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One Soldier's Story
“A poignant and inspiring memoir. . . . Dole’s odyssey of courage and determination can be a guideline to us all.”— Philadelphia Inquirer
In his own words, Bob Dole tells his legendary World War II story—a personal odyssey of tremendous courage, sacrifice, and faith
In One Soldier’s Story, Dole recites the moving, inspirational story of his harrowing experience in World War II, and how he overcame life-threatening injuries long before rising to the top of the U.S. Senate. As a platoon leader in the famed 10th Mountain Division, 21-year-old Bob Dole was gravely wounded on a hill in the Italian Alps just two weeks before the end of the war. Trying to pull his radioman to safety during a fire-fight against a fortified German position, Dole was hit with shrapnel across his right shoulder and back. Over the next three years, not expected to survive, he lapsed in and out of a coma, lost a kidney, lost the use of his right arm and most of the feeling in his left arm. But he willed himself to live.
Drawing on nearly 300 never-before-seen letters between him and his family during this period, Dole offers a powerful, vivid portrait of one man’s struggle to survive in the closing moments of the war. With insight and candor, Dole also focuses on the words, actions, and selfless deeds of countless American heroes with whom he served, including two fellow injured soldiers who later joined him in the Senate, capturing the singular qualities of his generation. He speaks here not as a politician, but as a wounded G.I. who went on to become one of our nation’s most respected statesmen. In doing so, he gives us a heartfelt story of uncommon bravery and personal faith-in himself, his fellow man, and a greater power.
In his own words, Bob Dole tells his legendary World War II story—a personal odyssey of tremendous courage, sacrifice, and faith
In One Soldier’s Story, Dole recites the moving, inspirational story of his harrowing experience in World War II, and how he overcame life-threatening injuries long before rising to the top of the U.S. Senate. As a platoon leader in the famed 10th Mountain Division, 21-year-old Bob Dole was gravely wounded on a hill in the Italian Alps just two weeks before the end of the war. Trying to pull his radioman to safety during a fire-fight against a fortified German position, Dole was hit with shrapnel across his right shoulder and back. Over the next three years, not expected to survive, he lapsed in and out of a coma, lost a kidney, lost the use of his right arm and most of the feeling in his left arm. But he willed himself to live.
Drawing on nearly 300 never-before-seen letters between him and his family during this period, Dole offers a powerful, vivid portrait of one man’s struggle to survive in the closing moments of the war. With insight and candor, Dole also focuses on the words, actions, and selfless deeds of countless American heroes with whom he served, including two fellow injured soldiers who later joined him in the Senate, capturing the singular qualities of his generation. He speaks here not as a politician, but as a wounded G.I. who went on to become one of our nation’s most respected statesmen. In doing so, he gives us a heartfelt story of uncommon bravery and personal faith-in himself, his fellow man, and a greater power.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2005
62 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Bob Dole
67 books9 followersRobert J. Dole was born on the twenty-second day of July 1923, in Russell Kansas. He served as a US military officer during WWII, Kansas House of Representatives member, lawyer, County Attorney of Russell County, United States House of Representatives, US Senator, USA Vice President Candidate in 1976 (ran with Gerald Ford as President), competed for the USA Presidential Canidate slot on the Republican ticket in 1980 (losing out to Reagan), and in 1988 (losing to Bush), and Republican nominee for US President in 1996.
Dole was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on January 17, 2018. He was married to former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina.
In February 2021 he announced he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He passed away on December 5th, 2021.
Dole was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on January 17, 2018. He was married to former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina.
In February 2021 he announced he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He passed away on December 5th, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
August 9, 2013
Bob's Story of Grit and Determination
An interesting work to say the least. Mr. Dole does an excellent job in describing how his difficult journey of recover started when severely wounded by shrapnel on Hill 193 on April 5, 1945 in Italy. His details of the event aren’t sugar coated or dramatized. I felt empathy for him as he lay on the cold hard Italian soil bleeding out (for six hours) waiting on the medics to transport him to an aid station. Why so long? The first two medics dispatched to help the wounded were killed rendering aide to other fallen comrades. Imagine laying on the ground paralyzed not knowing if you were going to live or die. That pretty well sums up the book. It is a story of hope and healing.
