Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace: Surviving Under Saddam, Dying in the New Iraq, 30 Jul 2007
A heart warming, yet at the same time tragic book, that managed to be educational at the same time as being a pleasure to read. Provided insight into the recent history of Iraq through a very personal and human lens. Incredibly well written; engaging, emotional and thought provoking.

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace: Surviving Under Saddam, Dying in the New Iraq, 30 Jul 2007
A heart warming, yet at the same time tragic book, that managed to be educational at the same time as being a pleasure to read. Provided insight into the recent history of Iraq through a very personal and human lens. Incredibly well written; engaging, emotional and thought provoking.

Excellent, 17 Mar 2004
This is a must read for all who are interested in armoured warfare strategy and tactics. There are many leadership and management principles from VII Corps Commander Fred Franks to take away with broad applications to other aspects in life, especially business.

Gulf Ground War Through Eyes of a US Corps Commander, 12 Oct 2001
...I read this book two years ago...The book provides a good narrative of the ground war in the Gulf War particularly from a senior command point of view. Not unsurprisingly it dwells as much on the interaction between commanders as on the troops and fighting. Inevitably any military history book written by one of the commanders on the spot tends to be self serving. Thus Fred Franks is invariably right! Tom Clancy's somewhat uncritical style exacerbates the self serving tendency as he accepts the words of his co-author at face value.

Despite the above criticisms I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in examining all aspects of the Gulf War. It will be many years before enough classified information enters the public arena to allow professional historians to attempt to dispassionately dissect the Gulf War. Until that day this type of military history fills a gap.

i am looking forward to reading this one...., 12 Jul 1999
forgive me for not reading this book as of yet...i am interested in the fact that some credit is given to this dear man...i was one of his crewchiefs for his uh-60 blackhawk helicopters in germany and in saudi arabia...looking to compare notes...i hope that i will not find this book to be egotistically based on franks alone...by the way...sir...if you read this...this is your female crewchief (Sunshine)...jayhawk (wonder if you mentioned major martinez, your aid...)

Fascinating, 30 Jun 1999
INTO THE STORM is a fascinating account of modern strategy and tactics under the ultimate test of combat. I found it particularly interesting because I'd just read the new WWII novel, THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, and it was enlightening to compare the tactics and weaponry of the old days with the high-tech battlefield of today.

Audio is the only way to go!, 02 Mar 1999
After listening to the last two Clancy novels on tape, I checked out his INTO THE STORM from the local library. I'm glad I did! Whittled done to what really matters, this book about the VII Corps actions in the Gulf War through the eyes of its commander, General Fred Franks, is an inciteful look at the modern U.S. Army. I was most interested in Frank's comments about his misunderstandings with General Schwartzkopf. With all of our advancements in communications, it's baffling to see how leaders and subordinates still mess up the chain of command!

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace: Surviving Under Saddam, Dying in the New Iraq, 30 Jul 2007
A heart warming, yet at the same time tragic book, that managed to be educational at the same time as being a pleasure to read. Provided insight into the recent history of Iraq through a very personal and human lens. Incredibly well written; engaging, emotional and thought provoking.

Excellent, 17 Mar 2004
This is a must read for all who are interested in armoured warfare strategy and tactics. There are many leadership and management principles from VII Corps Commander Fred Franks to take away with broad applications to other aspects in life, especially business.

Gulf Ground War Through Eyes of a US Corps Commander, 12 Oct 2001
...I read this book two years ago...The book provides a good narrative of the ground war in the Gulf War particularly from a senior command point of view. Not unsurprisingly it dwells as much on the interaction between commanders as on the troops and fighting. Inevitably any military history book written by one of the commanders on the spot tends to be self serving. Thus Fred Franks is invariably right! Tom Clancy's somewhat uncritical style exacerbates the self serving tendency as he accepts the words of his co-author at face value.

Despite the above criticisms I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in examining all aspects of the Gulf War. It will be many years before enough classified information enters the public arena to allow professional historians to attempt to dispassionately dissect the Gulf War. Until that day this type of military history fills a gap.

i am looking forward to reading this one...., 12 Jul 1999
forgive me for not reading this book as of yet...i am interested in the fact that some credit is given to this dear man...i was one of his crewchiefs for his uh-60 blackhawk helicopters in germany and in saudi arabia...looking to compare notes...i hope that i will not find this book to be egotistically based on franks alone...by the way...sir...if you read this...this is your female crewchief (Sunshine)...jayhawk (wonder if you mentioned major martinez, your aid...)

