BLOG TOUR / REVIEW FOR - COMPASSIONATE SOLDIER - BY JERRY BORROWMAN

picture and description taken from shadowmountain.com

DESCRIPTION:

Compassionate Soldier illuminates some of the most fascinating and yet largely unknown stories of men and women whose humanity led them to perform courageous acts of mercy and compassion amid the chaos and carnage of war. Arranged by war from the American Revolution to the Iraq War and global in perspective, it features extraordinary stories of grace under fire from valiant soldiers and noncombatants who rose above the inhumanity of lethal conflict and chose compassion, even knowing their actions could put their lives and liberty at risk.

Included in this collection are the stories of Richard Kirkland, a Confederate soldier during the Civil War who disobeyed orders and brought blankets and water to the wounded from both North and South during the Battle of Fredericksburg; Patrick Ferguson, a British soldier during the American Revolution who had the chance to kill George Washington, but refused to shoot a man in the back; and Oswald Boelcke, a German WWI flying ace who was one of the most influential tacticians of early air combat, but was known for making sure the airmen he shot down made it to the ground alive.

These inspirational stories illustrate that even in the midst of unspeakable horrors of war, acts of kindness, mercy, compassion, and humanity can prevail and, in doing so, expand our conventional thinking of honor and battlefield glory.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

War stories are always hard for me to read.  My heart aches for what the soldiers and other go through during war.  This was a different kind of book.  Yes there are terrible things that happen, but in the midst of all the terrible there are some heart warming stories.  These kind of stories make me realize that even in the worst of times we can show our best character.

One of my favorite stories (and not just because she is a women) is about Edith Cavell.  She was compared to Florence Nightingale, so you know she is going to be an amazing woman.  Edith was a nurse who helped soldiers escape to safety.  It was hard for her because she had to trust her other nurses, and do it while the soldiers weren't watching.  When she was captured and sentenced to death,  she told Reverend H. Stirling Gahan "I want my friends to know that I willingly give my life for my country.  I have no fear or shirking.  I have seen death so often that it is not strange or fearful to me".

It is so wonderful to read about those doing good, even if it meant loosing their own life for it.  I want to think I would be that brave.

Another story that seemed to hit me right in the heart was about Kim Phuc.  She was photographed by Nick Ut right after a napalm attack.  The Cao Dai Temple was suppose to be a safe haven for families, but it was a mistaken target.  Phuc watched as her Aunt's baby was thrown from her arms, and Phuc was hit with such force that she didn't wake up until she fire enveloped her.  The photographer took her to a hospital in Siagon.  He story goes on to tell about meeting the Pilot who coordinated the attack on the village.  The pilots name was  John Plumber and he asked Phuc for her forgiveness.  

She being kind, and compassionate told him she forgave him.  She goes on to say "Faith has helped me, give me thankful heart.....to be here in this life and to have another chance in my life, it's a miracle.  I was suppose to be dead"

I am amazed at these stories.  They are amazing.  You get to see the good and the bad side of war.  People who put their own lives in danger to rescue others.  Those who were ordered to kill, but didn't out of respect of combat rules.  People who helped other escape at the expense of their own lives.  It's such a great book.

Thanks to SHADOW MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING for allowing me to be part of this tour.  Pick this book up when you get a chance I promise you won't regret it.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from shadowmountain.com

Jerry Borrowman is an award-winning author of historical fiction and nonfiction. He has written about World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War. He is the recipient of the George Washington National Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Jerry and his wife, Marcella, raised four children and live in the Rocky Mountains.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO: