What do you think?
Rate this book
His Father's Son: The Life of General Ted Roosevelt, Jr.
The story of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., a fortunate son who proved himself on the battlefields of two world wars.
General Omar Bradley said of him, I have never known a braver man or a more devoted soldier. But for much of his life, Theodore Roosevelt s son Ted seemed born to live in his father s shadow. With the same wide smile, winning charm, and vigorous demeanor, Ted possessed limitless potential, with even the White House within his reach.
In the First World War, Ted braved gunfire and gas attacks in France to lead his unit into battle. Yet even after returning home a hero, he was unable to meet the expectations of a public that wanted a man just like his father. A diplomat, writer, and man of great adventure, Ted remained frustrated by his lack of success in the world of politics, witnessing instead the rise of his cousin, Franklin, to the office that had once seemed his for the taking.
Then, with World War II looming, Ted reenlisted. In his mid-fifties with a gimpy leg and a heart condition, he was well past his prime, but his insistence to be in the thick of combat proved a vital asset. Paired with the irascible Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr., Ted soon distinguished himself as a front-line general in a campaign that often brought him into conflict with another hard fighter, George Patton. On D-Day, Ted became the oldest soldier and the only general in the Allied forces to storm the beach in the first wave, hobbling across the sand with his cane in one hand and a pistol in the other. His valor and leadership on Utah Beach became the stuff of legends and earned him the Medal of Honor.
His Father's Son delves into the life of a man as courageous, colorful, and unwavering as any of the Roosevelt clan, and offers up a definitive portrait of one of America s greatest military heroes.
General Omar Bradley said of him, I have never known a braver man or a more devoted soldier. But for much of his life, Theodore Roosevelt s son Ted seemed born to live in his father s shadow. With the same wide smile, winning charm, and vigorous demeanor, Ted possessed limitless potential, with even the White House within his reach.
In the First World War, Ted braved gunfire and gas attacks in France to lead his unit into battle. Yet even after returning home a hero, he was unable to meet the expectations of a public that wanted a man just like his father. A diplomat, writer, and man of great adventure, Ted remained frustrated by his lack of success in the world of politics, witnessing instead the rise of his cousin, Franklin, to the office that had once seemed his for the taking.
Then, with World War II looming, Ted reenlisted. In his mid-fifties with a gimpy leg and a heart condition, he was well past his prime, but his insistence to be in the thick of combat proved a vital asset. Paired with the irascible Terry de la Mesa Allen Sr., Ted soon distinguished himself as a front-line general in a campaign that often brought him into conflict with another hard fighter, George Patton. On D-Day, Ted became the oldest soldier and the only general in the Allied forces to storm the beach in the first wave, hobbling across the sand with his cane in one hand and a pistol in the other. His valor and leadership on Utah Beach became the stuff of legends and earned him the Medal of Honor.
His Father's Son delves into the life of a man as courageous, colorful, and unwavering as any of the Roosevelt clan, and offers up a definitive portrait of one of America s greatest military heroes.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 3, 2017
32 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 31, 2018
Finally a book about Ted Roosevelt, Jr. I was always struck by the shocking unfairness of his death to a heart attack at age 57 during the Normandy campaign. Like Patton he was denied a warrior’s death. An interesting man whose life was totally eclipsed by his father, his cousin-FDR, and FDR’s wife. Loyal, diligent, and brave he was no stranger to failure and the whims of politics. Another entitled man who didn’t make it to the top but who led a rich life and was beloved by those he served- Puerto Rico, Philippines, and the U.S. Army. It’s a shame more Americans don’t know of him. He died too soon like his father.
April 28, 2018
A fascinating account of a true hero who fought in both World Wars. A Congressional Medal of Honor winner who was respected by all his men.
August 14, 2023
Audible Plus 12 hours 10 min. Narrated by Paul Boehner (B)
It took me 14 days to listen to this book, and it wasn't for lack of time or interest in the subject. It was just too unwieldy, too verbose. It could have used a good editor.I wrote a three paragraph review earlier, and it disappeared when I came back to edit it. I learned my lesson. If you really want to read my reviews, you'll have to pardon words skipped, duplicated, or other mistakes I make. Typing three paragraphs on my tablet using a stylus is hard on my eyes.
