Forgotten

by Doug Lucas

Historical fiction has a foundation of truth but that truth is often shrouded in fiction. Some claim that only time and distance can separate the two.

We have all lived through events that have shocked or changed our nation.

The assassination of Martin Luther King, or John and Robert Kennedy, men traveling into space, and landing on the moon, and of course the bombing of the World Trade Center; these are just a few examples that have occurred in my life time. These are the pivotal events that surround us I and others think we know all of the important facts.

But do we remember? Ask yourself or a friend what date any of these events happened on, see if you or they can give the exact date or even some of the facts surrounding any of these or other major past events of your lifetime.

Americans are noted for their short memories, we invented the term "Attention Deficit Disorder" to describe it. We immerse ourselves in an event for a short time span, then quickly lay the event aside and move to the next. If those events didn't or don't affect us directly----they are quickly forgotten.

23 October 1983 is one of those forgotten events. One of those events where we felt we knew all the facts and then it was quickly forgotten. I ask one simple question---"Do you really know all of the facts?" There are hundreds of these events, forgotten by all but those who lived them.

I invite you to read "Forgotten", separate the history from the fiction. Another term to remember would be "Plausible Deniability", facts that did happen are handled in a manner that allows them to be denied by those who caused them to happen. Separating plausible deniability from fiction can be almost impossible. At times this is by design of those who use the term.

When you've finished reading this "Historical Fiction", ask yourself if you have forgotten.

You must decide, what is fact, what is fiction, and what could be plausible deniability shrouding truth.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2012

Reviews

[Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good men give their all. They are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. They do it for their country. They do it for their families. They do it because they are ‘The Few and The Proud’. They are Marines.
What do good men do when their government sets them up as target practice in an unwanted peacekeeping mission? What do they do when they are kept from performing their trained duties? What do good Marines do when the political hands that bind cause the deaths of hundreds of their brothers? For a few American Marines, the covert mission is more than a simple act of getting even. The operation is an act of duty and honor to fallen men.
As is the American way, even well kept secrets leak out. Politics rears its ugly head, denying any form of retribution or violent acts on a people who would just as soon see all of America destroyed. The Warriors know better. Their strike will be fast and deadly. Is it enough? Will America mourn once again?
Author, Doug Lucas writes a masterpiece of military intrigue. His hypothesis on political control over military actions is astute and frightening. The story encompasses all facets of military strife. The characters capture your mind, daring you to walk a mile in their shoes and refusing nothing less than complete involvement in their cause. You willingly surrender your mind and live the life of those who protect us, those who will not be Forgotten. I admire an author who can write with such depth and emotion. I am one reader who will certainly never forget.
Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson is the author of ‘Georgia’s Smile’, ‘Love’s Trust’, ‘Callie’s Fate’, ‘Love And Liberty’ (now also available in print), and her most recent release ‘Queen Emily’s Enchanted Kingdom – Sugarland’, a children’s picture book series available in kindle and print versions.

[Susanna Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story the author Doug Lucas became a story telling master writing about a sensitive topic the author created a highly charged terrorist plot and wrote a story about the military and the terrorists in the early 1980's set in the Middle East and in-between brings in Cuba's threats. It is a suspenseful plot complete with espionage, conspiracy and intelligence data designed into a fast packed action tale about how the terrorists believe they are the final victors when they planned an attacked on an American military base; They as well as the foreigners discovered that Americans are not the weak soft underbelly slugs everyone thought they were before the attack; in the end the terrorists were served justice, the American way;

This writer describes with human emotion very graphic details of the before and aftermath of a horrific attack as if he was there in the midst of the chaos. He describes the events as they unfold; the details are sensitive which brings the reader to rally for the characters in the midst of the action, chaos and clean-up. The descriptions of human toil going through the range of personal agony to acceptance and about the loss of lives as well the urgency to bring justice to their fallen heroes, made this reader gasp.

The characters are written as if they could be your spouse, brother, sister, aunt and uncle. Your heart goes out to every family affect by this malicious vendetta against the friendly veterans who were there defenseless with unloaded weapons by the orders to be a peace ambassador or protector and not fire upon natives unless shot at first. Since the orders were lax; the compound was open to the enemies and they scheme to destroy their foes. The plan was hatched and the friendly lives were destroyed in less than 30 seconds when a crazy scheme is executed by the ruthless enemies.

As the story progressed every time the knock on the door from the military personnel and clergy came, it brought either tears or a leap of faith of Amen; yes one more veteran, loved will be coming home. Yet another family will be given the knowledge that they will be burying their child; one who dies before the parent. It is a tragedy yet at the same time the determination of the troops to respect the living and dead and bring their guys home to their families is a light in the darkness.

This story is written as if someone like a reporter was there on the scene; listening behind the doors in Washington D.C. as the President, his cabinet and all vital personnel are meeting about what action was necessary to investigated and conclude the incident before it becomes a major storm with too many casualties and finger pointing and more death. This author implanted a Wag the Dog theory into the tale where the higher staff of the POTUS OFFICE (President of the United States) and head commanders tries to distract the American public about this one horrific event and turns attention to another priority which was creating another threat to invade the homeland; so the story is not lacking adventure.