There are two main themes running through this work: FAMILY and GOD and COUNTRY. He grew up in Russell, Kansas (of which I’m very familiar with since I had a bad accident up there in 1992(?). Bob talks about how humble and helpful the people in this part of the country are, even to strangers. I can attest to the fact; it’s true.
No matter how difficult he believed his situation was, his faith never wavered when he looked around at the other 11,000 wounded soldiers in Mercy Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Very stimulating!
I enjoyed his comparisons to the generation of his day and how resilient they were compared to our current generations. Money was always a concern but it didn’t drive their lives. It was required to help provide for a family, but it wasn’t what they lived for. Love, hope, faith and family were the reasons for living. Tell me that message has been diluted for the following generations.
This is very evident when President Clinton appoints him to the chair of the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. Many of his fellow veterans retired from their prominent corporate positions, replaced by younger men and women who didn’t see the value in the project. Yes, he was a bit flabbergasted as he recalls why he and his fellow soldiers fought for the freedoms these new corporate magnets shunned. They reply, “It was old history.” That statement really hits home!
At times I thought I was reading the memoirs of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lucian Truscott. Both of these men grew up in the heartland of America and went on to serve their country during and after WWII. They, like Bob, they didn’t grow up with riches. Their riches were: God, family, country and hard work.
The only drawback is the editing. I’m very disappointed with Harper Collins. At times I felt they had assigned a minimum number of pages for the book and kept repeating information and used way too many filler words. The most glaring was ‘had.’ Best I could tell they used it so the copy editing was easier. Very sad. I level no fault on Mr. Dole.
Who will enjoy this? Those who truly appreciate the sacrifices this country’s “Greatest Generation” performed, so millions of people could enjoy the pursuits of: life, liberty and freedom.
An interesting work to say the least. Mr. Dole does an excellent job in describing how his difficult journey of recover started when severely wounded by shrapnel on Hill 193 on April 5, 1945 in Italy. His details of the event aren’t sugar coated or dramatized. I felt empathy for him as he lay on the cold hard Italian soil bleeding out (for six hours) waiting on the medics to transport him to an aid station. Why so long? The first two medics dispatched to help the wounded were killed rendering aide to other fallen comrades. Imagine laying on the ground paralyzed not knowing if you were going to live or die. That pretty well sums up the book. It is a story of hope and healing.
There are two main themes running through this work: FAMILY and GOD and COUNTRY. He grew up in Russell, Kansas (of which I’m very familiar with since I had a bad accident up there in 1992(?). Bob talks about how humble and helpful the people in this part of the country are, even to strangers. I can attest to the fact; it’s true.
No matter how difficult he believed his situation was, his faith never wavered when he looked around at the other 11,000 wounded soldiers in Mercy Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Very stimulating!
I enjoyed his comparisons to the generation of his day and how resilient they were compared to our current generations. Money was always a concern but it didn’t drive their lives. It was required to help provide for a family, but it wasn’t what they lived for. Love, hope, faith and family were the reasons for living. Tell me that message has been diluted for the following generations.
This is very evident when President Clinton appoints him to the chair of the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. Many of his fellow veterans retired from their prominent corporate positions, replaced by younger men and women who didn’t see the value in the project. Yes, he was a bit flabbergasted as he recalls why he and his fellow soldiers fought for the freedoms these new corporate magnets shunned. They reply, “It was old history.” That statement really hits home!
At times I thought I was reading the memoirs of Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lucian Truscott. Both of these men grew up in the heartland of America and went on to serve their country during and after WWII. They, like Bob, they didn’t grow up with riches. Their riches were: God, family, country and hard work.
