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Call of Duty: My Life Before, During and After the Band of Brothers
The national bestselling World War II memoir by Buck Compton, a hero from the famed Band of Brothers, with a foreword by John McCain.Look for the Band of Brothers miniseries, now available to stream on Netflix! As part of the elite 101st Airborne paratroopers, Lt. Lynn "Buck" Compton fought in critical battles of World War II as a member of Easy Company, immortalized as the Band of Brothers. This is the true story of a real-life hero. From his years as a two-sport UCLA star who played baseball with Jackie Robinson and football in the 1943 Rose Bowl, through his legendary post-World War II legal career as a prosecutor, in which he helped convict Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Robert F. Kennedy, Buck Compton's story truly embodies the American college sports star, esteemed combat veteran, detective, attorney, judge.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2008
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March 28, 2015
This is more of a 2.5 star book, but I'm rounding down for the last chapter.
Buck Compton led quite a life. We first learned about Compton through Band of Brothers. This book is his whole life - youth, sports, marriage; ROTC, OCS, combat, reserves; his work in the LA police department, LA District Attorney's office, and his judgeship. One of the major highlights was his prosecution of Sirhan Sirhan for assassinating RFK.
His life is the stuff of movies. When reading the dialog, I couldn't help but read it in voices I recall from movies of the era. Made it seem kind of goofy, but I couldn't help. Obviously, I don't expect him to remember exactly what people said all those decades ago, but it comes across sort of stereotypical.
I assume most people are interested in this book because of his war exploits. If you've already read Band of Brothers and are looking for more, it's not here. He tells his part of the story in a cursory manner, pointing out places where his recollection is different than the HBO series.
As I said, he led quite the interesting life. But throughout the book he made references to his politics that I was going to skip for this review. Skip, that is, until I got to the last chapter where he unloads with both barrels. Frankly, I find his political and moral thinking repellant.
My first clue as to his extreme political position was the complete lack of mention of the death of FDR. It's rare when personal narratives of the time make no mention of the event. Later, one of his police colleagues hates FDR so much that when the Roosevelt dime came out, he'd drop them on the floor and step on them.
As a police officer, he kicked in a little old lady's door when given an incorrect address by an informant. He gave her money for the door out of his own pocket, so everything is okay. As a prosecutor he tried the case of an armed robber who tied a man up and dragged him to a back room before kicking his teeth in. Because he moved the man, it counts as kidnapping too and Compton went after the death penalty. As a judge, he overturned a rape conviction. The victim hitchhiked and was picked up by a man who expressed interest in her. Her co-worker had been raped and killed in the area, and when the man made advances she was too scared to say anything. Compton's position is that because she didn't say "No" it wasn't rape.
In his final rant (the chapter is actually called "Last Rants and Reflections"), he goes on about freedom versus socialism. He opines that socialism, communism, and terrorism are all just different names for the same thing - collectivism. We, in America, have capitalist freedoms and collectivism is an existential threat. He clearly has no idea who he fought (so bravely) against. He doesn't seem to realize the concentration camp slaves were working for some of the largest capitalists in Europe: Krupp, IG Farben, Bayer.
He's an uber-patriot freedom lover who has no trouble kicking down the doors of innocents, calling for the death penalty for a property crime, and thinks a woman gives implied consent to sex: it's only rape if she says "No"; saying nothing is a "Yes". He says the best way to make sure we have freedom is through compulsory military service.
I'm thankful that he fought the Nazis, but clearly he was fighting for a different kind of freedom than I'm looking for.
Damn, I really went off on him. All because of that last chapter.
Buck Compton led quite a life. We first learned about Compton through Band of Brothers. This book is his whole life - youth, sports, marriage; ROTC, OCS, combat, reserves; his work in the LA police department, LA District Attorney's office, and his judgeship. One of the major highlights was his prosecution of Sirhan Sirhan for assassinating RFK.
His life is the stuff of movies. When reading the dialog, I couldn't help but read it in voices I recall from movies of the era. Made it seem kind of goofy, but I couldn't help. Obviously, I don't expect him to remember exactly what people said all those decades ago, but it comes across sort of stereotypical.
I assume most people are interested in this book because of his war exploits. If you've already read Band of Brothers and are looking for more, it's not here. He tells his part of the story in a cursory manner, pointing out places where his recollection is different than the HBO series.
As I said, he led quite the interesting life. But throughout the book he made references to his politics that I was going to skip for this review. Skip, that is, until I got to the last chapter where he unloads with both barrels. Frankly, I find his political and moral thinking repellant.
My first clue as to his extreme political position was the complete lack of mention of the death of FDR. It's rare when personal narratives of the time make no mention of the event. Later, one of his police colleagues hates FDR so much that when the Roosevelt dime came out, he'd drop them on the floor and step on them.
As a police officer, he kicked in a little old lady's door when given an incorrect address by an informant. He gave her money for the door out of his own pocket, so everything is okay. As a prosecutor he tried the case of an armed robber who tied a man up and dragged him to a back room before kicking his teeth in. Because he moved the man, it counts as kidnapping too and Compton went after the death penalty. As a judge, he overturned a rape conviction. The victim hitchhiked and was picked up by a man who expressed interest in her. Her co-worker had been raped and killed in the area, and when the man made advances she was too scared to say anything. Compton's position is that because she didn't say "No" it wasn't rape.
In his final rant (the chapter is actually called "Last Rants and Reflections"), he goes on about freedom versus socialism. He opines that socialism, communism, and terrorism are all just different names for the same thing - collectivism. We, in America, have capitalist freedoms and collectivism is an existential threat. He clearly has no idea who he fought (so bravely) against. He doesn't seem to realize the concentration camp slaves were working for some of the largest capitalists in Europe: Krupp, IG Farben, Bayer.
He's an uber-patriot freedom lover who has no trouble kicking down the doors of innocents, calling for the death penalty for a property crime, and thinks a woman gives implied consent to sex: it's only rape if she says "No"; saying nothing is a "Yes". He says the best way to make sure we have freedom is through compulsory military service.
I'm thankful that he fought the Nazis, but clearly he was fighting for a different kind of freedom than I'm looking for.
Damn, I really went off on him. All because of that last chapter.
June 24, 2008
A humbler, more modest man would be hard to find. Of all the Easy Company biographies I have read, this is definitely one of my favorites, far better than that of Major Winters. Compton writes honestly and briefly of his experiences and clears up a few "inconsistencies" in other people's biographies. I couldn't put this book down.