He also discussed the behind the scenes from the veterans fighting in foreign lands, to the commanders of the military personnel to the President to the cabinet and other staffers to the hidden threats to all involved parties that are involved; such as the UN and last to the news reporters asking where their loyalty lies; report the gripping details for the money or to defend America and keep the lid on the secrets until a calmer time. The plot goes further by showing the military personnel and clergy entering into average military homes to report to the families the state of their loved ones and it ends with victory and payback. It also touches upon personal lives experiencing regular day trials and their families and the decisions they need to decide for future generations.

It is a dedication and knowledge insider story about the danger threats which the honor proud men and women face every day, the danger they face when away from home and how they are brave veterans who serve and fight for world freedom every day, facing the unknown; It touches upon what fears they may go through every morning when they awake in a foreign land assigned as protectors or peace ambassadors. The author creates realistic and colorful characters and invites you to experience their everyday rituals of the life of a service person and their inner thoughts. Letting the reader senses the emotions and to know each individual in a special way. The additional bonus is the details about the team work of all people of all diversity coming together and supports each other when human tragedies become a reality and the faith they depend upon all to get through the darkness to save another life.

It explores the behind the actions of all the parties involved in protecting and supporting the veterans; from the President of each nation, to the tyrants, terrorists and service personal and all the other players needed to protect and guard the safety of the world. Discussing the factors involved for all who are there to be supported or possibly to abused their position to gain their own greedy benefits and how it is vital for all to cooperate together for the safety of all. The competition between the departments’ heads is somewhat witty as each director has their own show down guarding their authority.

Author's words; "The UN Envoy seemed to be barely grasping what Phillips had just told him. Richard decided that now was the best time to swing the UN's demands back towards negotiating an outcome acceptable to not only the UN, but to the White House as well.
"With the stroke of a pen, the President can issue an executive order to withhold all funding for the UN and refuse to allow our military to participate in any peacekeeping efforts the UN may attempt. I remind you that he can instruct the Ambassador to the UN to veto anything he feels is not in the best interest of the United States. These sir, are just some of his options. I can assure you our present president is not only capable of executing them, but if he felt he had cause would go even further."

The Envoy's repressed anger was replaced with complete understanding---the flushed anger drained from his face and was replaced with a calmer demeanor."
This story is an intense inside glimpse into the tragedy of terrorist attacks and how the victims do not retreat, but reinforced themselves with team work to not be defeated but to prove how strong defenders they are. The excitement of the characters that are committed to their urgent vow to execute payback to their enemies for their fallen heroes who dedicated their lives 24 hours, seven days a week protecting others adds stimulation to the plot. The plan for payback is the powerful conclusion to this story.

This story is broken down into easy reading chapters for there are numerous characters involved from the top to the bottom and behind the scenes in each of their lives and loved ones. It was impacting and gave insight to this reader how much we do not realized what the vets who defend our countries experience while we are sitting at home cozy, in denial or not involved . All service personnel should receive a thank you next time you see one passing you by.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are not the kind of stories I usually read, so I had to be fair and keep aside my preferences.

The ring of truth is what attracted me the most, its air of authenticity both admirable and frightening. I liked the reality of the characters and the 'sad but true' events and the way it was told.

It was also brave in the face of a world filled with war and subterfuge.

Good

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgotten
By Doug Lucas

This story takes place in southern Lebanon in October 1983 where a war has been on-going between Israel and the Hezbollah. A fragile peace has been effectuated based on the grounds that a Multi-National Force under the UN would stand as peace keepers. But the UN forces of each participating country under this agreement were held to Rules of Engagement, which jeopardized the military’s lives and basically were: Standing guard with empty weapons in a combat zone; not returning fire when fired upon except under certain conditions, of which one was that the sentries had to call their commanding officer for permission to return fire; their patrols were restricted from entering hostile neighborhoods even when they knew hostiles were present; they couldn’t restrict indigenous personnel from essential defense areas within their military compound; they were given little or no control over who was allowed near or in the perimeters of their defense, day or night; restricted use of aircraft over populated areas plus a few other restrictions. The American troops were the Marine Amphibious Unit and Battalion Landing Team.

Most of the story takes place in two or three days around October 23, 1983. The author does an excellent job of showing one scenario at a time and moving back and forth between them to show the events occurring on all fronts. For instance: (1) the President and his Defense Secretary, Military Advisers and the State Department met. At that time, the President asked questions, listened, and gave his orders.. The State Department under Richard Phillips felt that the main issue was to make sure that no action be taken to ignite the powder keg just waiting to blow in Lebanon. He felt that it should only be a diplomatic concern. Yet the U.S. had no embassy in Beirut. Brigadier General B.T. Lowman of the Marine Corps, a military man, responsible for weapons and military tactics for future Marines, felt he was wasting his time over political concerns when he was a military man. (2) In Bakkah Valley, the bomb expert of the Hezbollah, and Sheik Hassan Nasseraldah, head of the Shia’s attempt to rid Lebanon of infidels, and under Iran’s guidance, institute an Islamic government, met with men he had recruited as suicide bombers . He acted as Chief of the operations of this radical Hezbollah group, who ignored the peace agreement. (3) The U.S. Marine Battalion under Sgt. Major Walter Neumann, aided by Gunnery Sgt. Mike Mitchell, Gunnery Sgt. Andy Peterson in charge of the Sniper Platoon and Master Sgt. C. W. Burwell, whose American headquarters was a four story cement building, known as BLT.

