If Not Now, When? Duty and Sacrifice in America's Time of Need

by Jack Jacobs, Douglas Century, Brian Williams (Contributor)

A Medal of Honor recipient looks back at his own service—and ahead to America’s future.

Jack Jacobs was acting as an advisor to the South Vietnamese when he and his men came under devastating attack. Severely wounded, 1st Lt. Jacobs took command and withdrew the unit, returning again and again to the site of the attack to rescue more men, saving the lives of a U.S. advisor and thirteen Allied soldiers. Col. Jacobs received the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

Here, with candor, humor, and quiet modesty, Col. Jack Jacobs tells his stirring story of heroism, honor, and the personal code by which he has lived his life, and expounds with blunt honesty and insight his views on our contemporary world, and the nature and necessity of sacrifice.

If Not Now, When? is a compelling account of a unique life at both war and peace, and the all-too-often unexamined role of the citizenry in the service and defense of the Republic.

Genres: Military Fiction, Nonfiction, History, Memoir, Biography, War

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2008

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this book, I thought it was going to be a lot more about Col. Jacob's experience in how he received the Medal of Honor, but that part was only relegated to a small portion of the book. Rather, this book is about the colonel's life, where and how he grew up, what led him to joining the U. S. Army, his experiences in Vietnam, and life after that experience; a wider scope than I had anticipated.

While it was interesting to learn of Col. Jacob's life, I grew a bit bored with some of his ramblings and opinions, especially those pertaining to politics and the whys and hows of the United States getting into both the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. It can be argued, and well, that the United States war with Iraq is similar to the war with Vietnam, chiefly that people in government who have no military experience should not dictate the battle but rather leave that to the experienced leaders of the military. But then every battle is somewhat unique, with unique challenges, and while we should learn from our past so that we do not repeat the same mistakes, we should not treat every war the same. Another argument for another day...

All in all, I appreciate Col. Jacobs sharing his story. This is, after all, his story and his book and whatever he chooses to write about is his prerogative. I highly agree with his sentiment that military service, or even service of any kind to our country, seems to be an afterthought these days and perhaps we as a nation should strive to make both military and national service a high priority. Again, another argument for another day.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book by a true hero. Jack Jacobs embodies what it means to be an American patriot in every sense of the word. That he is courageous beyond all measure is a given--he was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor in action in Vietnam when he was 22 years old. He was also awarded two silver stars, three bronze stars and two purple hearts. Beyond that he is brilliant, incisive, and, most incredibly, funny. This book should be mandatory reading by any person before they are sworn into any political office, or for that matter anyone who purports to be a leader.

[Bob]

I don't usually agree with Jack (an NBC contributor), but depth of knowledge is great, and his character flawless. He raises questions that no one else does, but that seem obvious in reflection.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. He has many memorable quotes and observations. I highly recommend this book. Really reminds you of what we owe our country, and how much our leaders have let us down!

[Amy Webster-Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, learned some things about the war i did not know

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, I also finished a book: “If Not Now, When?“, written by Colonel Jack Jacobs (Ret.) and Douglas Century (2008). Colonel Jacobs is a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for action during the Vietnam War. The sub-title is: “Duty and Sacrifice in America’s Time of Need“.

The book is autobiographical and it is incredibly funny, touching and up-lifting — all at the same time. This was another of the $2 books I’ve gotten at Half-Price books and I can honestly say this was among the two of the best dollars I’ve ever spent in my life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the type of person America and the U.S. military can produce – and what type of man goes on to earn a Medal of Honor.

I will be using the book as a source for many quotes. Just a terrific read!!

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “THERE IS NO FEAR ON EARTH LIKE THE FEAR OF COMBAT.”
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I believe that when you read an autobiography and the author has something in common with you… it adds to the enjoyment of the book. These commonalities can bring the reader happiness… sadness… longing… and it can also bring enlightenment… as it helps solve long unanswered questions… even though some of the questions that are answered… you didn’t even realize you still carried within your very soul… more than forty-years later.

The author Jack Jacobs and I are both Jewish… both our Parents were born in Brooklyn… both our Grandparents immigrated/escaped Europe’s anti-Semitic scourge… we both spent our early years in Queens… we both loved the Brooklyn Dodgers and the sacred ground of Ebbets Field… we both played stickball and stoop ball… we’re both Honorably Discharged Vietnam era veterans.