The only drawback is the editing. I’m very disappointed with Harper Collins. At times I felt they had assigned a minimum number of pages for the book and kept repeating information and used way too many filler words. The most glaring was ‘had.’ Best I could tell they used it so the copy editing was easier. Very sad. I level no fault on Mr. Dole.
Who will enjoy this? Those who truly appreciate the sacrifices this country’s “Greatest Generation” performed, so millions of people could enjoy the pursuits of: life, liberty and freedom.
October 14, 2013
An interesting look at the life of the Senator and former Presidential Candidate and his experiences recovering from the injuries sustained in World War II. It was his combat experience and his recover that mostly drew me to this book, because of my current work adjudicating disability claims for US veterans. Like most Americans, I knew that Dole lost the use of his right arm due to his injuries, but I knew nothing about the circumstances. And I didn't know that he had so little use of his "good" left arm, lost a kidney, and nearly died at least 3 times. I didn't realize he had been paralyzed for a long time or that he had such extensive nerve damage. The examination of that aspect of his life was interesting.
I also enjoyed the look at his upbringing and his athletic achievements prior to the war. Given that my political philosophy is quite different, I was glad that most of his story after entering politics was not included. He did explain at least some of the reasons he felt the way he did about government but I think he missed a few basic points. Oh well, I enjoyed the book and was largely able to set aside the politics to get to know the man -- and he seems to have been a pretty good man, on the whole. And I appreciated the strength and determination he brought to dealing with his disability.
I also enjoyed the look at his upbringing and his athletic achievements prior to the war. Given that my political philosophy is quite different, I was glad that most of his story after entering politics was not included. He did explain at least some of the reasons he felt the way he did about government but I think he missed a few basic points. Oh well, I enjoyed the book and was largely able to set aside the politics to get to know the man -- and he seems to have been a pretty good man, on the whole. And I appreciated the strength and determination he brought to dealing with his disability.
February 19, 2025
I was a young political reporter in 1976 when Sen. Bob Dole, the Republican nominee for vice president, gave me what turned out to be one of the biggest “scoops” of my long career. I’ve admired Dole since that day and was delighted when a friend gave me a signed copy of his 2005 book, “One Soldier’s Story,” for Christmas. Dole writes about life growing up in the small town of Russell, Kansas, and attending the University of Kansas for two years before, at age 19, enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps during World War II. The war in Europe was almost over when 2nd Lt. Dole was shipped to Italy in late 1944. In February 1945, he was assigned to the front in the Apennine Mountains as a platoon officer for the 10th Mountain Division. On April 14, Dole was critically injured as the Americans attempted to take Hill 913. It was six hours before it was safe for medics to reach the semi-conscious and paralyzed lieutenant. Ninety-eight U.S. soldiers died during the daylong assault. Dole was in and out of hospitals for three years and never fully recovered. Yet, he went to law school, entered politics, served as Republican leader of the U.S. Senate longer than anyone until Mitch McConnell broke his record, and was the GOP candidate for president in 1996. Remarkably, despite all his injuries and disabilities, he lived to the age of 98. The first half of “One Soldier’s Story” is the story not only of Dole but of my generation’s fathers, the young men who grew up in the Depression and had World War II interrupt their lives just as they became adults. The second half of the book is the remarkable story of Dole’s long fight for survival — a fight he almost lost several times — and to regain enough use of his arms and legs to serve his country in other ways. Late in the book, Dole gives examples of his sense of humor, often overlooked because of his “hatchet-man” reputation as Gerald Ford’s running mate in 1976. I vividly remember the humor in the speech he gave Sept. 3 of that year, a few minutes after inviting me to the head table for that scoop. An example of Dole’s humor from my story: Dole “remarked that he had visited Friday morning with 1936 GOP presidential nominee Alf Landon, who was swept under in the Franklin D. Roosevelt landslide of that year. ‘We talked about campaign strategy,’ Dole said. ‘It was a short meeting.’”