In my heart, this book could have been better. It took too long to get to Junior's life, which wasn't as exciting as his father's, but neither was it boring. I felt like the author depended on other books for his information. Junior was definitely idolized by the writer. The Lonest Day by Cornelius Ryan had already been published and turned into a successful movie, (Which got its own chapter in this book, including the author's opinion on the casting of Henry Fonda as Junior) but Tim Brady wrote about Junior's Second World War contributions as if he were there there and had captured every word as it was spoken. This was a biography, not historical fiction; no matter the author's good intentions.
Some of the most memorable parts of the book were excerpts from Junior's letters to his wife written during the Second War. It's too bad the author didn't include more of these because Junior, like his father, was a notable author. I also wish the author would have told what happened to Eleanor and their children after the war.
There is a more recent biography about Junior, but it is not available in audio format. Believe me, I checked for.other sources than Audible. Theodore Roosevelt Junior is deserving of a worthy biography!
It took me 14 days to listen to this book, and it wasn't for lack of time or interest in the subject. It was just too unwieldy, too verbose. It could have used a good editor.I wrote a three paragraph review earlier, and it disappeared when I came back to edit it. I learned my lesson. If you really want to read my reviews, you'll have to pardon words skipped, duplicated, or other mistakes I make. Typing three paragraphs on my tablet using a stylus is hard on my eyes.
In my heart, this book could have been better. It took too long to get to Junior's life, which wasn't as exciting as his father's, but neither was it boring. I felt like the author depended on other books for his information. Junior was definitely idolized by the writer. The Lonest Day by Cornelius Ryan had already been published and turned into a successful movie, (Which got its own chapter in this book, including the author's opinion on the casting of Henry Fonda as Junior) but Tim Brady wrote about Junior's Second World War contributions as if he were there there and had captured every word as it was spoken. This was a biography, not historical fiction; no matter the author's good intentions.
Some of the most memorable parts of the book were excerpts from Junior's letters to his wife written during the Second War. It's too bad the author didn't include more of these because Junior, like his father, was a notable author. I also wish the author would have told what happened to Eleanor and their children after the war.
There is a more recent biography about Junior, but it is not available in audio format. Believe me, I checked for.other sources than Audible. Theodore Roosevelt Junior is deserving of a worthy biography!
October 22, 2019
I was intrigued with Roosevelt Jr. story when I discovered he served in WWII and received a Medal of Honor.
This book did not disappoint. Ted lived a remarkable life that was not all success. He served in both World War I and II. He is only one of two father and son's to receive the Medal of Honor (MacArthur is the other one). Ted served where ever he could, despite reluctance to be at war to save Europe (again). One of the most interesting aspects of this book was the relationship between Oyster Bay Roosevelts and Hudson Roosevelts. There was a lot of friction and Ted campaigned against FDR on several occasions.
This book did not disappoint. Ted lived a remarkable life that was not all success. He served in both World War I and II. He is only one of two father and son's to receive the Medal of Honor (MacArthur is the other one). Ted served where ever he could, despite reluctance to be at war to save Europe (again). One of the most interesting aspects of this book was the relationship between Oyster Bay Roosevelts and Hudson Roosevelts. There was a lot of friction and Ted campaigned against FDR on several occasions.
January 21, 2019
The title says it all. He was shaped by his famous father and his demanding expectations. Yet, Ted never questioned this, nor did he ever feel cheated. Yet, I get the sense that Ted never found his place in life. He was the son of a famous man and the Roosevelt name could be a blessing or a curse. Brother Kermit, for example, never figured it out. Ted, on the other hand, carried on the mantle as best he could. he was capable and talented soldier and officer in two world wars, an author, and publisher. He failed at making a political career. Like two other Roosevelts, he was appointed to the position of Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Unlike, his father and cousin, though, Ted's stint was not a launching pad to a higher office. If anything, it was an anchor to his career because he was implicated in the Teapot Dome scandal of the administration of President Warren Harding. When Ted ran unsuccessfully for governor of New York in 1924, his cousin Eleanor drove around a flatbed with a giant teapot on it to remind voters.
