"Very few, if any, career officers have had such a varied and extremely interesting career. This writing provides a virtual history of important facets of military and national issues facing our country, along with documented details of how they were handled. Well written, well documented, and it certainly holds one's attention and interest." - Lieutenant General LeRoy J. Manor, US Air Force (Retired), Task Force Commander, Operation Ivory Coast (Son Tay Raid); Commander, Thirteenth Air Force; World War II P-47 Fighter Pilot; Vietnam War F-100 Fighter Pilot; Member of Hollowy Commission investigating Iran Hostage Rescue failure. "A work of historical significance, this book truly stands alone among the spate of recent books on US Special Operations. Superbly well researched by one whose varied career encompasses every aspect of today's military joint special operations at both the tactical (operational), interagency, and strategic levels. Jim has planned, flown, and commanded record-setting AC-130 gunship missions; conducted airoborne strike operations; served as a 'plank holder' in a groundbreaking command that continues to be at the 'tip of the spear.' Put another way, Jim has "Been there...Done that " I couldn't put it down." - Colonel Richard F. Brauer, Jr., US Air Force (Retired), Commandant USAF Special Operations School, Joint Special Operations Agency, 1st Special Operations Wing