February 12, 2017
When my book club chose to read this biography, I know I rolled my eyes. Political biographies are not my genre. I must say I am pleasantly surprised. This book dealt more with Dole's life growing up in a small Kansas town, his ambition, family, and friends. Bit even more important it dealt with overcoming obstacles in life and learning how to live with physical disabilities. Dole has showed a strength that I've seen in other survivors. He never once gave in to being called a hero. He calls those who died in WWII the heroes. Very interesting book.
August 31, 2018
A great book written in a honest prose. Mr. Dole is very humble and true as he writes about being a new replacement officer in the 10th Mountain Division during WWII in Italy, his being wounded and the very long recovery. He included letters to and from his family throughout. He had a disability, but that didn't discourage him as he put one foot in front of the other, and accomplished a lot.
March 20, 2022
Picked up this book to consider it as an option for students summer reading. Ended up enjoying it a lot more than I expected I would. Focused on his time during the war and his recovery but also looks back to his growing up and briefly forward to his political career.
May 30, 2024
Truly inspirational. This audiobook gave me a new appreciation for the trials and tribulations that Bob Dole went through in his life. He went through Hell on Earth and could have easily given up. He didn't. This is a story of courage and determination. Being in his early 20's, athletic and with his whole life ahead of him- he wanted to study medicine- he had his dreams taken away on a hilltop in Italy. His determination allowed him to re-tool his life and become the fine public servant who served his state of Kansas. A real American Hero.
October 26, 2018
And an inspiring story this is indeed. Bob Dole keeps his humanity and humility throughout while never failing to thank everyone that helped him along the way.
June 11, 2011
I found "One Soldier's Story" by Robert Dole in the new book section of The Colony Public Library. The book tells the story of former US Senator and Republican presidential candidate Robert Dole, of Kansas. It shares tales of his growing up in Russell, Kansas. We learn of his running track, attending high school, working as a soda jerk, and attending Kansas University (KU). He opens the window to his experiences at KU where we see him running track, joining a fraternity, working odd jobs to help pay for his college, buying a phonograph, and experiencing the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
His story continues where he struggles with the choice of joining the US Army Air Corps or the US Army infantry. He joins the Army, goes through Officer Candidate School, and ultimately becomes an infantry officer. His tour of duty in World War II takes him to the Italian theater of the war. In Italy, his life is forever altered. He receives a critical wound while on a combat mission.
The remainder of "One Soldier's Story" tells of his struggles through hospitalization, evacuation, and transport to the USA, rehabilitation, depression, learning to walk again, falling in love and his first marriage, return to Russell, Kansas and his daily challenges. We follow Bob Dole through his return to complete his college degree and his decision to attend law school. We experience his building a career as a young lawyer, the decision to run for political office, and his ultimate service as a US Senator, and being both a vice presidential candidate (1976) and presidential candidate (1996).
Whether you like Bob Dole's conservative politics or not, you will find his story very inspirational. This extremely well written memoir is hard to put down. Read in March 2006 by Jimmie A. Kepler.
His story continues where he struggles with the choice of joining the US Army Air Corps or the US Army infantry. He joins the Army, goes through Officer Candidate School, and ultimately becomes an infantry officer. His tour of duty in World War II takes him to the Italian theater of the war. In Italy, his life is forever altered. He receives a critical wound while on a combat mission.
The remainder of "One Soldier's Story" tells of his struggles through hospitalization, evacuation, and transport to the USA, rehabilitation, depression, learning to walk again, falling in love and his first marriage, return to Russell, Kansas and his daily challenges. We follow Bob Dole through his return to complete his college degree and his decision to attend law school. We experience his building a career as a young lawyer, the decision to run for political office, and his ultimate service as a US Senator, and being both a vice presidential candidate (1976) and presidential candidate (1996).
