From Vietnam to 9/11: On the Front Lines of National Security - Hardcover

Murtha, John P.; Plashal, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0271022396 ISBN 13: 9780271022390

Publisher: Penn State University Press, 2003

Synopsis

In 1974, John P. "Jack" Murtha became the first Vietnam combat veteran elected to Congress. In the nearly three decades since then, Congressman Murtha has been intimately involved with governmental decisions about America's national security and foreign policy, adding his unique perspective to international affairs while faithfully representing Pennsylvania's twelfth district. From Vietnam to 9/11 combines personal memoir with thoughtful analysis to provide a behind-the-scenes account of the formation and conduct of U.S. foreign policy in the last quarter-century. At the same time, it tells the story of a man committed to service and community.

About this title

About the Author

John P. Murtha graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in economics and did graduate work in economics and political science at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 1966, Jack Murtha volunteered to serve in Vietnam, where he was twice wounded; he received the Bronze Star with Combat "V," two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was elected to Congress in 1974, where he still serves today. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserves in 1990.

Review

“Congressman Murtha has written an insightful and powerful account of his life of public service and of the significant events in our nation's recent history that he has witnessed. It is a firsthand account by one of the most respected members of our Congress. This is a must-read if you want to hear it straight from a savvy man of action who was there making history.”

—Anthony C. Zinni, USMC (Retired)

“Every official serving in the Pentagon and State Department must read Jack Murtha's book. He has been a troubleshooter for presidents, a critic of the brass, but always a friend to the men and women of America's armed forces. Jack Murtha has earned his reputation—a straight-talking, hard-charging, independent leader who goes straight to the front lines. From Vietnam to 9/11 is his story, but it's pure American.”

—Rudy de Leon

“This uniquely powerful book offers the reader an opportunity for a new voyage of discovery. Congressman Murtha presents you an opportunity to discover the innermost workings of our democracy, our Congress, and the evolving shapes of complex decisions.

The completion of this voyage will enable the reader to better comprehend the eddies, currents, tides and endless complexities which face our nation in national security and foreign policy. The author, through his personal experiences and efforts vividly detailed in this book, will make every reader a better informed citizen.”

—Retired Congressman Joseph M. McDade

“Every official serving in the Pentagon and State Department must read Jack Murtha's book. He has been a troubleshooter for President's, a critic of the brass, but always a friend to the men and women of America's Armed Forces. Jack Murtha has earned his reputation - a straight talking, hard charging, independent leader who goes straight to the front lines.  From Vietnam to 9/11 is his story, but it's pure American.”

—Rudy de Leon

“I expected the book to be the usual ‘walks on water, leaps over tall buildings’ political puffery that such books can be. It wasn't; it is much better than that.

It is an analytical history of defense and foreign affairs matters that Murtha has been involved in from the Vietnam War through Sept. 11. He makes his comments from the informed position of longtime membership on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the panel responsible for appropriating the money for America’s various military ventures.

Best of all, many of his observations are very relevant to what Americans are going through right now as the country appears to be headed for a major regional war in the Middle East.”

—Dan Simpson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“This is a sober, intelligent, insightful book written by a veteran of Congress who has been involved in most of the major foreign policy decisions of the last quarter century. Currently the ranking Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Murtha has had a unique vantage point on the passing scene.”

—Richard Robbins, Tribune-Review

“It is a history that should be required reading for any class wanting to learn the story of the country’s dealings with the world over the past half-century.”

—Patrick Cloonan, McKeesport Daily News

“He offers candid opinions and observations without being overly critical about decisions he did not support.”

—John Como, Indiana (PA) Gazette

“This is a book that should be included in every history and current events collection.”

—Vicki Rock, Daily American

“Part policy statement and part memoir, the book shows Murtha’s flair for detail and sense of humor without ever letting off the hook leaders he believed had compromised the safety of American soldiers.”

—Herald-Standard

About this edition

• Publisher: Penn State University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0271022396
• ISBN 13: 9780271022390
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256