Fascinating, 30 Jun 1999
INTO THE STORM is a fascinating account of modern strategy and tactics under the ultimate test of combat. I found it particularly interesting because I'd just read the new WWII novel, THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, and it was enlightening to compare the tactics and weaponry of the old days with the high-tech battlefield of today.

Audio is the only way to go!, 02 Mar 1999
After listening to the last two Clancy novels on tape, I checked out his INTO THE STORM from the local library. I'm glad I did! Whittled done to what really matters, this book about the VII Corps actions in the Gulf War through the eyes of its commander, General Fred Franks, is an inciteful look at the modern U.S. Army. I was most interested in Frank's comments about his misunderstandings with General Schwartzkopf. With all of our advancements in communications, it's baffling to see how leaders and subordinates still mess up the chain of command!

an excellent memoir of the first Gulf War, 18 Aug 2004
Baghdad Express is a memoir of the first Gulf War written by Minnesota native Joel Turnipseed. Since this came out around the same time as Anthony Swofford's Jarhead, there will likely be some comparisons. There shouldn't be. Baghdad Express is much better. On a very basic level, Turnipseed is a better writer than Swofford is. Baghdad Express is well constructed and follows from beginning to end the tour of duty in Desert Storm.

Joel Turnipseed is a different kind of a soldier. More of an intellectual than the prototypical warrior, he would much rather be in a coffeehouse discussing philosophy than in a military caravan. However, Joel Turnipseed is a Marine. He wanted out of the Corps, but never left and now he was called up and activated. When we learn that Turnipseed brings volumes and volumes of philosophy with him to war, we know that we are in for a different kind of war story.

Turnipseed was a driver for the Baghdad Express. The Baghdad Express was the largest supply line in recorded war. He would drive up to 600 miles a day in round trips bringind supplies and material to the front lines where the fighting and flying is going on. So while he wasn't a front line fighting soldier, he had a vital role in the first Gulf War. He relates his experiences in the war. Partially an outcast because of his philosophy, he was also included in a group called the Dog Pound. The Dog Pound was mostly African-American soldiers (Turnipseed is white) who loved to talk. Community was build through trading insults and fast moving conversation. Turnipseed's ability to adapt to this and his inclusion into the group (even spouting philosophy and have it listened to) was probably vital to his experience. However, as the war ends and the Minnesota group came back, Turnipseed finds himself slipping out of the Dog Pound that was his home for the duration of the war.

This was a very different look at a war because of who Joel Turnipseed is. He writes as a disclaimer that this is a memoir of memory and not of journalism so any mistakes is from what he remembers and perhaps not as everything actually happened....and this is a very honest admission. This is his story as he remembers it. He tells it very well and it is the best account I have read of the Gulf War (Thus far).

-Joe Sherry

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace: Surviving Under Saddam, Dying in the New Iraq, 30 Jul 2007
A heart warming, yet at the same time tragic book, that managed to be educational at the same time as being a pleasure to read. Provided insight into the recent history of Iraq through a very personal and human lens. Incredibly well written; engaging, emotional and thought provoking.

Excellent, 17 Mar 2004
This is a must read for all who are interested in armoured warfare strategy and tactics. There are many leadership and management principles from VII Corps Commander Fred Franks to take away with broad applications to other aspects in life, especially business.

Gulf Ground War Through Eyes of a US Corps Commander, 12 Oct 2001
...I read this book two years ago...The book provides a good narrative of the ground war in the Gulf War particularly from a senior command point of view. Not unsurprisingly it dwells as much on the interaction between commanders as on the troops and fighting. Inevitably any military history book written by one of the commanders on the spot tends to be self serving. Thus Fred Franks is invariably right! Tom Clancy's somewhat uncritical style exacerbates the self serving tendency as he accepts the words of his co-author at face value.

Despite the above criticisms I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in examining all aspects of the Gulf War. It will be many years before enough classified information enters the public arena to allow professional historians to attempt to dispassionately dissect the Gulf War. Until that day this type of military history fills a gap.

i am looking forward to reading this one...., 12 Jul 1999
forgive me for not reading this book as of yet...i am interested in the fact that some credit is given to this dear man...i was one of his crewchiefs for his uh-60 blackhawk helicopters in germany and in saudi arabia...looking to compare notes...i hope that i will not find this book to be egotistically based on franks alone...by the way...sir...if you read this...this is your female crewchief (Sunshine)...jayhawk (wonder if you mentioned major martinez, your aid...)

Fascinating, 30 Jun 1999
INTO THE STORM is a fascinating account of modern strategy and tactics under the ultimate test of combat. I found it particularly interesting because I'd just read the new WWII novel, THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, and it was enlightening to compare the tactics and weaponry of the old days with the high-tech battlefield of today.

Audio is the only way to go!, 02 Mar 1999
After listening to the last two Clancy novels on tape, I checked out his INTO THE STORM from the local library. I'm glad I did! Whittled done to what really matters, this book about the VII Corps actions in the Gulf War through the eyes of its commander, General Fred Franks, is an inciteful look at the modern U.S. Army. I was most interested in Frank's comments about his misunderstandings with General Schwartzkopf. With all of our advancements in communications, it's baffling to see how leaders and subordinates still mess up the chain of command!

an excellent memoir of the first Gulf War, 18 Aug 2004
Baghdad Express is a memoir of the first Gulf War written by Minnesota native Joel Turnipseed. Since this came out around the same time as Anthony Swofford's Jarhead, there will likely be some comparisons. There shouldn't be. Baghdad Express is much better. On a very basic level, Turnipseed is a better writer than Swofford is. Baghdad Express is well constructed and follows from beginning to end the tour of duty in Desert Storm.

Joel Turnipseed is a different kind of a soldier. More of an intellectual than the prototypical warrior, he would much rather be in a coffeehouse discussing philosophy than in a military caravan. However, Joel Turnipseed is a Marine. He wanted out of the Corps, but never left and now he was called up and activated. When we learn that Turnipseed brings volumes and volumes of philosophy with him to war, we know that we are in for a different kind of war story.

Turnipseed was a driver for the Baghdad Express. The Baghdad Express was the largest supply line in recorded war. He would drive up to 600 miles a day in round trips bringind supplies and material to the front lines where the fighting and flying is going on. So while he wasn't a front line fighting soldier, he had a vital role in the first Gulf War. He relates his experiences in the war. Partially an outcast because of his philosophy, he was also included in a group called the Dog Pound. The Dog Pound was mostly African-American soldiers (Turnipseed is white) who loved to talk. Community was build through trading insults and fast moving conversation. Turnipseed's ability to adapt to this and his inclusion into the group (even spouting philosophy and have it listened to) was probably vital to his experience. However, as the war ends and the Minnesota group came back, Turnipseed finds himself slipping out of the Dog Pound that was his home for the duration of the war.

This was a very different look at a war because of who Joel Turnipseed is. He writes as a disclaimer that this is a memoir of memory and not of journalism so any mistakes is from what he remembers and perhaps not as everything actually happened....and this is a very honest admission. This is his story as he remembers it. He tells it very well and it is the best account I have read of the Gulf War (Thus far).

-Joe Sherry

THIS LADY BROUGHT BACK RESPECT FOR AMERICAN MILITARY WOMEN, 29 Apr 2006
MY TITLE SAID IT ALL.MY LAST REVIEW POINTED OUT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS WRONG WITH THE VIEWS AND ATTITUDE THAT M/s COLLINS BROUGHT TO SERVICE WOMEN IN THE MILITARY/NAVY REGARDS UNIFORMS.ETC. THIS LADY SHOWED PUTTING ON THE UNIFORM OF YOUR COUNTRY DID NOT MEAN PUTTING ON PRETTY LITTLE PIECES., SHIRTS/ HATS. etc. BUT GOING AND DOING THE JOB YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR. THIS LADY IS WORTH A DOZEN RECRUITMENT POSTERS..GEORGE KNIGHT. UK.

a remarkable woman, a wonderful book, 08 Oct 2003
This book is a riveting account of Major Rhonda Cornum's capture and days as a P.O.W. in 1991. Most of the chapters alternate between Rhonda's life before deployment to Saudi Arabia, and her time in the Middle East and in captivity. It is a moving portrait of a woman who as well as being a loving mother and wife, had dedicated her life to medicine and serving her country as a flight surgeon, and it also gives civilians a glimpse into the day to day life of the military.

Major Cornum's eight days at the hands of her captors are a testament to the power of the human spirit. I love the chapter where alone in her cell, her body broken and bruised, she kept her spirits up by singing, from the rock songs of the '60s to her favorite, "The Wind Beneath My Wings". At 5'5, and slender as a reed, Rhonda is a tower of strength. I first became familiar with her from a TV documentary on P.O.W.s, and what impressed me the most was her balance of sensitivity and personal empowerment, and honesty with herself as well as others, which can be the ultimate bravery; after seeing this film, I had to read her book.

One of the elements of survival is humor, and Rhonda relates some funny episodes, and the book also has a lot to say about the rapidly changing role of women in the military. It is "as told to" Peter Copeland, and he has done a great job; it is well written, and very hard to put down. There are many black and white photographs, which though they look like "copies" and are a little fuzzy, help one understand the story, and add a lot to the book. The print quality is good, with a very readable font size.

Rhonda is now Colonel Cornum, and presently commands the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. She is an example to us all, and I think this book should be read by every young person, as it will inspire them to aim high and succeed in every area of life. To quote from the book: "The only constant in my life has been the burning desire to do the best, to seek new challenges and to conquer them" (pg. 89).

Exceptionally well-written and about exceptional individual, 18 Oct 1998
As a military officer, I pay close attention to leadership issues and attitudes. Rhonda Cornum impressed me. She is a true military leader, not merely a medical person in uniform. I was also impressed by Peter Copeland's well-written, smooth-flowing narrative.

From hippie to POW., 28 Aug 1998
I enjoyed the way it told of different periods of her life before and after her wartime experiences.

Weapons Free, 13 Sep 2002
As a 21 year old looking to join the Royal Navy as a pilot this book has been an invaluable source of information. It's author Richard Boswell was a Navy Lynx pilot during the Gulf conflict of `91.

Mr Boswell talks us briefly through his childhood, how he came to join the Navy as an engineer and how he eventually worked his way in to flying (His ultimate goal).

The book discusses the atmosphere of a military flying training unit, the good times and the bad. Following the progress of `Dickie' Boswell through basic flying training right through to his first operational unit. Along the way the book talks about the authors social and love life, how they affected his job and visa-versa.

Once deployed to the gulf the author has used the diary he kept at the time to write the book, with narrative added to explain certain situations in more detail.

This book is not your action packed Bravo Two Zero type. It is more about life in the navy and one man's very personal account of war in the Gulf.

A must read for all those thinking of joining the forces to be like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, it has certainly opened my eyes a little more.

SAM left eleven!, 31 Dec 2006
This book gave me a great in site into how things are done in the real word through a real pilots mind. There are some great and really interesting parts - particularly the flight over from the USA to the UAE in the small cockpit of the F-16! The letters and thoughts he has for his wife and two young daughters are genuinely moving. I also loved The chapter called "Mission from Hell" when the skies were saturated with ground fire and missiles of all kinds.



Honest and comprehensive, 15 Apr 2005
The book is really quite good. I came across it by accident but I was totally gripped. The book has some excellent bits, especially the fact that the picture on the front is obviously of the author a long time after he left the air force...the G suit doesn't quite fit. His description of how jet fighter pilots deal with the call of nature mid atlantic is superb. Now 15 years old but still great.

Awesome!!!, 24 Jan 2004
If you are in to military aviation books this is the one for you. It reeds more like a diary than a story. This man lived the dream. You feel like you are sitting beside him in his f-16 as he bombs Iraq.

A must for military book readers!

A must read for military aviation enthusiasts., 09 Jan 2000
This is a very enjoyable book, and one that all military enthusiasts will enjoy alot. The book goes into great detail about the authors experiences during the desert storm campaign. During the chapters when the author is describing in great detail about the combat sorties he flew, when he has missiles and triple-a flying all over the place trying to shoot him down, I could'nt put the book down, you felt like you were sitting right next to him at 20,000 feet dropping bombs. All in all a very satisfying read, congratulations to the author on a great book.

A spell-binding adventure that keeps you reading!, 19 Jul 1999
Vipers In The Storm an all-around great book. Including, adventure, sorrow, love, and excitment. It will keep you reading on. It describes evry aspect on being a fighter pilot. It is also a good guide to look for specifications of the F-16. It is a must read for anyone that is interested in modern military aircraft.

Ahmad's War, Ahmad's Peace: Surviving Under Saddam, Dying in the New Iraq, 30 Jul 2007
A heart warming, yet at the same time tragic book, that managed to be educational at the same time as being a pleasure to read. Provided insight into the recent history of Iraq through a very personal and human lens. Incredibly well written; engaging, emotional and thought provoking.

Excellent, 17 Mar 2004
This is a must read for all who are interested in armoured warfare strategy and tactics. There are many leadership and management principles from VII Corps Commander Fred Franks to take away with broad applications to other aspects in life, especially business.

Gulf Ground War Through Eyes of a US Corps Commander, 12 Oct 2001
...I read this book two years ago...The book provides a good narrative of the ground war in the Gulf War particularly from a senior command point of view. Not unsurprisingly it dwells as much on the interaction between commanders as on the troops and fighting. Inevitably any military history book written by one of the commanders on the spot tends to be self serving. Thus Fred Franks is invariably right! Tom Clancy's somewhat uncritical style exacerbates the self serving tendency as he accepts the words of his co-author at face value.

Despite the above criticisms I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in examining all aspects of the Gulf War. It will be many years before enough classified information enters the public arena to allow professional historians to attempt to dispassionately dissect the Gulf War. Until that day this type of military history fills a gap.

i am looking forward to reading this one...., 12 Jul 1999
forgive me for not reading this book as of yet...i am interested in the fact that some credit is given to this dear man...i was one of his crewchiefs for his uh-60 blackhawk helicopters in germany and in saudi arabia...looking to compare notes...i hope that i will not find this book to be egotistically based on franks alone...by the way...sir...if you read this...this is your female crewchief (Sunshine)...jayhawk (wonder if you mentioned major martinez, your aid...)

Fascinating, 30 Jun 1999
INTO THE STORM is a fascinating account of modern strategy and tactics under the ultimate test of combat. I found it particularly interesting because I'd just read the new WWII novel, THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, and it was enlightening to compare the tactics and weaponry of the old days with the high-tech battlefield of today.

Audio is the only way to go!, 02 Mar 1999
After listening to the last two Clancy novels on tape, I checked out his INTO THE STORM from the local library. I'm glad I did! Whittled done to what really matters, this book about the VII Corps actions in the Gulf War through the eyes of its commander, General Fred Franks, is an inciteful look at the modern U.S. Army. I was most interested in Frank's comments about his misunderstandings with General Schwartzkopf. With all of our advancements in communications, it's baffling to see how leaders and subordinates still mess up the chain of command!

an excellent memoir of the first Gulf War, 18 Aug 2004
Baghdad Express is a memoir of the first Gulf War written by Minnesota native Joel Turnipseed. Since this came out around the same time as Anthony Swofford's Jarhead, there will likely be some comparisons. There shouldn't be. Baghdad Express is much better. On a very basic level, Turnipseed is a better writer than Swofford is. Baghdad Express is well constructed and follows from beginning to end the tour of duty in Desert Storm.

Joel Turnipseed is a different kind of a soldier. More of an intellectual than the prototypical warrior, he would much rather be in a coffeehouse discussing philosophy than in a military caravan. However, Joel Turnipseed is a Marine. He wanted out of the Corps, but never left and now he was called up and activated. When we learn that Turnipseed brings volumes and volumes of philosophy with him to war, we know that we are in for a different kind of war story.

Turnipseed was a driver for the Baghdad Express. The Baghdad Express was the largest supply line in recorded war. He would drive up to 600 miles a day in round trips bringind supplies and material to the front lines where the fighting and flying is going on. So while he wasn't a front line fighting soldier, he had a vital role in the first Gulf War. He relates his experiences in the war. Partially an outcast because of his philosophy, he was also included in a group called the Dog Pound. The Dog Pound was mostly African-American soldiers (Turnipseed is white) who loved to talk. Community was build through trading insults and fast moving conversation. Turnipseed's ability to adapt to this and his inclusion into the group (even spouting philosophy and have it listened to) was probably vital to his experience. However, as the war ends and the Minnesota group came back, Turnipseed finds himself slipping out of the Dog Pound that was his home for the duration of the war.

This was a very different look at a war because of who Joel Turnipseed is. He writes as a disclaimer that this is a memoir of memory and not of journalism so any mistakes is from what he remembers and perhaps not as everything actually happened....and this is a very honest admission. This is his story as he remembers it. He tells it very well and it is the best account I have read of the Gulf War (Thus far).

-Joe Sherry

THIS LADY BROUGHT BACK RESPECT FOR AMERICAN MILITARY WOMEN, 29 Apr 2006
MY TITLE SAID IT ALL.MY LAST REVIEW POINTED OUT WHAT I THOUGHT WAS WRONG WITH THE VIEWS AND ATTITUDE THAT M/s COLLINS BROUGHT TO SERVICE WOMEN IN THE MILITARY/NAVY REGARDS UNIFORMS.ETC. THIS LADY SHOWED PUTTING ON THE UNIFORM OF YOUR COUNTRY DID NOT MEAN PUTTING ON PRETTY LITTLE PIECES., SHIRTS/ HATS. etc. BUT GOING AND DOING THE JOB YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR. THIS LADY IS WORTH A DOZEN RECRUITMENT POSTERS..GEORGE KNIGHT. UK.

a remarkable woman, a wonderful book, 08 Oct 2003
This book is a riveting account of Major Rhonda Cornum's capture and days as a P.O.W. in 1991. Most of the chapters alternate between Rhonda's life before deployment to Saudi Arabia, and her time in the Middle East and in captivity. It is a moving portrait of a woman who as well as being a loving mother and wife, had dedicated her life to medicine and serving her country as a flight surgeon, and it also gives civilians a glimpse into the day to day life of the military.

Major Cornum's eight days at the hands of her captors are a testament to the power of the human spirit. I love the chapter where alone in her cell, her body broken and bruised, she kept her spirits up by singing, from the rock songs of the '60s to her favorite, "The Wind Beneath My Wings". At 5'5, and slender as a reed, Rhonda is a tower of strength. I first became familiar with her from a TV documentary on P.O.W.s, and what impressed me the most was her balance of sensitivity and personal empowerment, and honesty with herself as well as others, which can be the ultimate bravery; after seeing this film, I had to read her book.

One of the elements of survival is humor, and Rhonda relates some funny episodes, and the book also has a lot to say about the rapidly changing role of women in the military. It is "as told to" Peter Copeland, and he has done a great job; it is well written, and very hard to put down. There are many black and white photographs, which though they look like "copies" and are a little fuzzy, help one understand the story, and add a lot to the book. The print quality is good, with a very readable font size.

Rhonda is now Colonel Cornum, and presently commands the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. She is an example to us all, and I think this book should be read by every young person, as it will inspire them to aim high and succeed in every area of life. To quote from the book: "The only constant in my life has been the burning desire to do the best, to seek new challenges and to conquer them" (pg. 89).

Exceptionally well-written and about exceptional individual, 18 Oct 1998
As a military officer, I pay close attention to leadership issues and attitudes. Rhonda Cornum impressed me. She is a true military leader, not merely a medical person in uniform. I was also impressed by Peter Copeland's well-written, smooth-flowing narrative.

From hippie to POW., 28 Aug 1998
I enjoyed the way it told of different periods of her life before and after her wartime experiences.

An Interesting easy read, 11 Apr 2003
This book is a quick look the career of authors time in the Navy. It looks at the conflicts he was involved in (starting with the Falklands) and what his role was as he was promoted through the ranks. It talks about the weapon systems that the Navy used and the ships on which they were deployed.

It is a well written book and an easy read. The level of technical detail is high but not overwhelming. It will appeal to those with an interest in the armed forces, recent history and those who simply like a 'good read'.

Highly recommended.