Whether you like Bob Dole's conservative politics or not, you will find his story very inspirational. This extremely well written memoir is hard to put down. Read in March 2006 by Jimmie A. Kepler.
September 5, 2009
Being from Kansas, and growing up near Russell I had heard stories about Bob Dole, his being wounded, and after receiving such wonderful support from his family and community got into politics in order to give back to them, but I had no idea the true extent of his wounds, the inner strength it must have taken to recover, and the extent of the support he was given. It is also quite interesting to see how the congressmen that served in WWII would have respect for each other as they always had that common bond, regardless of what party or side of the political line they were on. A little more communication and mutual respect among our politicians would go a long way in today's world.
August 30, 2011
Well, since the search engine at our library - where I choose audible books - is really pretty lousy, I run into some interesting, unintended, reads. I "read" this yesterday while gardening. The first half was poignant and personal and I really enjoyed learning about Bob Dole's life, war injury, and recovery. The remainder I didn't enjoy so much but now I know he thinks he's a pretty hilarious guy.
December 9, 2022
This book has been on my shelf for a long time, and upon Senator Dole's death I decided the time was right to read it. Being a lifelong Kansan with Bob Dole my senator for decades, I learned so much about him from this story. What the men of World War II went through as they answered the call and did what they were commanded should be a story that never ceases to be told.
February 4, 2014
An inspirational story for all that demonstrates that human will can accomplish what might seem the impossible.
February 26, 2016
I don't normally read Memoirs. I was so inspired by Bob Dole. It was an amazing book. Well worth reading.
March 17, 2017
The rest of the story--Bob Dole is a most remarkable man. Recommended to anyone who wants to know more about this great American.
December 19, 2021
When Senator Dole died this month, after watching his funeral, I wanted to learn more about him. I knew a bit, and I respected him always. This book fleshed out a lot of details that made me admire the man and his accomplishments even more.
I know that suffering comes to us, but for Bob Dole, he had more than his share when he was severely injured right before the end of WWII. It took him years to recover, and he never fully recovered.He was partially paralyzed the rest of his life.
Through his work in Congress , he helped many disabled persons in lasting and powerful ways. He was largely responsible for seeing that the WWII monument in Washington DC was built, and beyond that, he personally met hundreds of the Freedom Flights that came in when all WWII veterans were given free flights into the capital to view the monument.
I was surprised by his sense of humor, even though I remember a couple occasions vividly that demonstrated it: one on late night TV when a comedian interviewed him after his loss against Clinton. Another time when he was awarded the Medal of Honor, and what he said when the medal was hung round his neck. Such a dry wit. He reminded a bit of President Reagan in that respect.
Lastly, I recall that special moment when he attended the senior President Bush's funeral, and had his aides help him stand so he could salute. I believe he did this with his good friend Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, also, when he died a few years earlier.
Dole was a man of faith, and wasn't afraid to let people know that. This faith, along with the inspiration he got from listening repeatedly to the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" as he lay paralyzed and worked to his rehab his body to walk again, these things pushed him into a special dimension of strength and courage that fed him and guided him throughout the rest of his long life. God rest his soul.
I know that suffering comes to us, but for Bob Dole, he had more than his share when he was severely injured right before the end of WWII. It took him years to recover, and he never fully recovered.He was partially paralyzed the rest of his life.
Through his work in Congress , he helped many disabled persons in lasting and powerful ways. He was largely responsible for seeing that the WWII monument in Washington DC was built, and beyond that, he personally met hundreds of the Freedom Flights that came in when all WWII veterans were given free flights into the capital to view the monument.
I was surprised by his sense of humor, even though I remember a couple occasions vividly that demonstrated it: one on late night TV when a comedian interviewed him after his loss against Clinton. Another time when he was awarded the Medal of Honor, and what he said when the medal was hung round his neck. Such a dry wit. He reminded a bit of President Reagan in that respect.
