Taking on the Burden of History: Presuming to be a U. S. Marine, is a lively memoir of the author's active service in the United States Marine Corps. It recalls in plain terms what it was like for an ordinary young man to enter the military, get disciplined in a strict fashion, and live the rest of his life as a patriot. The book brings back to life the responses, the anxieties, the disasters and the triumphs of a young man who was not particularly well-suited for military life, especially as it is lived in the U. S. Marine Corps. The book also introduces readers to some of the extraordinary men and women the Colonel came to know during his years of service. Last but not least, the horrors that came with war are vividly expressed and fundamentally prove that fighting for freedom and for country always comes with a price. From the first page until the last, the text is an inspiring memoir that young people can learn from and relate to, especially in today's age of terrorism.