March 7, 2014
An interesting book--a look into the mind of Chuck Compton, a bona fide member of the Greatest Generation. The guy was a war hero and accomplished prosecuting attorney. But he grew into a paranoid right wing crazy old man.
I'm watching Band of Brothers with my kids so I thought I'd read this biography I'd been wanting to get to for some time. Lynn "Buck" Compton was the Lt. who jumped behind enemy lines on D-day (and earned a Silver Star) and as part of Market Garden in he Low Countries, then had PTSD after Bastogne and was taken off the line. He disputes the portrayal in the HBO series, saying it is good to show how PTSD or mental breakdowns can occur, but claiming he didn't suffer one. Then he turns around and admits that he was firmly told to go get some rest and did so, eventually picking up orders from an old friend to stay in liberated Paris to organize sporting events for the troops. It seems he was a very good and brave soldier who did crack to a degree sufficient that his commanders sent him back. His men liked him well enough they didn't hold it against him.
But the book was just as much, if not more, about his right wing political beliefs.
As a child he worked as an extra on film shoots (growing up in LA). He worked with Charlie Chaplin. He tells his readers to not forget that Chaplin was English and not a US citizen, who married his wife Oona when he was 54 and she was just 18, and Oona's father Eugene O'Neil was a "left-winger" who was friends with John Reid the communist. Chaplin fired him from a movie set because Buck wasn't enthusiastic enough in a scene, so Buck lets him have it with both barrels. Chaplin is no one to honor in Buck's eyes.
Buck's dad was a drunk who ended up committing suicide. Buck was hard on his father during his life and in his book. Clearly no respect there.
Buck was hazed pretty bad joining a frat at UCLA--lots of paddling and making pledges drink disgusting stuff and leaving him out in the desert. Buck defends hazing as a good thing--"just part of the experience". He omits how he would be the hazer in subsequent years, only telling about his being the hazee and defending it. Clearly he is hiding his own activities in this regard--somewhat cowardly IMHO to leave this out completely. He really comes across as the jock arse bully. Not a guy I think I would have liked to be friends with.
He was no fan of the left-wing students who refused to join any of the frats. "They were always hanging around, handing our leaflets, protesting something or other. . . their allegiance was never to the Untied States." Buck really believes that if you protest your government you are a traitor to your country. There is no room for a loyal opposition in his worldview.
During his years in the LA police force he was a big fan of a columnist named Westbrook Pegler who regularly "warned of a dictatorship being created in America." Pegler ended up getting fired by the Hurst syndicate and ended up writing for the John Birch Society. Although Buck admits to being a Mason and a member of the Knight's Templar (a modern fraternal quasi-military organization) he never admits to being a member of the John Birch Society, although he mentioned them favorably. I'll bet he was a member, but omits this detail.
"Collectivism" is the great evil that Buck Compton sees in the world. "Sometimes it is called communism, sometimes socialism, sometimes terrorism--but these are all terms for the same thing. Collectivism: the idea that government can control the production and distribution systems of a country better than individuals can." He really hates the idea of society organizing itself to tackle problems. Any attempt to do so is evil in his world view. "Collectivism, aka socialism, is the enemy of all freedom-loving people. Freedom and socialism cannot coexist." He clearly never spent much time examining post WWII Western Europe's social welfare state. Like most people of his generation he could not separate the idea of the modern social welfare state from the idea of Stalin and Mao. A real solid tea party guy before there was a tea party.
He closes with a long political diatribe. He claims that the left wing in America are "coalescing with the enemy"--whatever that means and whomever the enemy is. He strongly defends Bush's wars saying that every war is a war of choice--we could have stayed subject to the British crown and could have stayed home from Europe during WWII. He favors mandatory military service for all men for at least a year after high school.
The only other thing I haven't mentioned is the prosecution and trial of Sirhan Sirhan and other big cases while he was in the LA DA's office. He must have been a good trial attorney because he rose through the ranks. He tells of corruption in the office which he did nothing to confront or challenge, choosing instead to keep his head down and accept a transfer to the backwater Long Beach office. He tells of how he really loved the death penalty and sought it every chance he could. He long laments the commutations Gov. Brown handed down for some of his convictions changing death to life. He wanted to see those guys dead.
He later served as a California appellate court judge for 20 years. I'm glad he is no longer on the bench. I don't think he would have been a very merciful judge.
I admire Buck's military service, along with all the WWII vet soldiers. But if their world view was much like Buck Compton (and I suspect most of them held similar views) I'm glad they are not today still controlling the nation. This book is an insightful look into the mind of 75 years ago.
I'm watching Band of Brothers with my kids so I thought I'd read this biography I'd been wanting to get to for some time. Lynn "Buck" Compton was the Lt. who jumped behind enemy lines on D-day (and earned a Silver Star) and as part of Market Garden in he Low Countries, then had PTSD after Bastogne and was taken off the line. He disputes the portrayal in the HBO series, saying it is good to show how PTSD or mental breakdowns can occur, but claiming he didn't suffer one. Then he turns around and admits that he was firmly told to go get some rest and did so, eventually picking up orders from an old friend to stay in liberated Paris to organize sporting events for the troops. It seems he was a very good and brave soldier who did crack to a degree sufficient that his commanders sent him back. His men liked him well enough they didn't hold it against him.
But the book was just as much, if not more, about his right wing political beliefs.
As a child he worked as an extra on film shoots (growing up in LA). He worked with Charlie Chaplin. He tells his readers to not forget that Chaplin was English and not a US citizen, who married his wife Oona when he was 54 and she was just 18, and Oona's father Eugene O'Neil was a "left-winger" who was friends with John Reid the communist. Chaplin fired him from a movie set because Buck wasn't enthusiastic enough in a scene, so Buck lets him have it with both barrels. Chaplin is no one to honor in Buck's eyes.
Buck's dad was a drunk who ended up committing suicide. Buck was hard on his father during his life and in his book. Clearly no respect there.
Buck was hazed pretty bad joining a frat at UCLA--lots of paddling and making pledges drink disgusting stuff and leaving him out in the desert. Buck defends hazing as a good thing--"just part of the experience". He omits how he would be the hazer in subsequent years, only telling about his being the hazee and defending it. Clearly he is hiding his own activities in this regard--somewhat cowardly IMHO to leave this out completely. He really comes across as the jock arse bully. Not a guy I think I would have liked to be friends with.