I think one does get to know Ted Roosevelt in this biography, but it has its limitations. For example, his wife and children are hardly mentioned at all. For a man who was famously a son, one wonders about his own relationship to his children and how he handled that responsibility.
I think one does get to know Ted Roosevelt in this biography, but it has its limitations. For example, his wife and children are hardly mentioned at all. For a man who was famously a son, one wonders about his own relationship to his children and how he handled that responsibility.
April 19, 2020
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. (1887-1944) eldest son of our 26th president had a large shadow to escape
from. Of all 4 of the TR sons he alone managed to carve out his own legend and it was on the
battlefield. I daresay with his service in both World Wars he had far more service than his father
in Cuba in the Spanish-American War.
As did his dad Ted, Jr. had the society background and learned the lessons of duty and responsibility
that his father inculcated in his family. In the years before our entry in World War 1 he served at
the preparedness camps and when the war came was officer material. Action in the first World War
also came with a wound that left him a trick knee. As the years went by Roosevelt relied more and
more on a cane.
in 1919 he was elected to the first of two terms in the NYS Assembly and in 1921 like his father was
appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the Harding Cabinet. Ted looked well on his way toward the White House.
He was picked to run for Governor of New York by the Republicans in 1924. Unfortunately he was
up against another political icon Alfred E. Smith and he was peripherally brushed with the Teapot
Dome scandal. He lost a close race.
Ted and brother Kermit did an exploring and hunting trip through India, China, and Southeast
Asia post the election. The Hoover administration brought him appointments as Governors General of Puerto Rico and the Phillipines. The election of the Democratic Roosevelts knocked
TR Jr. out of the government. Until World War 2 he led the life of society gentleman with hunting
and exploring trips on the side.
Ted and sister Alice Roosevelt Longworth were active in the America First Committee to keep us'out
of World War 2. When Pearl Harbor occurred Ted immediately applied for service when age and
injury could have kept him out.
By all accounts he was an inspiring leader in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and on D-Day where he was
with the first wave on Utah Beach. A bit over a month after D-Day he was f0und dead in his tent
of a heart attack.
He may not have made the White House. But TR Jr. was his own legend in every way.
from. Of all 4 of the TR sons he alone managed to carve out his own legend and it was on the
battlefield. I daresay with his service in both World Wars he had far more service than his father
in Cuba in the Spanish-American War.
As did his dad Ted, Jr. had the society background and learned the lessons of duty and responsibility
that his father inculcated in his family. In the years before our entry in World War 1 he served at
the preparedness camps and when the war came was officer material. Action in the first World War
also came with a wound that left him a trick knee. As the years went by Roosevelt relied more and
more on a cane.
in 1919 he was elected to the first of two terms in the NYS Assembly and in 1921 like his father was
appointed Assistant Secretary of the Navy in the Harding Cabinet. Ted looked well on his way toward the White House.
He was picked to run for Governor of New York by the Republicans in 1924. Unfortunately he was
up against another political icon Alfred E. Smith and he was peripherally brushed with the Teapot
Dome scandal. He lost a close race.
Ted and brother Kermit did an exploring and hunting trip through India, China, and Southeast
Asia post the election. The Hoover administration brought him appointments as Governors General of Puerto Rico and the Phillipines. The election of the Democratic Roosevelts knocked
TR Jr. out of the government. Until World War 2 he led the life of society gentleman with hunting
and exploring trips on the side.
Ted and sister Alice Roosevelt Longworth were active in the America First Committee to keep us'out
of World War 2. When Pearl Harbor occurred Ted immediately applied for service when age and
injury could have kept him out.
By all accounts he was an inspiring leader in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and on D-Day where he was
with the first wave on Utah Beach. A bit over a month after D-Day he was f0und dead in his tent
of a heart attack.
He may not have made the White House. But TR Jr. was his own legend in every way.
