Sheridan: The General Who Wasn't Afraid to Take a Chance

by Red Reeder

The story of Philip Henry Sheridan, which Colonel Red Reeder tells here in his usual inimitably vivid way, is one that every American boy should seriously consider.Sheridan’s parents were relatively poor, yet Phil Sheridan, through years of study, hard work, and danger, finally became the Commanding General of the United States Army. Born with a furious temper, he learned to keep it under iron self-control. As brave and dashing a cavalry leader as J. E. B. Stuart or Nathan Bedford Forrest, Sheridan also knew that the successful general must make certain that his men are as well equipped and fed as possible. Throughout his career, he was always willing to fight – and also to study. He constantly sought new and better ways of carrying out his duties as an officer of the United States Army. “Whatever I took up,” he once said, “even if it were the simplest of duties, I tried to do it better than it had ever been done before.”The history of Sheridan’s life is another example of what one American boy was able to accomplish, largely through his own efforts. He served the United States loyally and energetically all his life, and his place amongst our military heroes was honestly earned.VINCENT J. ESPOSITO, Col.Professor of Military HistoryUnited States Military Academy

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2011

About the author

Colonel Russell Potter Reeder Jr., who wrote as "Red" Reeder, was an officer in the United States Army. He wrote children's books and military nonfiction.