opportunity to catch a Fox News transmission were their best sources of intelligence).

It is unfortunate that some will dismiss or disparage this fine documentary simply because they disagree with Oliver North's political views. I happen to believe that Colonel North is an inspiration and a great American, but notwithstanding, "War Stories" is a powerful first-hand portrayal of one of the most important historical events of our time. If not for North, then read it as a tribute to our young volunteer armed forces who have sacrificed so much.


Great book   January 12, 2004
 9 out of 13 found this review helpful

Excellent book. Don't be fooled by Henry Loyld's reviews. He is very partisan with no sense of reviewing fairly. Obvious bias.


Excellent Book   January 2, 2004
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

First off, I am a big fan of Fox News Channel. I watched their coverage of the war in Iraq daily. I enjoyed reading about Col. North's experiences while his was with the Marines and the Army's 4th ID. The "reader from San Antonio" should review the book on its merits and not resort to personal attacks about something they know little about. Col. North's convictions were overturned by a Federal appeals court and is therefore he is NOT a criminal, and therefore that is why he doesn't need to write about why he is not in jail. (As if lying to Congress should be a crime, since they lie to the American people every day!!)
Bottom line, buy the book, its great!! This book is not about Col. North tooting his own horn. He tells the stories of the heros he met in Iraq serving in our military.