July 30, 2017
Great biographical history. I remember Henry Fonda playing the character of BG T Roosevelt in the Longest Day, and now I know why he was using a cane. This is really well-written historical biography. And BG Teddy Roosevelt, JR was certainly equal. to the father in his courage, drive, eccentricity. It is amazing how all three of President T Roosevelt's sons served in World War I, including one killed as a pilot. Teddy Roosevelt Jr. was greviously injured , receiving a bullet through his knee in World War I, giving him a limp forever after. And then T. Roosevelt goes back after an intervening rather unsuccessful career in business and politics between the two world wars, to command his "old regiment" in World War II. He had more combat ambphibious assaults in World War II than any other general, ladning in Africa and Italy. There is a lot of concern by the West Pointers like Bradley and Eisenhower who are reluctant to give an improntant command at D-Day Normandy invasion to a "citizen-solider" like BG Teddy Roosevelt junior. But he had proven himself as an inspirational commander, who lead from the front. And BG Roosevelt leads his regiment to land at Omaha Beach (while one of his sons also lands of Day 1 on another beach. and then only days later died of a fatal heart attack at age 57 years, leading his men in the biggest Allied assult in history. Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor . When his father Colonel T Roosevelt was finally awarded the Medal of Honor f0r his actions in Cuba, he ceame only one of two father-son teams awarded the nation's highest medal for valor. (Along with Arthur McArthur at Missionary Ridge during the Civil War and his son Douglas McArthur for his actionas in the Phillipines. )
October 17, 2024
His Father’s Son by Tim Brady
.
.
.
Often overshadowed by the other famous members of the Roosevelt clan such as Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor, Ted Jr. had a life equally as fascinating and brilliant. As the eldest son of former President and Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt, Ted Jr certainly lived his life with a mountain of expectations and he certainly met most of them in typical Roosevelt fashion. A highly decorated hero of both world wars, an avid hunter and globe trotting traveler, a writer, novice politician and a Wall Street businessman; Ted Jr certainly lived a life of accomplishment. Also serving throughout his lifetime in multiple official capacities such as governor of Puerto Rico, governor of the Philippines, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Harding. Often at odds with cousin Franklin who was President at the outbreak of WWII, Ted was able to get his old command back in the Army and go to Europe to fight for freedom for the second time in in his life. Loved by his troops and know as a fighting General, Ted fought gallantly and was among the first troops to storm Utah Beach on D Day amidst a hail of bombs and bullets, which would gain him the Medal of Honor. As a Brigadier General, Ted made the most amphibious landings of any General in WWII. About a month after D Day in 1944 Ted Jr died of a heart attack in France while in the the service of his country. He is buried in France next to his brother Quentin who was killed in France during the First World War. A true American Hero whose story deserves to be told again and again.
.
.
.
#read #readersofinstagram #history #roosevelt #teddyroosevelt #theodorerooseveltjr #general #army #worldwar2 #worldwar #military #unitedstates #usa #usa🇺🇸 #bookstagram #book #ushistory
.
.
.
Often overshadowed by the other famous members of the Roosevelt clan such as Teddy, Franklin and Eleanor, Ted Jr. had a life equally as fascinating and brilliant. As the eldest son of former President and Rough Rider Theodore Roosevelt, Ted Jr certainly lived his life with a mountain of expectations and he certainly met most of them in typical Roosevelt fashion. A highly decorated hero of both world wars, an avid hunter and globe trotting traveler, a writer, novice politician and a Wall Street businessman; Ted Jr certainly lived a life of accomplishment. Also serving throughout his lifetime in multiple official capacities such as governor of Puerto Rico, governor of the Philippines, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Harding. Often at odds with cousin Franklin who was President at the outbreak of WWII, Ted was able to get his old command back in the Army and go to Europe to fight for freedom for the second time in in his life. Loved by his troops and know as a fighting General, Ted fought gallantly and was among the first troops to storm Utah Beach on D Day amidst a hail of bombs and bullets, which would gain him the Medal of Honor. As a Brigadier General, Ted made the most amphibious landings of any General in WWII. About a month after D Day in 1944 Ted Jr died of a heart attack in France while in the the service of his country. He is buried in France next to his brother Quentin who was killed in France during the First World War. A true American Hero whose story deserves to be told again and again.