BUT… Jack is five-feet-four-inches tall and I’m six-feet-two-inches tall… and Jack is a **MEDAL-OF-HONOR-RECIPIENT** **THE NATIONS HIGHEST MILITARY AWARD** Jack is truly a giant among men. It is an honor to read his life story and review his book. Jack’s story is as much about the changing of a countries persona as it is about his life. He tells of his Father’s military service during World War II and the fact that nineteen-million Americans were on active duty, and as a boy, Jack never even thought of his Father having been a soldier… he thought of him as an electrical engineer because “the ubiquity of military service in a time of peril made it unremarkable. In the forties and fifties, it was rare to encounter an adult who hadn’t been in uniform.” And that’s one of the points that Jack drills home in his no-holds-barred writing, that current day America should have the same spirit of service to country. When I was in the military I was a “first-termer-and-a-short-timer”… that’s what a million of us young guys called ourselves. We were honorably serving our country… but we were definitely NOT going to become a “lifer”… which is what Jack became. And that is the part of the book that answered and alleviated so many of my deeply buried questions from my time in the military. Jack openly berates the decision making and logistics of the military then and now. All the degrading comments the “short-timers” mumbled under their breath regarding the oxymoron’s of ?military-intelligence? is echoed by Jack… a lifer. Jack hits a homerun that applies to the Vietnam War… today’s war… and business life in general… when he says: “IT WAS THEN THAT I LEARNED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS IN THE USE OF ANY INSTRUMENT OF POWER, INDEED IN ANY HUMAN ENDEAVOR ON OR OFF THE BATTLEFIELD: IT ALWAYS TAKES MORE RESOURCES THAN YOU THINK. ALWAYS! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY RESOURCES, AND ANYONE WHO BELIEVES HE HAS TOO MANY ASSETS HAS CERTAINLY MISCALCULATED AND NEEDS TO CHECK HIS MATH.” Another absolute bull’s-eye by Jack that was true in Vietnam and sure as hell is true in today’s war is “THAT IT ALWAYS TAKES MORE RESOURCES TO HOLD AN OBJECTIVE THAN TO TAKE IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. ALWAYS! THE D-DAY ATTACK ON NORMANDY’S BEACHES TO SEIZE EUROPE FROM THE GRIP OF THE NAZI’S ENTAILED THE USE OF ABOUT NINE DIVISIONS. AT THE END OF THE WAR, THERE WERE 119 DIVISION EQUIVALENTS IN EUROPE. WE DIDN’T START WITH 119 DIVISIONS, ONLY TO WITHDRAW AND LEAVE A SMALL FORCE BEHIND. THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THE FIRST TEN DIVISIONS WAS TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE OTHER 110.” As Damon Runyon once said “the race may not always go to the swift or the battle to the strong, but that’s the way you should bet.”

I will leave the description of Jack’s heroic *MEDAL-OF-HONOR-CITATION* for the reader to read… but I want to make clear to the world that Jack wears his HONOR not solely for himself… but for all soldiers before and after… when he says: “SOLDIERS ACT NOT FOR THE ACCOLADE BUT FOR THE LIVES OF THEIR COMRADES, AND EVERY ACTION THAT IS CITED FOR ITS EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM IS MERELY A PROXY FOR ALL THOSE FOREVER LOST IN THE MIST OF THE BATTLEFIELD. MEDALS WORN BY THE LIVING ARE TESTAMENTS TO THE BELOVED FALLEN. SOLDIERS FIGHT FOR EACH OTHER, SAFE IN THE CONVICTION THAT THE LOVE OF COMRADES TRUMPS THE FEAR OF DEATH, THAT THE PAIN OF ONE’S WOUND IS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE UNENDURABLE AGONY OF FAILING ONE’S FRIENDS.”

The word and title “HERO” is so overused in today’s world… but this book is the story of a true American Hero… and through it all… Jack speaks honestly… and infuses a wry self-effacing humor… such as the time a reporter asked him if he had recurrent flashbacks. He replied that he did… but they were of a girl he had known in high school.

[John Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good surprise. I bought it at a used book library sale, not knowing anything about it, and was very pleasantly surprised. It is a memoir by Colonel Jack Jacobs, who was a Medal of Honor recipient based on his heroism in the Vietnam War. In a humorous and self-deprecating manner, he describes his life, including his 20+ year stint in the military. A diminutive person, he packs a wallop beyond his size. He seems larger than life in his actions under file. He also gives a firsthand view of what it is like to be in the military, with long waits between assignments, and sometimes no transportation to get where one needs to be. He passes along his insights into proper military leadership behavior, reciting established theories on how to assault the enemy, and stressing the need to do "something", even if its wrong, when engaged in a firefight. I felt he gave an honest glimpse into what it was like to serve in Vietnam in a combat infantry capacity. Throughout the book, I was struck by how little time he actually spent at home; it is no wonder that his first marriage failed. He is a very good author, telling poignant stories, and I highly recommend the book.

