Memories of Maggie: A Legend Spanning 3 Wars

Noonie wrote the book about Colonel Maggie that I once hoped I could have written, but could never have applied the dedication and skill that the author brought to the project. I'm glad I could be included in the book, both in text and photo, because it keeps me linked with this special, complex, unique lady who so influenced by life. My respect for her knows no bounds, and she will always be in my heart. Thanks, Noonie. Bruce Jones of Modesto, CA; Saigon Military Intelligence, 1967-1968; author of "War Without Windows" Vanguard Press and Berkley Publishing Group.

Noonie Fortin deserves a standing ovation for her wonderful book about a great American woman and patriot. Sincerely, Diana Dell, author, "A Saigon Party: And Other Vietnam War Short Stories."

Martha Raye fans will love this book. It's written in an easy to read style with a good balance of narration and dialog. I really didn't know very much about Martha Raye before I read Fortin's book. Now I feel as though I've known her personally. But the best compliment I think I can give this book is that when my husband, a Viet Nam veteran, saw what I was reading, he smiled and said, "Well, someone finally wrote about Martha Raye!" He was thrilled--as I'm sure other veterans are. He read the book and loved it. Fortin tells how this woman touched our American soliders. I'd recommend it for any adult or young person and think it would make a great addition to school and public libraries. Fortin is to be commended not just on her writing but her research.

Memories For Maggie, is a real eye opener for America. Maggie's love for grunts, her willingness to let no obstacle stand in her way to acheive her own personal goal, "Take America to our servicemen and women on the battlefield, touch them with real love and let them know that America is proud of them" has reduced me to tears of joy and compassion. America has lost a a most valued treasure. Col. Maggie has made me proud to have been an Americian soldier, to have served my country overseas during the Vietnam War. I have but one regret, I did not meet her, nor see her perform, but I feel that I have known Maggie for a very long time

Martha Raye---Maggie, as her friends called her---is remembered by millions for her halarious routines, largely based on her big mouth---a feature she played up herself. She was also a pop singer of considerable skill. But she is most vividly remembered by the tens of thousands of troops she entertained during her three decades of tours abroad, during three wars. Later, she was honored repeatedly by a great variety of veterans' organizations and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom. This biography is by skilled writer Noonie Fortin, herself a Vietnam era veteran who served more than 20 years in the Army Resrves, retired as a First Sergeant. Fortin's book is written in a clear style, moves rapidly, is packed with facts and fastinating stories about Martha Raye. Author Fortin interviewed Ms Raye several times and gathered an impressive amount of research about the famed star. Read this book and you will gain insights to an actress who was a true star for troops around the world as well as for movie goers whom she moved to laughter in film after film. A book you will long remember.