Lastly, I recall that special moment when he attended the senior President Bush's funeral, and had his aides help him stand so he could salute. I believe he did this with his good friend Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, also, when he died a few years earlier.
Dole was a man of faith, and wasn't afraid to let people know that. This faith, along with the inspiration he got from listening repeatedly to the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" as he lay paralyzed and worked to his rehab his body to walk again, these things pushed him into a special dimension of strength and courage that fed him and guided him throughout the rest of his long life. God rest his soul.
May 25, 2023
An interesting book that does not stand up well with time. As I read the book, I found it interesting that Dole, who was injured in WW2 and went through 3 years in rehab with the VA, end up on the political scale of the far right. At one point in the book he talks about how it takes a whole town to assist others when things are tough. His home town help him with college before the war and medical bills after the war. Yet he later talks about how he does not want anyone to interfere with a person's life from the government. He even praises Strom Thurmond who opposed everything to do with civil rights. In reading the book, it makes me wonder what Dole could have done if he had followed his parents who where democrats.
December 8, 2021
Amazing book, incredible man...
I have a spinal cord injury and have had four spine fusions. This book is one I could relate to as I struggled with the loss of the usr of my right keg and arm. This book is less about politics and more about his struggles and the adaptations he needed to make to both heal and move forward. I will undoubtedly read this book again as I couldn't put it down the first time. I finished reading this book in less than24 hours. Time well spent. If our leaders in Washington could just use Bob Cole's mantra for working with others to REALLY work for the people of this country; more would get accomplished.
I have a spinal cord injury and have had four spine fusions. This book is one I could relate to as I struggled with the loss of the usr of my right keg and arm. This book is less about politics and more about his struggles and the adaptations he needed to make to both heal and move forward. I will undoubtedly read this book again as I couldn't put it down the first time. I finished reading this book in less than24 hours. Time well spent. If our leaders in Washington could just use Bob Cole's mantra for working with others to REALLY work for the people of this country; more would get accomplished.
December 16, 2021
A brief summary of Senator Dole's life before politics. It covers his youth and military service as well as recovery. It begins with his visiting a wounded soldier from the most recent "war on terror". A military operation with several titles but as he does not specify the engagement the young soldier was wounded at I will use the general term to specify that it was a 21st century conflict. There is a surprising tone of humility for a biography from a career politician, and as he was so severely wounded it is hard to imagine what career he could have had outside of politics that would have been as prestigious.
July 21, 2022
This was a really beautiful 'story', a really beautiful and at times heartbreaking life to learn about from the very person's own lips. It felt as though I was living through the experiences with Bob Dole, learning from mistakes, struggling to walk again, commemorating old friends - heroes - lost. It's amazing how eloquent he still is in his older age, and he has many wise insights when looking back at his past.
I appreciated how the title of the book is 'one soldier's story' - it truly is that. There are so many such stories that never got to be finished, or were forgotten, or discarded as 'redundant'. But no, they're all worthy and I'm glad that Dole got to share his one to the world.
I appreciated how the title of the book is 'one soldier's story' - it truly is that. There are so many such stories that never got to be finished, or were forgotten, or discarded as 'redundant'. But no, they're all worthy and I'm glad that Dole got to share his one to the world.
June 19, 2017
I love reading WWII stories and this one was good. Bob Dole represents many thousands of young men who bravely served our country in one of its greatest hours of need. Reading about his recovery from his injury was very inspiring.
I would've given this book 5 stars but was saddened by the story of Bob Dole abandoning his first wife. As a Christian, I believe that people can repent and change but this definitely tarnished my image of him.
I would've given this book 5 stars but was saddened by the story of Bob Dole abandoning his first wife. As a Christian, I believe that people can repent and change but this definitely tarnished my image of him.
