Desert Storm: Dreadnought

by Joseph B. George

Joseph was an M-1 Tanker in the legendary 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) in the Gulf War. Their mission was to lead the attack on the Iraqi mine field while being attacked with chemical, and biological weapons. It was a suicide mission, and they were awarded the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in war. This book is about the mission, and the impact that it had on his life. “For all of the chest-pounding politicians and overheated pundits who are quick to recommend war, Desert Storm: Dreadnought should be required reading.”-BlueInk Review

Genres: Military Fiction, History, War

ebook

First published November 24, 2003

About the author

Joseph fought in the Gulf War as an M-1 Tanker in the legendary 1st Infantry Division, also known as the Big Red One. His unit was awarded the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in war. Joseph graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. The chair of the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Dr. Sarah V. Kirk, inspired him to write a book about the war and his experiences. He loves studying the bible, reading, writing, exercising, and golf.

Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story of one young man's experience during war and the impact on his life once returning home. Sadly it is a story I have heard a number of times in the past but it makes this particular experience no less important. As a young man Joseph joined the army and suddenly found himself thrust into an unexpected war. As with all wars, it is the young, idealistic men who have to fight the battles caused by Dictators and politicians. Our understanding of the effects of war on young men and women has improved but we still fall short of providing the required support.
I believe everyone should read these types of books, in the hope they help all of us to think twice about war in the future or at least continue to improve how we treat returning combatants.
My only small criticism of the book would be that it is a very thin book but the content is weighty.

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desert Storm: Dreadnought gives a candid look at war through the eyes and heart of a soldier who was faced with the harsh realities of war shortly after graduating high school. A young man who had yet to set out to see the big world and experience what life was about, who hadn't had the opportunity to live a "normal" life in the States, getting an education, raising a family, as he had so desired to do. I sat down to read this book immediately upon receiving it in the mail today (I had received this book as a free advance copy from the author). My heart went out to him so many times as I read this book, and I was mentally taken back to those times. You see, I graduated high school in 1991, and saw many friends shipped off to the war. I also dated and became engaged to a young man when he returned from the war. The author's struggles when he returned to the states came alive for me because of the struggles that I also experienced with my fiancé at that time. I, too, was struggling to understand what he was going through, and our relationship just didn't withstand the strain. Twenty years later, I had received contact from this man again through Facebook, and learned of his continued struggles in life, as well as his inpatient treatment for mental health issues as well as PTSD. So many parallels in the lives of soldiers. I am grateful for having the opportunity to read this book, as it has given me yet more information about the kinds of things that so many soldiers don't want to talk about when they return. It has also helped me to forgive myself and lessens the guilt a little more for the misunderstandings and eventual dissolution of a relationship that was something very much unhealthy and quickly spiraling out of control. Even though I still have so much love for that man, I now understand that he was and is, a changed man and I understand now that this nightmare never ends for our soldiers. I have more love, compassion, and respect for them and what they do. "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough of a thing to say to all of these men and women. Please know that you have my most reverent respect and compassion for your sacrifice, and I pray The Lord grants you a reprieve, and the nightmare WILL end one sweet day! I would recommend that this book be required reading for every man and woman who holds the power to make decisions regarding our military men and women. It should be required reading for every person who is enlisted or considering enlisting. Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and care. Freedom ISN'T free!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joseph gives a very visual depiction of his experience in combat and how it affected him. He went into the military to serve his country and came out a broken person. The level of treatment for returning wartime vets is sadly depicted here and needs to be made better ASAP so fewer soldiers comeback with long-term psychological problems.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

i like the wartime