[Auston · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating things about Medal Of Honor recipient is how humble they are. Colonel Jacobs has 1 or 2 chapters about the action of warning his Medal of Honor, and he makes it sound as simple as washing the dishes. He had a mission and he was going to complete it. the Official Citation in the back of the book really opened my eyes to how important his actions really were. The rest of the book discusses his time in the Army, learning and teaching other members the mistakes of the past, and solutions to not repeat them while pointing out that we continued to in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the very end of the book, he makes a paragraph long argument for Universal Military Service. With Jacobs' humor and writing style, I wouldn't mind reading an entire book based solely on that.

[Max Hockley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a US Army General who is a mentor of mine. I did not expect to read this book, let alone like it. I only started reading the first couple of pages to see what it was about, but I found myself totally hooked. It was well written, powerful, and humorous at times. Moreover, even though I have not achieved anything even close to a Medal of Honor, I feel like I can identify with Jacobs because he is a short, duty-driven Jew who went to Rutgers University! Maybe it's Napoleon syndrome? Maybe I have it too? Maybe I should read a biography of Napoleon?

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacobs takes swipes along the way at almost the entire American culture, challenging us all to give pause before acting - but when action is required, then do so. He has in some ways, 'seen it all.'

I do wonder if he has contemplated his Creator's role in bringing him to where he is at; I detected from his work that he may believe that man is a perfectible.

[Pablo Mcg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining look into the life of a soldier. I checked this out by accident because it uses the title of a more famous book but was pleasantly surprised. Taking off a star because it doesn't really contain anything about his flaws or mistakes in his own words.

[David Engel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Impressive coverage of author's Vietnam years, but bogs down a bit in the post war story.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUBJECTIVE REVIEW WITH SPOILER SNIPPETS FOLLOWS:

Jack Jacobs' Life Story--through 2007. Jack Jacobs, future Medal of Honor Winner, has humble beginnings in Brooklyn, NY, the runt of the family and most likely to misbehave. Jack has two natural talents; he's very short at five-four and runs like the wind. His two tours in Vietnam seemed to bracket the public perception of the war: the Tet Offensive of 1968 and the end of US combat there in 1973. Throughout it all, Jack Jacobs, the spawn of Greek and Polish Jewish ancestry, remained the indefatigable and nonconformist rascal--ever searching and persevering for the way around the Army wanted him to go. Interestingly, If Not Now, When? provided the first true glimpse I'd ever had of the historical significance of West Point, NY, at one time strategically the most important river bluff in America. Jacobs' time as an instructor turned out to be the turning point in his life based on sound advice and a love of his surroundings. As one of the very few professional military officers who reach the rank of Colonel (what Jacobs liked to think of as one of the 'chosen' few) to avoid an assignment to the Pentagon, Jacobs instead parlayed his West Point instructor time into a teaching slot at the National War College at Ft McNair, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Of special note of his time there, Jacobs searched out the resigned and disavowed former President Richard Nixon to come for one magical day in the lives of all that got to listen to his views on America and politics. Surprisingly, Jacobs was able to transition to Wall Street with little to no background and make a success of himself---the ultimate, adaptable chameleon. Although this book is non-fiction and clearly autobiographical, Jack Jacobs views life with enough humor, disdain and self-deprecation to easily be a good novel author. If Not Now, When? is short enough in length for any reader to manage, and I very seriously recommend that you invest the few hours it takes to read it and become a friend of one of America's homespun heroes. I've read a couple of other Vietnam War books; James Webb's 'Fields of Fire' and Nelson DeMille's 'Up Country,' both of which were fiction. Fields of Fire portrayed the pure unadulterated terror of being a Marine in the Vietnamese 'bush' as well as any written work could. DeMille's Up Country was an enjoyable excursion into the macabre world of postwar Vietnam. Jack Jacobs takes a totally different tack at the war I so thankfully missed by making it a defining point in his life, but not the turning point; that seemed to occur during his staff assignment at West Point after Vietnam. I came away from If Not Now, When? greatly admiring Jack Jacobs' service to his country, even though he seemed to view it as 'I woke up this morning and my task today was to advise the ARVNs on field tactics.' Here is a man who endured the chickenshit bureaucracy of the US Army, much as I did the US Air Force, and walked away from it none the worse for the wear--other than the residual shrapnel that continued to work its way out of his skin for decades. This book is well worth the price of admission.