.
.
.
#read #readersofinstagram #history #roosevelt #teddyroosevelt #theodorerooseveltjr #general #army #worldwar2 #worldwar #military #unitedstates #usa #usa🇺🇸 #bookstagram #book #ushistory
March 8, 2023
Tim Brady’s “His Father’s Son, “ is a reasonably well-documented and very readable account of the life of Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt Jr. Ted’s character was imbued with the expectations and mores of his father and mother, and shaped by the prevailing Victorian social milieu found at Oyster Bay. Aside from a few lapses while at Harvard, Ted never seriously rebelled against the constraints of his upbringing. However, Ted’s political instincts, for a Roosevelt, were less than stellar. His naivete following the Teapot Dome scandal, along with his failed attempts to win New York's gubernatorial seat, smacked of political dilettantism; that said, his soldiering was a model of earnest professionalism. Ironically, Theodore, the consummate politician- his Bull Moose candidacy, notwithstanding- is often disparaged as a dilettante at soldiering.
Despite electoral setbacks, Ted managed to render important political service to his country, serving first as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and then as Governor General of Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Brady’s depiction of Ted's exploits as a Brigadier General in World War II, is balanced and fast paced. His endurance was oft noted, his courage was undaunted, and, ultimately, his heroism was recognized when he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. As Brady avers, “He was undeniably old-fashioned, undeniably true, and undeniably the last of his father’s Rough Riders.” A worthwhile read.
Despite electoral setbacks, Ted managed to render important political service to his country, serving first as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and then as Governor General of Puerto Rico and the Philippines.
Brady’s depiction of Ted's exploits as a Brigadier General in World War II, is balanced and fast paced. His endurance was oft noted, his courage was undaunted, and, ultimately, his heroism was recognized when he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. As Brady avers, “He was undeniably old-fashioned, undeniably true, and undeniably the last of his father’s Rough Riders.” A worthwhile read.
October 9, 2023
His Father’s Son: The Life of General Ted Roosevelt, Jr
Tim Brady
Fascinating, educational, inspirational.
Many of us know the story of Theodore Roosevelt. His life was amazing. A large part of why he fought in the Spanish-American War with his Rough Riders was that his father, Theodore Roosevelt, Sr, had not fought in the Civil War. He wanted to make up for the only flaw he could find in his otherwise perfect father.
The story of HIS son is an extension of that purpose.
His son, TR, Jr, chased after him in adventures around Sagamore Hill. And beyond.
TR, Jr would never be President, or NY Governor, though he tried. He would be supplanted in the political arena by a distant cousin who used his father’s name to achieve political success.
Yet militarily, Ted would achieve much more than his father. TR said his son made him very proud, because his own military experience was “bow and arrows” compared to his son’s. And that was only in WWI. In WWII, Ted would fight across Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. He most certainly would have made his father proud.
This book describes a life which would have been well lived even without TR, Junior’s famous father.
Well worth reading. And emulating.
Tim Brady
Fascinating, educational, inspirational.
Many of us know the story of Theodore Roosevelt. His life was amazing. A large part of why he fought in the Spanish-American War with his Rough Riders was that his father, Theodore Roosevelt, Sr, had not fought in the Civil War. He wanted to make up for the only flaw he could find in his otherwise perfect father.
The story of HIS son is an extension of that purpose.
His son, TR, Jr, chased after him in adventures around Sagamore Hill. And beyond.
TR, Jr would never be President, or NY Governor, though he tried. He would be supplanted in the political arena by a distant cousin who used his father’s name to achieve political success.
Yet militarily, Ted would achieve much more than his father. TR said his son made him very proud, because his own military experience was “bow and arrows” compared to his son’s. And that was only in WWI. In WWII, Ted would fight across Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy. He most certainly would have made his father proud.
This book describes a life which would have been well lived even without TR, Junior’s famous father.
Well worth reading. And emulating.
March 10, 2017
A very interesting look at the life of Theodore "Ted" Roosevelt, Jr. (1887-1944) the oldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt, knowledge of whom I had previously gotten through footnotes to other events (his father's life and D-day on Omaha beach). Throughout his life Ted strove to be like his father, but he never reached the political heights that his father did, partly due to his cousins Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and never received the fame that his father did, but he lived a very impressive life. He strove to make his father proud and lived in the shadow of his father, which had it's benefits but also its definite negatives. Making his own way as a business man, politician, statesman, sportsman, and most impressively as a soldier being one of the first Americans in combat in WWI well as one of the first generals off the landing craft during the invasions of Africa, Sicily and Utah beach in WWII. A well researched and highly readable biography of a fascinating but largely overlooked man. I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
May 18, 2017
A different view of Ted Roosevelt Jr. Focusing on the positive aspects and attributes of his life rather than the political disappointments of not being able to run for President and follow in his father's footsteps. His father was such a hard act to follow and had such expectations for his sons that could hardly be accomplished in view of his own personality which was larger than life. Ted Jr. certainly gave it his all and in reality was a highly successful man in his own right - served in both WWI and WWII, was a successful diplomat, businessman, was compassionate, cared deeply for his wife and children and his brothers and sisters. He was simply overshadowed by his father. There is an undertone of the damage and angst that parental high expectations cause in children that feel a sense of failure and unmet expectations in life - a good thing for parents to ponder.
May 18, 2017
This is a good read especially to those of us interested in the Roosevelt family-Oyster Bay and Hyde Park. I was curious about the post 1920 relationship of TR Jr. and FDR. And despite TR Jr.'s vigorous campaigns against FDR and involvement in the America First movement, the hatchet was buried during WWII, when Ted was promoted the Brigadier General and left for Europe and his fate. Actually good natured correspondence between the two is cited before the war; perhaps blood is thicker than politics! Much of the book is replete with details of Ted's military career in both world wars, and his hunting expeditions (yes, the killing of a panda is a painful read.). Again this is of interest to those with a particular interest in the legacy and great shadow cast by Teddy Roosevelt.
November 5, 2017
Theodore Roosevelt Jr. would arguably have multiple books and films about his life, except he lives in the shadow of his father President Theodore Roosevelt as well as cousin President Franklin Roosevelt.
Even the author seems to fall into the trappings at times of writing Ted Jr in the shadow of his more famous family members.
Despite largely failing in the political arena (especially considering his father's successes), Teddy Jr thrived on the battlefield like his father and carved his own place in history in the process.
His Father's Son is an interesting read, particularly if you wish to know more about one of the other Roosevelts.
Even the author seems to fall into the trappings at times of writing Ted Jr in the shadow of his more famous family members.
Despite largely failing in the political arena (especially considering his father's successes), Teddy Jr thrived on the battlefield like his father and carved his own place in history in the process.
His Father's Son is an interesting read, particularly if you wish to know more about one of the other Roosevelts.
September 6, 2017
Rather than being a traditional biography of General Roosevelt, Mr. Brady takes on the more daunting challenge of including the stories of all of TR's children to some extent. This very informative, if sometimes a little slow, volume includes valuable information to scholar and neophyte alike. What a fascinating character "Young Ted" was - I've known some men who served under him in WWII and it was their admiration of the man which sent me to this tome. Truly, a "Chip off the Old Block" which was hard to do when "the Old Block" was Theodore Roosevelt!
November 1, 2020
His father's son: the life of Ted Roosevelt jr. is written by Tim Brady. The writing is detailed and as far as I know correct. Ted Roosevelt hid behind his father's shadow most of his life. He as his father before him, joined the army. The majority of his life was with the army. He rejected his girl friend to join world war 2. After he got hurt, the army would not let him back. Ted asked his friend, George Washington, how he could get back to join the war. Washington said just say you recovered. Ted did go back and eventually became a leader in the army. This was a three star book to me.
