Sword of Valor : A Novel of the War in the Persian Gulf

by Tom Willard

• ISBN13: 9780312873851
• ISBN10: 0312873859
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2003-07-18
• Publisher: Forge Books

Summary

Tom Willard's critically acclaimed Black Sabre Chronicles trace the 130-year history of the Sharps military family from the time of the Western Indian Wars through the two World Wars, Vietnam, and, in this fifth and final novel, the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Lieutenant Argonne Sharps is a West Pointer and the only black woman to pilot a Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter in the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles" division. She is assigned to the Persian Gulf in preparation for the 101st's deployment to Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield, and in its behind-the-lines assault into Iraq in Operation Desert Storm. Her valor in "extracting" Special Forces officer Jerome Moody from Kuwait City earns Argonne a Bronze Star citation and Moody's undying gratitude-and love. Argonne's experiences in the Gulf War impact her family at the Black Sabre Ranch in Arizona-a military family anguishing over seeing their beloved daughter become the first woman, and fifth generation of Sharpses to go to war. Tom Willard's intimate knowledge of combat-earned in Vietnam-givesSword of Valora special ring of authenticity as the brief, high-tech war unfolds, and the Sharps family history of warfare unfolds with it.

Author Biography

Tom Willard, born into a military family, quit high school to join the army and served as a paratrooper and combat medic in Vietnam. He was wounded in action and decorated with the Bronze Star with "V" device for valor, and the Purple Heart, among other medals. He is a University of North Dakota graduate who has lived in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Table of Contents

Prais for The Black Sabre Chronicles

"Willard's storytelling is unstoppable."
- The Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.)

"Because the author is himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, the graphic battle scenes feature a gritty, realistic edge." -Booklist on The Stone Ponies

"An engrossing generational saga about blacks in the military...Wonderfully exciting air battles." -Kirkus Reviews on Wings of Honor

"A fine addition to the author's generation-spanning saga, which, without undue fanfare, offers object lessons in such virtues as fidelity, honor, and tradition as well as a full measure of pulse-pounding action."- Kirkus Reviews on The Sable Doughboys

"An important publication. . . A solidly written, no-wasted-words story that will excite anybody wanting to know more about this important chapter of American history."
-Washington Times on Buffalo Soldiers