A Vietnam Experience: Ten Years of Reflection

I reviewed another of Stockdales writings and then found this and while its not for everyone, it is outstanding. Great perspective from an incredible warrior for our country. It is written as a compilation of essays, has a little redundancy because of that but I read it in one setting. We can learn a great deal about the war and about how one human being approached captivity. Great work.

We all need a moral compass in life. VADM Stockdale is such an example, worthy of emulation. A collection of speeches and papers he wrote about character, moral courage, physical courage and ethical choices. I read it almost each year just to try and keep my own moral compass in calibration.

These are the reflections of a well-educated leader for any age, yet an experienced Navy pilot in his post-captive years as a POW during the Vietnam War.Jim Stockdale makes clear throughout this book the differences between enlightened leadership and the business ethos permeating the Pentagon after Eisenhower.He even reveals early censorship and manipulation of "facts" by TV and print media decades ago. Throughout this philosophical lecture-filled book, this decorated Vice Admiral sprinkles historical naval decisions to underline his points.This is recommended for those who believe in the careful study of history and the wisdom of those who pass them down.

I read Vice Admiral Stockdale's obituary and became interested in his writing, given what I learned about him in the outline of his career. It was truly tragic that his moment in the national spotlight made him seem a confused old man, as anyone reading any of his writing will quickly discern. This book could well serve as a 150 page handbook on the true meaning of manhood and ways of attaining it. Stockdale had a classical education and put it to excellent use during a long public career and an unbelievably difficult eight year period as a prisoner of war. He has important things to say about character and courage and leadership and adversity and history. The breadth of sources from which he draws his observations is breathtaking.

It is an honor to review this book. Vice admiral Stockdale reflects on his personal experience as senior officer in a POW camp in Vietnam during 8 years. This is one of the most remarkable example of human fortitude I have ever heard of told by a man of supreme intelligence and culture.