He was no fan of the left-wing students who refused to join any of the frats. "They were always hanging around, handing our leaflets, protesting something or other. . . their allegiance was never to the Untied States." Buck really believes that if you protest your government you are a traitor to your country. There is no room for a loyal opposition in his worldview.
During his years in the LA police force he was a big fan of a columnist named Westbrook Pegler who regularly "warned of a dictatorship being created in America." Pegler ended up getting fired by the Hurst syndicate and ended up writing for the John Birch Society. Although Buck admits to being a Mason and a member of the Knight's Templar (a modern fraternal quasi-military organization) he never admits to being a member of the John Birch Society, although he mentioned them favorably. I'll bet he was a member, but omits this detail.
"Collectivism" is the great evil that Buck Compton sees in the world. "Sometimes it is called communism, sometimes socialism, sometimes terrorism--but these are all terms for the same thing. Collectivism: the idea that government can control the production and distribution systems of a country better than individuals can." He really hates the idea of society organizing itself to tackle problems. Any attempt to do so is evil in his world view. "Collectivism, aka socialism, is the enemy of all freedom-loving people. Freedom and socialism cannot coexist." He clearly never spent much time examining post WWII Western Europe's social welfare state. Like most people of his generation he could not separate the idea of the modern social welfare state from the idea of Stalin and Mao. A real solid tea party guy before there was a tea party.
He closes with a long political diatribe. He claims that the left wing in America are "coalescing with the enemy"--whatever that means and whomever the enemy is. He strongly defends Bush's wars saying that every war is a war of choice--we could have stayed subject to the British crown and could have stayed home from Europe during WWII. He favors mandatory military service for all men for at least a year after high school.
The only other thing I haven't mentioned is the prosecution and trial of Sirhan Sirhan and other big cases while he was in the LA DA's office. He must have been a good trial attorney because he rose through the ranks. He tells of corruption in the office which he did nothing to confront or challenge, choosing instead to keep his head down and accept a transfer to the backwater Long Beach office. He tells of how he really loved the death penalty and sought it every chance he could. He long laments the commutations Gov. Brown handed down for some of his convictions changing death to life. He wanted to see those guys dead.
He later served as a California appellate court judge for 20 years. I'm glad he is no longer on the bench. I don't think he would have been a very merciful judge.
I admire Buck's military service, along with all the WWII vet soldiers. But if their world view was much like Buck Compton (and I suspect most of them held similar views) I'm glad they are not today still controlling the nation. This book is an insightful look into the mind of 75 years ago.
September 26, 2022
Very Special
The story of a true American hero. Compton lived a life of service to a country the loves — USA!
Strong writing and impressive writing.
Highly recommend.
The story of a true American hero. Compton lived a life of service to a country the loves — USA!
Strong writing and impressive writing.
Highly recommend.
January 29, 2022
I really do enjoy the actual biographies of the Soldiers from Easy Company much more than I do that abomination that Ambrose put together. Band of Brothers was a better movie series than a book.
This, like the other memoirs of the men who fought in Easy Company, was educational because there were plenty of times when Compton was critical of himself, when he knew he didn't handle things well, or when he could have left something out because putting it in made him look more human with more faults and yet he chose to anyway. More military members need to read these memoirs and stay the hell away from the Band of Brothers book that succeeds in making everyone in Easy Company look like a bunch of infallible Paladins.
Compton led an interesting life and I learned that he ended up living not too far from me where I am now, although he was winding down in retirement about the time I was becoming aware of people like him and unfortunately never had the opportunity to cross his path.
He and I most likely would have had some lively discussions if we did because while I respect him personally and find the lives of the members of easy company fascinating we're definitely different when it comes to political views. Some of that I'll chalk up to being members of vastly different generations. Some of it I'll chalk up to having two very, very different experiences in the military.
In any case, I highly recommend this book for members or former members of the military and anyone that enjoys learning about WW2.
This, like the other memoirs of the men who fought in Easy Company, was educational because there were plenty of times when Compton was critical of himself, when he knew he didn't handle things well, or when he could have left something out because putting it in made him look more human with more faults and yet he chose to anyway. More military members need to read these memoirs and stay the hell away from the Band of Brothers book that succeeds in making everyone in Easy Company look like a bunch of infallible Paladins.
Compton led an interesting life and I learned that he ended up living not too far from me where I am now, although he was winding down in retirement about the time I was becoming aware of people like him and unfortunately never had the opportunity to cross his path.
He and I most likely would have had some lively discussions if we did because while I respect him personally and find the lives of the members of easy company fascinating we're definitely different when it comes to political views. Some of that I'll chalk up to being members of vastly different generations. Some of it I'll chalk up to having two very, very different experiences in the military.
In any case, I highly recommend this book for members or former members of the military and anyone that enjoys learning about WW2.
November 8, 2011
One of many books spun off by subjects of the Band of Brothers miniseries, Call of Duty traces the life of Lynn Compton from his days as a college athlete in ROTC through the War to his appointment as a judge on the California Court of Appeals. In between he served as a combat leader in Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, a policeman, detective and district attorney in Los Angeles County. As a district attorney, he prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan, the convicted assassin of Robert F. Kennedy.
The book is divided fairly evenly between his pre-war, service and post-war experiences. All three facets of his life are interesting and told in a smooth, easy-flowing first-person narrative. However, the centerpiece of the book is his memories and recollections of his time as an officer in Easy Company. Joining the company just prior to D-Day and not being a “Toccoa man”, Buck had a difficult time fitting in at first. His penchant to fraternize with enlisted men got him a friendly rebuke from Lt. Dick Winters, a peer officer at the time. However, Buck felt more comfortable with regular guys than with the “officer elite”. This flaw was to devastate him in Bastogne when he saw two of his “friends” mangled by German artillery, both of them losing legs to the shelling. The loss of Bill Guarnere and Joe Toye was such a shock to Buck that he had to be removed from the line for convalescence.
One of the few Easy Company men to be awarded the Silver Star, Buck was an inspiration to those he led. His modesty and humility were also a prominent part of his make-up. He rarely talked about his War experiences, never showed his medals to his children and still wonders what all the fuss is about as he was “only doing his job” in defending his country. Buck excelled in everything he did in life and never heaped praise upon himself. His entire life was truly inspirational and a story worth telling. He remained humble and is critical of anyone who heartily celebrates his or her own accomplishments. This fully indexed book is a welcomed addition for any fan of the Band of Brothers miniseries.
John E. Nevola
Author of “The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II
The book is divided fairly evenly between his pre-war, service and post-war experiences. All three facets of his life are interesting and told in a smooth, easy-flowing first-person narrative. However, the centerpiece of the book is his memories and recollections of his time as an officer in Easy Company. Joining the company just prior to D-Day and not being a “Toccoa man”, Buck had a difficult time fitting in at first. His penchant to fraternize with enlisted men got him a friendly rebuke from Lt. Dick Winters, a peer officer at the time. However, Buck felt more comfortable with regular guys than with the “officer elite”. This flaw was to devastate him in Bastogne when he saw two of his “friends” mangled by German artillery, both of them losing legs to the shelling. The loss of Bill Guarnere and Joe Toye was such a shock to Buck that he had to be removed from the line for convalescence.
One of the few Easy Company men to be awarded the Silver Star, Buck was an inspiration to those he led. His modesty and humility were also a prominent part of his make-up. He rarely talked about his War experiences, never showed his medals to his children and still wonders what all the fuss is about as he was “only doing his job” in defending his country. Buck excelled in everything he did in life and never heaped praise upon himself. His entire life was truly inspirational and a story worth telling. He remained humble and is critical of anyone who heartily celebrates his or her own accomplishments. This fully indexed book is a welcomed addition for any fan of the Band of Brothers miniseries.
John E. Nevola
Author of “The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II
April 15, 2018
2.5 This really lacked the meaty war stories I was looking for.
December 30, 2020
A great memoir of a true hero from Band of Brothers fame. Very honest and tells it as he recalls. Buck shares not just his WWII experience hit the extraordinary life he led Bothe before and after.
August 24, 2018
Great read. Buck Compton is honest and open in his account of his life, made famous by BAND OF BROTHERS. Some may be put off by his political opinions which he peppers throughout the book but I wasn't. He was expressing what he believed. He truly was from "the greatest generation" and this book was well worth my time .
August 10, 2021
Part war memoir, part political ramblings, and somr parts simply revolting.
August 2, 2011
Buck Compton is All-American, July 30, 2008
When i purchased this book, my impression was that it was going to be about the celebrated "Band of Brothers" ... I've read several a couple of books about Dick Winters, as well as Ambrose's "Band of Brothers". I was actually surprised how little time was spent on that period ... mainly because that part of Buck Compton's life only represented a few pixels of the much larger picture.
What is enjoyable about the book is that Compton does not put himself on a pedestal for anything ... actually, most of the book is spent downplaying anything that could ever be interpreted as grand, heroic or egotistical ... he doesn't want accolades (as his daughters didn't even know he earned medals for valor in World War II until the "Band of Brothers" premier). This is a story of a humble and decent man with a strong sense of duty, self-pride, work-ethic, integrity and honesty.
I think the point of him writing this book was less a tale of being one of the Band of Brothers than using that role to prove to people that being an American is a great blessing if one is willing to work hard and make sacrifices when necessary.
There are several surprises in the book. He is quick to point out inacuracies in the Band of Brother book and movie, but does so in a manner that is not accusatory. He is also quick to marginalize, to some degree, the grand stature bestowed upon him as "Lt. Buck Compton" ... to him, his war service was nothing more than fulfilling a duty to his nation along with millions of other young men.
He completes the book with a chapter about his political views and I am sure it will offend or annoy some ... too bad, he's earned the right to state them and his life experiences have obviously shaped them (not newspapers or news anchors).
Bottom line ... the man has led a very impressive life ... it was an enjoyable read and when i was finished i couldn't help but thinking how lucky we are to have people like him among us.
When i purchased this book, my impression was that it was going to be about the celebrated "Band of Brothers" ... I've read several a couple of books about Dick Winters, as well as Ambrose's "Band of Brothers". I was actually surprised how little time was spent on that period ... mainly because that part of Buck Compton's life only represented a few pixels of the much larger picture.
What is enjoyable about the book is that Compton does not put himself on a pedestal for anything ... actually, most of the book is spent downplaying anything that could ever be interpreted as grand, heroic or egotistical ... he doesn't want accolades (as his daughters didn't even know he earned medals for valor in World War II until the "Band of Brothers" premier). This is a story of a humble and decent man with a strong sense of duty, self-pride, work-ethic, integrity and honesty.
I think the point of him writing this book was less a tale of being one of the Band of Brothers than using that role to prove to people that being an American is a great blessing if one is willing to work hard and make sacrifices when necessary.
There are several surprises in the book. He is quick to point out inacuracies in the Band of Brother book and movie, but does so in a manner that is not accusatory. He is also quick to marginalize, to some degree, the grand stature bestowed upon him as "Lt. Buck Compton" ... to him, his war service was nothing more than fulfilling a duty to his nation along with millions of other young men.
He completes the book with a chapter about his political views and I am sure it will offend or annoy some ... too bad, he's earned the right to state them and his life experiences have obviously shaped them (not newspapers or news anchors).
Bottom line ... the man has led a very impressive life ... it was an enjoyable read and when i was finished i couldn't help but thinking how lucky we are to have people like him among us.
October 17, 2023
Probably the most powerful thing Buck Compton says in this book is when he talks about his service, he says when people thank him for his service he just tells them: "My service really only cost me three years of my time. I consider that a small price to pay for the privilege of being born in America."
Buck gives us his life story here. He talks about his time in the military and the places that real life and the HBO series Band of Brothers were different. Unlike many WWII memoirs Buck spends a decent amount of time talking about not only his service, but also about his life after the war. Compton went to school to finish the college degree he had started before the war using the GI bill. He joined the LA police department and unusually, went right to their plain clothes division. Compton went to law school at the same time. Eventually he went from police officer to DA. He has some really fascinating stories of cases he tried. Including the one against the killer of Robert Kennedy. Eventually he went on to become a Judge as well. A fascinating life.
Buck gives us his life story here. He talks about his time in the military and the places that real life and the HBO series Band of Brothers were different. Unlike many WWII memoirs Buck spends a decent amount of time talking about not only his service, but also about his life after the war. Compton went to school to finish the college degree he had started before the war using the GI bill. He joined the LA police department and unusually, went right to their plain clothes division. Compton went to law school at the same time. Eventually he went from police officer to DA. He has some really fascinating stories of cases he tried. Including the one against the killer of Robert Kennedy. Eventually he went on to become a Judge as well. A fascinating life.
January 3, 2015
I cried twice. The first time when he mentioned his conversation with Malarkey (what do the other guys think of me?) and the second was when he talked about his wife, Donna. This book was honestly written. He mentions that his memories don't come to him in order that much anymore, which personally has an effect on me and my writing because sometimes I'm told "Your writing is all over the place" Well, that's how I remember it. This book will definitely always have a place in my heart (along with all other BoB books) and I recommend it as a great read for anyone, especially fans looking to get more knowledge about the members and their lives before, during, and after the Band of Brothers.
May 13, 2016
The reason I read so many WWII is to try to understand what my father went threw, and why he was the way he was. It seems that most WWII vets do not talk about their wars years. On page 163 Buck talks about how some vets blame the war for there lot in life and disrupped lives. Buck states " returning to normalcy wasn't going to be as easy as I first thought." I think that was what my father was trying to do and was having trouble doing; return to normalcy.
February 22, 2017
Probably the most powerful think Buck Compton says in this book is when he talks about his service. He says when people thank him for his service he just tells them: "My service really only cost me three years of my time. I consider that a small price to pay for the privilege of being born in America."
May 8, 2014
Good book with additional insights to the amazing company in World War 2. Downplays a few things and straightens the record on a couple things in the mini series that were "wrong", not in a sense of accuracy, but Hollywood took some liberties.
August 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book about "Buck" Compton. Mr. Compton's leadership was different from Maj. Winters, however he knew his men and how to take the objective.
Interesting about his life after the war.
I also liked what was real and what was "not real" in the making of the Band of Brothers.
Good read.
Interesting about his life after the war.
I also liked what was real and what was "not real" in the making of the Band of Brothers.
Good read.
July 6, 2024
Good god, where to even start with this. Three stars because this is readable but like the lowest possible 3 star rating. Three stars flat for just like, neutrality. This book's greatest sin is that its mid. Just kind of boring and Compton is not a particularly interesting storyteller, which makes having to sit through the political extremism even more gross. Like, this asshole couldn't even make it worth my while by being interesting.
I read this because I read a lot of memoirs and have been recently getting into WW2 memoirs and histories. And in the process of getting my hands on Richard Winters' memoirs and various related texts, I came across the fact that Lewis Nixon couldn't stand Buck Compton, and Richard Winters didn't have much time for him, and that is the kind of 80 year old hot goss that is right up my alley so I figured I'd give Compton my neutral opinion before getting to Winters' books.
And my neutral opinion is that this guy is a total fucking schmuck.
What makes a memoir worthwhile is fundamentally not 'how many notable things the writer experienced' but their ability to say something about those experiences. There is not an OUNCE of self-reflection, analysis or charisma in this book. Instead, Compton creates a narrative with absolutely no self-awareness where you are consistently confronted by his bare-assed hypocrisy. Every human is a hypocrite, but the complete lack of awareness here is unreal. A 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' narrative where Compton blatantly stumbled into like half of his successes just because he was good at baseball. That he was a cop and knew so many guys who went into the FBI, blah blah blah but that the moment that he was presented with the possibility that the DA he worked for was crooked, whoop! All sense of Duty. GONE. Ain't got nothing to do with me! The part of this story with the judge is INSANE. It's unreal that this guy put this story down in writing! It is the kind of damning, cowardly, self-interested nonsense that makes you question every action that has come before.
I also could not stop laughing about his early comment about being uncomfortable with Winters' referring to Compton as one of his "killers" (as in a soldier who would not balk at orders to kill) and then says later with a completely straight face that as a prosecutor he pursued the death penalty at any given opportunity. Like, buddy.
The elephant in the room with this book is then Compton's conservative political ramblings that have at their base the incredibly stupid conservative argument that "Nazi" is short for "National Socialist" which means the Nazis were socialists, so liberal commie pinkos are unpatriotic scumbags who are aligned with THE COMMUNIST ENEMIES OF AMERICA. Fundamentally, I actually think this book is worth reading to get a direct line of insight into the way that conservatives think, and the total of lack of critical thinking that begets this mindset. Compton unintentionally presents an incredible case study of his way of thinking. And strangely, as a result, I did get something worthwhile out of this mid book. So three stars.
I read this because I read a lot of memoirs and have been recently getting into WW2 memoirs and histories. And in the process of getting my hands on Richard Winters' memoirs and various related texts, I came across the fact that Lewis Nixon couldn't stand Buck Compton, and Richard Winters didn't have much time for him, and that is the kind of 80 year old hot goss that is right up my alley so I figured I'd give Compton my neutral opinion before getting to Winters' books.
And my neutral opinion is that this guy is a total fucking schmuck.
What makes a memoir worthwhile is fundamentally not 'how many notable things the writer experienced' but their ability to say something about those experiences. There is not an OUNCE of self-reflection, analysis or charisma in this book. Instead, Compton creates a narrative with absolutely no self-awareness where you are consistently confronted by his bare-assed hypocrisy. Every human is a hypocrite, but the complete lack of awareness here is unreal. A 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' narrative where Compton blatantly stumbled into like half of his successes just because he was good at baseball. That he was a cop and knew so many guys who went into the FBI, blah blah blah but that the moment that he was presented with the possibility that the DA he worked for was crooked, whoop! All sense of Duty. GONE. Ain't got nothing to do with me! The part of this story with the judge is INSANE. It's unreal that this guy put this story down in writing! It is the kind of damning, cowardly, self-interested nonsense that makes you question every action that has come before.
I also could not stop laughing about his early comment about being uncomfortable with Winters' referring to Compton as one of his "killers" (as in a soldier who would not balk at orders to kill) and then says later with a completely straight face that as a prosecutor he pursued the death penalty at any given opportunity. Like, buddy.
The elephant in the room with this book is then Compton's conservative political ramblings that have at their base the incredibly stupid conservative argument that "Nazi" is short for "National Socialist" which means the Nazis were socialists, so liberal commie pinkos are unpatriotic scumbags who are aligned with THE COMMUNIST ENEMIES OF AMERICA. Fundamentally, I actually think this book is worth reading to get a direct line of insight into the way that conservatives think, and the total of lack of critical thinking that begets this mindset. Compton unintentionally presents an incredible case study of his way of thinking. And strangely, as a result, I did get something worthwhile out of this mid book. So three stars.
February 18, 2018
I really enjoyed reading about Buck Compton's life in his book "Call of Duty." The book just isn't about his time spent in Easy Company, but his entire life, his life before, and after the war, as well.
He was truly an unselfish person, so willing to fight for his country, not wanting any recognition for the fact that he did fight for it; he believed he only did his duty, what he owed to the country for giving him freedom, an in order to preserve that freedom. Some things he said that stuck out to me were:
"Well, peace is cheap. You can get peace with anybody as long as you're willing to surrender to their terms. We could have had peace with Hitler if we wanted."
On responding to the thanks he gets from people for fighting for our country: "My response generally comes in two parts. First, I point out that while I spent three years on active duty, saw some combat in Europe, and suffered a minor wound, I got back in one piece and had the luxury of having a great family life and a rewarding career. My service really cost me only three years of my time. I consider that a small price to pay for the privilege of being born in America. The people to whom we all must pay our respects and honor for their service are those who gave life and limb in performing their duty."
"As to fighting for our freedom, I try to focus people's attention on what that really means, and that in honoring our dead and wounded we should ourselves continue the fight to preserve it."
"I believe in God. I know there's a God who created all of this - it's all too complicated and complex to come from nowhere. I start there in my faith."
"If you aren't willing to get out and fight for what you believe in, you've got nor right complaining about what's wrong with the country," this was actually quoted of his friend Steve Williams.
"My life story could only happen in America...I don't think I had any special talent or ability. Anybody could do what I did if he wanted to. I've never resented anybody who has something I didn't have, because I knew that in this country if I worked hard enough I could have it, too. The system in America allows for and welcomes success. That's worth fighting for if someone threatens to take it away. You can have anything or be anything you want in this country if you put your mind to it. Don't let anybody take that away from you."
A great read, highly recommend!
He was truly an unselfish person, so willing to fight for his country, not wanting any recognition for the fact that he did fight for it; he believed he only did his duty, what he owed to the country for giving him freedom, an in order to preserve that freedom. Some things he said that stuck out to me were:
"Well, peace is cheap. You can get peace with anybody as long as you're willing to surrender to their terms. We could have had peace with Hitler if we wanted."
On responding to the thanks he gets from people for fighting for our country: "My response generally comes in two parts. First, I point out that while I spent three years on active duty, saw some combat in Europe, and suffered a minor wound, I got back in one piece and had the luxury of having a great family life and a rewarding career. My service really cost me only three years of my time. I consider that a small price to pay for the privilege of being born in America. The people to whom we all must pay our respects and honor for their service are those who gave life and limb in performing their duty."
"As to fighting for our freedom, I try to focus people's attention on what that really means, and that in honoring our dead and wounded we should ourselves continue the fight to preserve it."
"I believe in God. I know there's a God who created all of this - it's all too complicated and complex to come from nowhere. I start there in my faith."
"If you aren't willing to get out and fight for what you believe in, you've got nor right complaining about what's wrong with the country," this was actually quoted of his friend Steve Williams.
"My life story could only happen in America...I don't think I had any special talent or ability. Anybody could do what I did if he wanted to. I've never resented anybody who has something I didn't have, because I knew that in this country if I worked hard enough I could have it, too. The system in America allows for and welcomes success. That's worth fighting for if someone threatens to take it away. You can have anything or be anything you want in this country if you put your mind to it. Don't let anybody take that away from you."
A great read, highly recommend!
June 28, 2024
As I work my way through all of the Band of Brothers memoirs, it is fascinating how each book reflects the personality and character of the soldier whose story is chronicled. I read Call of Duty at around the same time I was listening to an audiobook of Easy Company Soldier by Don Malarkey, one of Buck Compton's closest friends in Easy Company. They are startling different narratives, a testament to the individuality of the soldiers who fought and died in WWII.
While Easy Company Soldier is a heartrending, emotional account of PTSD and grief, Call of Duty is written in a starkly different tone: blunt and non-emotional, it almost reads like a legal document presenting a defense of the author's choices and actions. These differences are even more profound when one considers that Buck Compton was removed from the front line during the Battle of the Bulge due to combat fatigue while Don Malarkey remained with the Company until the end of the war.
One of the most intriguing scenes in this book takes place as Buck is about to leave for the field hospital and stops to say goodbye to Malarkey. "What do the men think of me?" Buck asks.
This phrase, stated just once, seems to reflect the heart of Buck Compton. Much of the book is devoted to explaining friends and acquaintances and their success, notoriety, and importance. Almost as if Buck Compton was searching for a sense of significance through not only his own success but also vicariously through the people around him.
It would be easy to read this book and see a defensive, self important man humble-bragging about his accomplishments. With reflection though, I saw another Buck Compton: a man raised in poverty, the son of a stigmatized suicide victim who became a decorated veteran and successful judge despite a severe mental breakdown at a critical time surrounded by a company of friends who frequently went AWOL from the hospital in order to "not let my buddies down."
Upon reflection, Buck Compton might be the most relatable, if initially not the most likeable, member of Easy Company: a man vulnerable to fear of judgement well into his 80s despite personal success and overcoming great adversity in life.
While Easy Company Soldier is a heartrending, emotional account of PTSD and grief, Call of Duty is written in a starkly different tone: blunt and non-emotional, it almost reads like a legal document presenting a defense of the author's choices and actions. These differences are even more profound when one considers that Buck Compton was removed from the front line during the Battle of the Bulge due to combat fatigue while Don Malarkey remained with the Company until the end of the war.
One of the most intriguing scenes in this book takes place as Buck is about to leave for the field hospital and stops to say goodbye to Malarkey. "What do the men think of me?" Buck asks.
This phrase, stated just once, seems to reflect the heart of Buck Compton. Much of the book is devoted to explaining friends and acquaintances and their success, notoriety, and importance. Almost as if Buck Compton was searching for a sense of significance through not only his own success but also vicariously through the people around him.
It would be easy to read this book and see a defensive, self important man humble-bragging about his accomplishments. With reflection though, I saw another Buck Compton: a man raised in poverty, the son of a stigmatized suicide victim who became a decorated veteran and successful judge despite a severe mental breakdown at a critical time surrounded by a company of friends who frequently went AWOL from the hospital in order to "not let my buddies down."
Upon reflection, Buck Compton might be the most relatable, if initially not the most likeable, member of Easy Company: a man vulnerable to fear of judgement well into his 80s despite personal success and overcoming great adversity in life.
June 17, 2020
To escape the ridiculousness that is occurring currently in this country, I have been focusing my time reading about the greatest generation and the amazing stories of World War II. I have learned so much and it has caused me to really evaluate how this country is currently headed. I started yesterday watching the series band of brothers, which I’ve seen numerous times but felt the need to see again. I feel confident in saying this book, written by a member of the band of brothers is probably the absolute best memoir I have ever read.
Lynn Compton not only humbly served with easy company, but also led a fabulous and highly interesting life both before and after the war. There were two quotes from his book that I will remember for the rest of my life and will reread quite frequently to remind myself how a life should be lead. The first comes from chapter three, noting his feelings on the war. “When people ask me about my feelings toward the war, my response Is that I was lucky. I got back in one piece and I had a great life. All it cost me was three years of my time, a small price to pay for living in this country. No one owes me anything. If your country asks you to fight, you’ve got a duty to go. That’s all I did.” I mean, truly these are words to live by.
The second quote is even more relevant to the current climate, however was spoken in reference to the culture of the 1960s. Quoted at the end of chapter 27, in reference to the trial buck prosecuted of Sirhan Sirhan, who killed Bobby Kennedy. Asked by a reporter what can we learn from this experience, Buck responded that we don’t accomplish political goals by violence, but by the ballot. How relevant that is today. Buck told the reporter that “peace protestors” who had been referred to by the press euphemistically as an “expression of free speech” but had really been encouraged to act In mobs, vandalize and burn buildings, plug streets and take over government buildings, were actually incipient assassins. I couldn’t agree more. “People who are willing to resort to any form of physical force because they are frustrated by the failure of their words to be effective have progressed up the rungs of the ladder of violence. As each level of the ladder is climbed , history has shown that progressive degrees of physical violence fail to produce a desired political result, and it becomes easier to take the next step.” Brilliant.
I highly recommend this book. For fans of band of brothers, there is about fifty percent of the book devoted to World War II and the rest to Bucks amazing life.
Lynn Compton not only humbly served with easy company, but also led a fabulous and highly interesting life both before and after the war. There were two quotes from his book that I will remember for the rest of my life and will reread quite frequently to remind myself how a life should be lead. The first comes from chapter three, noting his feelings on the war. “When people ask me about my feelings toward the war, my response Is that I was lucky. I got back in one piece and I had a great life. All it cost me was three years of my time, a small price to pay for living in this country. No one owes me anything. If your country asks you to fight, you’ve got a duty to go. That’s all I did.” I mean, truly these are words to live by.
The second quote is even more relevant to the current climate, however was spoken in reference to the culture of the 1960s. Quoted at the end of chapter 27, in reference to the trial buck prosecuted of Sirhan Sirhan, who killed Bobby Kennedy. Asked by a reporter what can we learn from this experience, Buck responded that we don’t accomplish political goals by violence, but by the ballot. How relevant that is today. Buck told the reporter that “peace protestors” who had been referred to by the press euphemistically as an “expression of free speech” but had really been encouraged to act In mobs, vandalize and burn buildings, plug streets and take over government buildings, were actually incipient assassins. I couldn’t agree more. “People who are willing to resort to any form of physical force because they are frustrated by the failure of their words to be effective have progressed up the rungs of the ladder of violence. As each level of the ladder is climbed , history has shown that progressive degrees of physical violence fail to produce a desired political result, and it becomes easier to take the next step.” Brilliant.
I highly recommend this book. For fans of band of brothers, there is about fifty percent of the book devoted to World War II and the rest to Bucks amazing life.
August 15, 2021
"Call of Duty: My Life Before, During, and After the Band of Brothers" is the autobiography of Lynn "Buck" Compton, who was the inspiration for and namesake of one of the main characters in the Band of Brothers HBO Series. Buck had an inspiring life before, during and after his time in World War II as a member of Easy Company.
Much of his life is outside of anything I have experienced, such as his early years as a child actor, his time as a student athlete and fraternity brother, and his postwar career as a detective, prosecutor and judge. Some details came across as a little self-indulgent complete with name dropping, but then, I feel he earned the right to a little self-indulgence and knew quite a few famous people. I didn't find it to be a huge problem. I enjoyed some of the details of his life as a prosecutor, especially that of his most famous case, the Sirhan Sirhan trial following the assassination of Robert Kennedy. I also appreciated his political rantings near the end of the book. I would have even if I had disagreed with all of them. Buck Compton fought for that right and more. His great disdain for socialism in all its manifestations should be required reading for the rather large segment of our country that seems to be in love with the ideology.
Ultimately, this autobiography is about a life well-lived, in one of the very few countries where such a life would have been possible.
Much of his life is outside of anything I have experienced, such as his early years as a child actor, his time as a student athlete and fraternity brother, and his postwar career as a detective, prosecutor and judge. Some details came across as a little self-indulgent complete with name dropping, but then, I feel he earned the right to a little self-indulgence and knew quite a few famous people. I didn't find it to be a huge problem. I enjoyed some of the details of his life as a prosecutor, especially that of his most famous case, the Sirhan Sirhan trial following the assassination of Robert Kennedy. I also appreciated his political rantings near the end of the book. I would have even if I had disagreed with all of them. Buck Compton fought for that right and more. His great disdain for socialism in all its manifestations should be required reading for the rather large segment of our country that seems to be in love with the ideology.
Ultimately, this autobiography is about a life well-lived, in one of the very few countries where such a life would have been possible.
July 2, 2019
This book is Buck Compton's account of his life, not only his service. The title, ..."My life before, during and after the Band of Brothers" is exactly what you should expect. Buck talks about his baseball and football days before the war, his family, his childhood and more. His days fighting in WWII as part of Easy company are only about a fourth of the book. If you were expecting a book about Easy company, 506 PIR, this isn't it. The information is limited and he doesn't delve too much into the history of the company, or division, neither into the psychology of a soldier. The second part of the book is dedicated to his later life, after the war. The lead up to the persecution of Sirhan Sirhan as well as the aftermath of that goes all the way to the end.
Overall, it's worth a read. If you are interested in law, politics, history and military history, give it a read.
If you want Easy Company, 506 PIR, read Band of Brothers and watch the mini series.
Finally, regardless of Buck's writing ability and contents of his book, one cannot deny the service he and so many others gave to their country, fighting in foreign soil against the worst enemy the world has ever seen.
Overall, it's worth a read. If you are interested in law, politics, history and military history, give it a read.
If you want Easy Company, 506 PIR, read Band of Brothers and watch the mini series.
Finally, regardless of Buck's writing ability and contents of his book, one cannot deny the service he and so many others gave to their country, fighting in foreign soil against the worst enemy the world has ever seen.
February 17, 2024
If you liked Band of Brothers, then Lynn 'Buck' Compton's book is a must read. The biggest thing I can say about this autobiography is that Buck is a humble writer. He attributes very little praise to his accomplishments...and his accomplishments are vast.
Buck hailed from the California middle class but his life was not without struggle. His father drank too much and eventually committed suicide. Buck got into UCLA and took ROTC which is what led him to Easy Company. He, like many of his era, volunteered for the airborne to get into the fight. It seems like his leadership ability centered on action - Compton acted when others remained still. Winter's referred to Compton as one of his 'killers' but Buck didn't really like the accolade.
After the war, Compton continued to serve in as a policemen, DA, and eventually a judge. His insights are honest and forthright. Its a quick read that gets you into the mind of someone who worked hard all his life for others.
Buck hailed from the California middle class but his life was not without struggle. His father drank too much and eventually committed suicide. Buck got into UCLA and took ROTC which is what led him to Easy Company. He, like many of his era, volunteered for the airborne to get into the fight. It seems like his leadership ability centered on action - Compton acted when others remained still. Winter's referred to Compton as one of his 'killers' but Buck didn't really like the accolade.
After the war, Compton continued to serve in as a policemen, DA, and eventually a judge. His insights are honest and forthright. Its a quick read that gets you into the mind of someone who worked hard all his life for others.
December 13, 2024
Thumbs up for Compton commenting on the series portrayal of events and correcting the dramatization and exaggeration with what he remembers.
Although he still recounts the usual Band of Brothers canon people are used to - doesn’t feel like these are entirely true memories, but fed by the series and Ambrose‘s book.
On those grounds, thanks to him for including his age, 85 isn’t a reliable age for memories of any kind, so that singular remark should serve enough as a reminder that life writing ≠ factual accuracy.
Also, it’s kind of iconic how American he is. American Dream propaganda, the holy Constitution, model democracy, you name it. I wonder though if he would still proudly claim himself to be a Republican nowadays.
The part on his career after the war was interesting, never read anything on District Attorney work. Also with the Sirhan Sirhan case, that was interesting. Though I do not agree with how he handled r- cases.
Although he still recounts the usual Band of Brothers canon people are used to - doesn’t feel like these are entirely true memories, but fed by the series and Ambrose‘s book.
On those grounds, thanks to him for including his age, 85 isn’t a reliable age for memories of any kind, so that singular remark should serve enough as a reminder that life writing ≠ factual accuracy.
Also, it’s kind of iconic how American he is. American Dream propaganda, the holy Constitution, model democracy, you name it. I wonder though if he would still proudly claim himself to be a Republican nowadays.
The part on his career after the war was interesting, never read anything on District Attorney work. Also with the Sirhan Sirhan case, that was interesting. Though I do not agree with how he handled r- cases.
October 25, 2019
I’m not sure what I was expecting from this book. As a fan of the Band of Brothers series and also a military history buff, I admire the sacrifices Buck Compton and all other have made to preserve the ideas of freedom.
I was probably expecting more about his years in the service, but he did correct a few of the inaccuracies in how he’s portrayed in the series.
In saying this however, his right wing political views are are little hard for me to stomach and I certainly don’t agree with his assessment that communism and Nazi ideology as being left wing and likening a socialism to that. It’s disappointing to say the least that for a man who served to preserve the freedoms we have today that he would view the right to free speech as being dangerous.
I was probably expecting more about his years in the service, but he did correct a few of the inaccuracies in how he’s portrayed in the series.
In saying this however, his right wing political views are are little hard for me to stomach and I certainly don’t agree with his assessment that communism and Nazi ideology as being left wing and likening a socialism to that. It’s disappointing to say the least that for a man who served to preserve the freedoms we have today that he would view the right to free speech as being dangerous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2018
Fans of the book/mini-series Band of Brothers will particularly like this biography of Buck Compton, the company's most famous man post-WWII (detective, prosecutor of Sirhan Sirhan, judge). He covers his entire life in a very matter-of-fact way, like a grandfather simply relating his memories without embellishment or arrogance. If he remembers something differently than the version in the book or mini-series, he merely relates his recollections, understanding the effects of time and memory and artistic license. Those unfamiliar with Compton and Band of Brothers may not find this book as interesting. Fans of either will enjoy it.
July 8, 2019
Not quite sure how to feel about this one. It’s not simply about his war experience. He goes into his life before and after the war in great detail and I’ll admit the post-war portions were not my thing. He also has a tendency to pontificate on his own beliefs, railing against “socialism” and “environmental protections which take private property” while praising capitalism. Obviously a Republican with a Capital R. He also spends a lot of time talking about famous actors and other people he knew and about how what he actually said or did in the war differed from what was portrayed in the HBO series. This one is quite forgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2018
I enjoyed listening to the life story of Buck Compton on audiobook. He is portrayed as a really likable lieutenant on Band of Brothers and wanted to see if that was the case. Overall, I think it was. I didn’t love this memoir as much as the other Band of Brothers memoirs I’ve read because there are tangents about his life after the military that are kind of boring. The ending about his reflections on life and what freedom means was pretty hard hitting. I think that his political rants will annoy some readers, so be warned.
December 8, 2022
A detailed memoir by a member of our greatest generation. His detailed accounts of WWII are just the beginning, and you really get a feel for the country's mindset post-war with his descriptions of working as a police officer, in the District Attorney's office, and then as a Judge. Even after his retirement from the bench, he continued to fight for our freedoms and promote our military. A true hero. Wish I had had the opportunity to meet him.
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