[Michael Hrycak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rare autobiography by a Medal of Honor Recipient. The background of Colonel Jacobs' education and U.S. Army career are interesting enough, and may inspire many of our younger readers' goals in life. The author's approach is somewhat humorous as well as in utmost humility when you take into account that his valorous action in South Vietnam saved an entire battalion of Vietnamese Soldiers. Colonel Jacobs had to apply for a waiver due to his height to be able to be commissioned as an Infantry Officer. However, once he was on the ground in Vietnam as a South Vietnamese Army advisor, his height played no role when he took control, as a First Lieutenant, of an ambushed battalion of almost 500 Soldiers. His selfless actions led to a turn in the tide of battle resulting in the enemy being repulsed. His story recounts true dedication to Duty, Honor, Country, in a way that allows the reader to identify with the author. Colonel Jacobs portrays himself as a regular guy that was thrust into an extraordinary situation. Being awarded the United States of America's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, was proof positive that his sense of duty and utmost personal discipline prevailed. A must read for any aspiring officer or Non Commissioned Officer.

[Jimmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jack Jacobs won the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. The first 100 pages deal with his early life. Then about 50 on Vietnam until he is injured. More personal stuff. About 30 on his return to Vietnam. Then another 100 on his later life. What's missing is what most people would be reading this for: details about his combat experience. Most of the other stuff I didn't care about. His combat stories for the most part were amazingly dull.

He makes a great point about how all Vietnamese soldiers were lifers. The war never stops for them. It breaks my heart to think about all of those soldiers on both sides who went through such misery.

He speaks about the horrors of night fighting. More details please. I cannot imagine what that must have been like.

More people deserve a Medal of Honor than get one. It takes someone to see something and report it.

He complains about the assumptions that civilians make that all soldiers suddenly become psychopaths. I agree.

When the fall finally came, the North Vietnamese made one of the largest land assaults ever. But the South was by now being abandoned. He could sense the defeat in the ARVN officers.

I admire his willingness to go back and be an adviser to the ARVN soldiers.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of seeing Col. Jacobs talk before getting a signed copy of this book. As with the Colonel in person, Jacobs' book is a pretty straightforward memoir of his life, interspersed with valuable lessons he's picked up on during his military life. He brings a wry, humorous tone throughout, with the only faltering coming after he's retired from military service, during which he gives a very brief rundown on his career in banking. Somehow, after talks of Army bureaucracy and his getting a surprise hug from Richard Nixon, talk of banking seems less interesting.

On a downside, Jacobs' theme of how important it is for young people to give of themselves to their country could have been touched on more. He has a lot of wisdom to share, and a few lessons that he believes our current military and civilian leadership could still stand to learn.

[Samantha & Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Col (Ret) Jack Jacobs speaks humbly about his experiences in Vietnam. Like other Medal of Honor recipients, he says that he was just lucky, and heroes who died deserved the honors. But Col (Ret) Jacobs is quick-witted and darkly humorous. He is an unlikely protagonist--a man of short stature (though no shortness of who grew up in a Jewish family, and a lower socioeconomic strata in Brooklyn. He joined the Airborne for the extra $20 a month, because he had a new family to support. His story is endearing, brutal, and honest. Col (Ret) Jacobs provides unique insight to the concept of action. He has an ability to speak to young adults about seizing the moment, whether it means surviving or defining a generation. If not you, who? Thanks to Tommy Sowers and Col (Ret) Jack Jacobs for being incredible instructors.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book by a US Medal of Honor winner. Not many of them are live to tell their stories. Good biography, but I was hopeing for a more profound philosophy. Some good leadership tips but on the whole a mediocre book.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Jacobs is my godfather. My single earliest memory in life is sitting on his knee, learning the words to the Monty Python song "I'm a lumberjack and I'm okay." His book was quick, smart, and I thought pretty powerful. It made me proud.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Col. Jacobs lead a remarkable life and he does a fine job writing about the events. His exciting experiences in Vietnam earned him a Congressional Medal of Honor. I learned that leadership and teamwork go together.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author mixes a great deal of self-depreciating humor with an intelligent read that made me ponder. His candor, insight, and intelligence (I had to look up a few words!) were thoroughly enjoyable. America needs more people like this Medal-of-Honor winner.

[Sharon]

I have had the priviledge of meeting this man in person. He is very humorous and intelligent. I cannot wait to read it.

[Tom Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very insightful, very funny and definitely worth reading.

[Chris Norton]

you can tell by reading that Colonel Jacobs was a paratrooper, even if he never stated it. You're either going to love it or hate it based on that.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written chronicle of VietNam war and life and career in Army.Jack Jacobs has so much New Yorker in him that I was definitely able to relate to his sarcasm.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any student of history

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligently written and narrated. Sometimes provocative but never boring. Highly recommended.

[Eric Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a history book about a small man in Vietnam and his life after. I do not recommed it.

[tom donnells · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent Story of a Truly Honest and Exceptional American

Colonel Jacobs tells of his experiences in a sincere manner (often humorously). Like most of those who have acted in a heroic way, reminding the reader that many of those who also have did not survive or were not awarded for doing what needed to be done. God Bless Him and all who do and sacrifice.