August 16, 2018
Though I had known he’d been injured during WWII, I’d not previously realized the extent of Senator Dole’s wounds. Great story of yet another American hero who defied the odds. In opening pages he asks that the reader dedicated his book to someone close to them who served. Brought tears as I thought of Dad, Captain in US Marine Corps in Saipan, and how very proud I’ve always been of his voluntary enlistment soon after Pearl Harbor.
July 23, 2020
A really good autobiography from Bob Dole, who served this country for so many years in the House and Senate, and was the Republican Party's nominee for VP in 1976 and president in 1996.
Dole describes to the reader the values he learned in Russell, Kansas, and how those values served him in combat near Balogna, Italy, just weeks from the end of World War II, when he was so badly injured that doctors did not think he would survive. Subsequent generations have much to learn from Dole's book.
Dole describes to the reader the values he learned in Russell, Kansas, and how those values served him in combat near Balogna, Italy, just weeks from the end of World War II, when he was so badly injured that doctors did not think he would survive. Subsequent generations have much to learn from Dole's book.
December 8, 2021
Bob Dole shares his story as a young boy, soldier and wounded war hero recovering from near fatal
Injuries. It a story of overcoming adversity and making the very best of a difficult situation. Interestingly, Dole does not devoted much time discussing his political career. The book was clearly written to help similarly situated soldiers deal with their own adversity, so the story was appropriately focused on that aspect of Senator Doles life. Great book about an Real American Hero.
Injuries. It a story of overcoming adversity and making the very best of a difficult situation. Interestingly, Dole does not devoted much time discussing his political career. The book was clearly written to help similarly situated soldiers deal with their own adversity, so the story was appropriately focused on that aspect of Senator Doles life. Great book about an Real American Hero.
October 9, 2022
What a powerful book! Bob had to overcome some tough obstacles but always stayed the course and did his best. A real strong character. His war stories were gripping and the book was so well written I was flying though it like watching a movie. He truly came a long way, even running for President in 1996.
I did not read this because of his political leanings but for the life lessons he left behind. Basically one step after another and you will get there. Never give up.
I did not read this because of his political leanings but for the life lessons he left behind. Basically one step after another and you will get there. Never give up.
May 10, 2017
This relatively short book is a touching memoir that deals primarily with Dole's youth in Russell, Kansas, and his long recovery from devastating injuries received in the closing days of the European campaign of World War II. It has almost nothing to do with his political career. I recommend the book highly.
November 19, 2017
World War II Story
This book does not have much about the war in it, but consists of the story of a soldier who spent years in rehabilitation and occupational therapy after a war wound. Dole does a good job of telling what it was like in an Army hospital and how he decided to go to law school and into politics. It explains much of the life of a veteran.
This book does not have much about the war in it, but consists of the story of a soldier who spent years in rehabilitation and occupational therapy after a war wound. Dole does a good job of telling what it was like in an Army hospital and how he decided to go to law school and into politics. It explains much of the life of a veteran.
November 29, 2017
Thanks Bob Dole
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover! I have been a Kansan since 1969 and considered it a privilege to vote for Bob Dole. But I had no idea of the extent of his injuries and recovery. Having lived in Russell County for 10 years, I enjoyed Bob's history of the area and of his family. Thanks for sharing your amazing story Bob.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover! I have been a Kansan since 1969 and considered it a privilege to vote for Bob Dole. But I had no idea of the extent of his injuries and recovery. Having lived in Russell County for 10 years, I enjoyed Bob's history of the area and of his family. Thanks for sharing your amazing story Bob.
December 24, 2021
I learned more about Bob Dole than I ever thought I would by reading One Soldier's Story. He lays it all on the line. His time in the war, getting wounded, living as a person with a disability. This is a great book and should be read by anyone who has ever thought they hit a roadblock and can't go on. Dole proved time and time again that you can go on if you just keep trying.
December 6, 2017
I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this. I expected more of a political book, so I was pleasantly surprised that the focus was far more on Senator Dole's military service. I study history, with a focus on WWII and this fit the bill.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews