Marine Rifleman: Forty-Three Years in the Corps

I gave "Marine Rifleman" to my 17-year-old son last week, not to have him again revisit my Marine Corps "era" through this terrific book, but to have him exposed to these thoughts: -- "Normal" people can have a successful military career. And Marines are not cold-blooded killers to begin with, nor trained as such. -- Military careers can co-exist with a family lifestyle. The Fox family is a wonderful example. -- We owe a considerable debt of gratitude to those who have served, especially in combat situations. Our comfortable life is largely due to the sacrifices of thousands of military personnel since 1900. Many of these sacrifices are short of serious wounds or death, but are not experienced by or even known to the public-at-large. -- You can lead AND command without losing respect for your subordinates (very important today!!!), or having them lose respect for you. Does "Marine Rifleman" bring out these lessons? You bet it does. Get the book, read it, pass it on to others. The reader does not have to be Marine-familiar. It will be one of their better reads from the bewildering choices in the bookstores. Especially for young people. Let them experience the personal growth of this man Fox as he maintains his spirit and integrity through a demanding career.

I first heard of "Marine Rifleman" while sitting next to the author at the funeral of highly decorated Marine General Ray Davis. Col. Fox mentioned his book, but little else about his distinguished career in the Corps. That night, while checking out his website, I discovered that Wesley Fox was a Medal Of Honor (MOH) recipient!Not only was I impressed with this great leader's humility, but I was also intrigued by his 43-year track record as a Marine.Fox was a drill instructor and recruiter. He was an elite Force Recon Marine and Pathfinder. He fought in Korea. He received the MOH in Viet Nam. He moved up through the enlisted ranks before becoming an officer and serving in a variety of challenging assignments. After his retirement, Col. Fox served as the Deputy Commandant of Cadets at Virginia Tech--a total of 51 continous years in which he wore the Marine uniform.His book reveals why the Marine Corps is unrivaled in raising up quality leaders. At the end of each chapter, the author shares "Lessons Learned" that include:--Eleven weeks of boot camp make a Marine for life.--Discipline and heritage are the makings of a Marine.--Strength and endurance are factors of motivation.--A tour of duty in a combat zone is one thing; a firefight is another.--Integrity, dedication, and enthusiasm pave the road to leadership.--Seek followers with pride and commitment.--Positive leadership brings out the best in us.--The art of leadership is so important to our society, why are there so few institutions of higher learning that offer a degree in something so important to the people?As a student and teacher of leadership for many years, I'm proudly adding this book to my vast collection on this crucial topic. Leaders and potential leaders from all sectors of society will be well-served by learning from Col. Fox's vast storehouse of knowledge and experience. Semper Fi, sir!Sgt. Richard K. BiggsUSMC 1964-68

Colonel Fox's autobiography provides unparalleled insights into his unmatched 43-year career in the Corps. From recruit at Parris Island to 1st sergeant, then from lieutenant to colonel, from the Korean War through Vietnam, his story marches with precision across a huge swath of Marine history and Leatherneck experience. He describes stateside tours and vicious combat in the same matter-of-fact tone, disdaining the overblown prose that mars too many memoirs. He ends each chapter with pithy, valuable lessons earned at heavy cost in sweat and blood. This is a must read for any Marine and for anyone who wonders what it means to be a combat Marine.

In this age of phoney celebrities and victim-heroes, Colonel Fox is an authentic American hero. He is an accomplished leader, warrior, and a living legend in the Marine Corps. His exciting story should be required reading for anyone holding a position of leadership, anyone interested in service in the US Armed Forces, and anyone interested in the history of the Marines since 1950. It's a great read.

Wes Fox truly is the Marines Marine, His book is probably the best piece of work I have seen a Marine produce in many years.