Sheik Nasseraldah planned and put into operation two large trucks loaded with high explosives driven by suicide zealots, to blow up the American compound simultaneously with the French compound, which was also on the outskirts of Beirut. He did not think that the Americans would be able to recover fast enough to save the ones not already hurt or killed, and he had snipers ready to pick off survivors. He also did not believe that the Americans would do anything as retaliation since he was aware of their restrictions. He had plans in the offing for more explosions.

At about 3 a.m. the American sentries saw the two trucks coming, were suspicious when the one kept coming with very little headlights showing, but could do nothing but watch until it drove through their wire perimeter, hit the building with the force of a nuclear bomb and blew it up. Cement and glass flew everywhere and anyone close to it was either killed or maimed. As the unharmed men attempted to help any survivors, they were being killed by the Shia snipers. One of the American officers gave the order for American snipers to return fire, one bullet for one dead man. In a few minutes, the Shia snipers were dead and the Sheik was totally surprised that the Americans could recover so fast. He and his men quickly faded back into the Bakka Valley.

The rest of the novel encompasses the total damages suffered, the extreme methods used to seek survivors and recover bodies. General Lowman met with the President, who allowed him to go to Beirut and lead his troops. Under his command, he brought the situation into a military stance. They were able to capture two Shia men, who weren’t worried because Americans don’t torture for information, but they were handed over to Israeli Mossad who will do what it takes to get information. They did and found out about future planned terrorist attacks. General Lowman utilized that information and responded in kind. The story also describes the burial detail in bringing bodies home and responding to the requests of the survivors, which sounds far nicer than some of the stories we now hear of bodies coming home from the Mideast.

The author of this story is an ex-Marine and realistic in dramatizing the story sequences. This reviewer did some research on the event when it happened in Beirut. President Reagan was president and he brought the troops home three months after the event; 241 military men were killed, some injured survivors, and some who miraculously survived. This is a very well-written story, clear, concise and informative. I recommend it to all Americans to better understand how one segment of our countrymen sacrifice much for the rest of us and the conditions under which they are forced to obey.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benghazi example. We don’t learn. Politics and congress is the same unchanged playpen and leaks are still unchanged.
Made in America.

[Lee-ann Graff-vinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: Forgotten
Author: Doug Lucas
Published By: Great Minds Publishing
Recommended Age: 18+
Reviewed By: Lee-Ann Graff-Vinson
Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud
Rating: 5+
Good men give their all. They are husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. They do it for their country. They do it for their families. They do it because they are ‘The Few and The Proud’. They are Marines.
What do good men do when their government sets them up as target practice in an unwanted peacekeeping mission? What do they do when they are kept from performing their trained duties? What do good Marines do when the political hands that bind cause the deaths of hundreds of their brothers? For a few American Marines, the covert mission is more than a simple act of getting even. The operation is an act of duty and honor to fallen men.
As is the American way, even well kept secrets leak out. Politics rears its ugly head, denying any form of retribution or violent acts on a people who would just as soon see all of America destroyed. The Warriors know better. Their strike will be fast and deadly. Is it enough? Will America mourn once again?
Author, Doug Lucas writes a masterpiece of military intrigue. His hypothesis on political control over military actions is astute and frightening. The story encompasses all facets of military strife. The characters capture your mind, daring you to walk a mile in their shoes and refusing nothing less than complete involvement in their cause. You willingly surrender your mind and live the life of those who protect us, those who will not be Forgotten. I admire an author who can write with such depth and emotion. I am one reader who will certainly never forget.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this e-book for the purpose of writing a review. I am unsure why I chose to ask for this book, but I am so glad I did. The author has chosen to take a true story and fill in the blanks with some fiction writing. I became invested in the people, their lives and this story about our men at war. After reading the book I went on to look up background on the true story and reintroduce myself to a history that I was alive for and had "forgotten".

The story follows the Granada conflict and the Marines that fought and died fighting for our country. It also follows men entrusted with spying to find the groups and people responsible for the bombing of the marines and the French and what was happening here at home inside of our own government and how our President chose to follow through. Whether parts are true or fiction, plausible deniability, as the author calls it, the story pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the last page. The author has taken the facts and woven them into a complete story that doesn't make you feel as if you are being bombarded by fact and history. For those of us that do not read a lot of non-fiction, it gives you a little bit of both.

[A K Gerace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy read, however, the ebook had many typos and sentences with words omitted, most likely due to poor editing. This was quite annoying. A good portion of this book reminded me of the Kevin Bacon film, "Taking Chance", (HBO 2009) when Kevin Bacon portrays the duties of a military escort for a fallen Desert Storm soldier.

[Therese]

$0.0

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not care for this book at all just was rather dry to me and the writing not that great. Don't waste your time.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting telling of a normally untold story.