July 4, 2021
This biography of an often overlooked figure in American history moves in spurts of excitement and solid storytelling, but sometimes gets lost in minute details and tangents that don't seem too relevant to the man. Regardless, it is a solid biography that is an easy read and shines a light on an American too often overshadowed by his famous father and fifth-cousin. His leadership during both World Wars is undoubtedly impactful and worthy of a book all to himself, let alone his political and social relevancy. A wonderful read on a very interesting man (and his wife Eleanor, too.).
May 10, 2017
The biography of General Ted Roosevelt Jr who is rightly called the fourth pillar of the Roosevelt dynasty. He served admirably in WWI and then in his mid fifties re enlisted and led from the front. On D-Day he was the oldest soldier and only general to storm the beach in the First wave. With a cane for his gimpy leg in one hand and a pistol in the other. Though he perished, his valor earned him a Medal Of Honor. Superior biography of a superior man who indeed was His Father's Son.
October 14, 2017
This is an excellent and very interesting work. Brady gives enough detail to help you know Roosevelt and his family, but does not get bogged down in minutiae. Roosevelt lived a fascinating life, in many ways taking chances and living large like his father, while accomplishing much in his life. A notable work for presidential and political historians, those who like big-game hunting, and WWI and WWII buffs.
January 22, 2020
I knew little of Ted Jr beyond his portrayal as a WWII hero at Normandy in the movies. I was surprised to learn he was also a wounded WWI veteran, the founder of the American Legion, a world class explorer and hunter, and active with the Boy Scouts - in addition to working his way up from the bottom of a business - rather than relying solely on his famous family name recognition. Sure, he had some years dabbling in politics, but his greatest and final calling was as a soldier.
August 11, 2018
American hero
Loved reading about Ted Roosevelt - an American hero, Medal of Honor. As his father said to him during his WWI experience, (paraphrasing) what he has done will shine brightly not only now but for generations. I’m so glad this book was written because his service in two world wars, with distinction, demands nothing less.
Loved reading about Ted Roosevelt - an American hero, Medal of Honor. As his father said to him during his WWI experience, (paraphrasing) what he has done will shine brightly not only now but for generations. I’m so glad this book was written because his service in two world wars, with distinction, demands nothing less.
February 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. Ted Jr was a person who was overlooked because of his most famous father and his 5th cousin FDR. Ted's accomplishments are vast, from war hero of 2 world wars, excursions to other continents for hunting trips to being a successful business man. I would have like to see a list of all the medals Ted was awarded during his time in both wars.
August 22, 2024
This was thorough but it was not overly captivating. Much like the title alludes and the name implies, there was significant focus on Theodore Roosevelt the President. I am sure that Ted Roosevelt Jr. felt the shadow of his father. That shadow continues to follow him through this book. Good but not great.
May 26, 2017
A good book to read as another D-Day anniversary comes around. That, of course, is what most of us know about Ted Jr., but as this book shows, he led an unusually active and adventurous life before Normandy. He was, after all, his father's son.
Read
November 10, 2019Hero - R.I.P. ... on WWII anniversary Liberation of Pilsen on 6. 5. 1945 I always ride on Willys jeep ROUGH RIDER on defile vehicles through Pilsen city ...
"Welcome Aboard" to Teddy ... in heaven ...
"Welcome Aboard" to Teddy ... in heaven ...
January 12, 2022
One of the best biographies I have ever read. Theodore Roosevelt Jr stood in his fathers shadow (and the shadow of Hyde Park) and carved out a magnificent life and career, that culminated in Normandy, France where he personally lead the invasion of Utah Beach.
December 2, 2025
A wonderful biography of the oldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt. While he never achieved the political success that his father and more famous cousin Franklin did, in many ways he was a greater man than either of them and a true soldier adored by the men he so bravely led.
July 2, 2017
Great story of a now virtually unknown hero.
August 6, 2017
Good story about Ted Roosevelt Jr .hevas a good guy killed in world war 2 he insisted on going in with his his guys
October 1, 2017
A very good book about a forgotten but brave and accomplished man of one of America's most famous families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews