Book Description

...most timely, given our renewed national pride and concern for yet another generation waging war...includes, not just the well-known heroes, but also many obscure ones who served with great valor, but little acclaim...This skilled writer will keep you reading to learn more.-bookviews.comIn Robert Skimin's capable hands, all of American battle history comes to life through the actions of the heroes he has selected. Some are familiar. Others are obscure. But Skimin captures their spirit and reminds us of the significance of their selfless service to the nation. This is a great read.-Harold Nelson, Brigadier General, U. S. Army (Retired)A gripping, fascinating book about a subject sadly neglected these days - American heroes. Bob Skimin mixes facts with great storytelling. Heroes from Dolly Madison and George Washington to Lincoln, Chief Joseph, Audie Murphy, Eisenhower, MacArthur, and Bob Hope all come off these pages in thought, action, and life. Good history and good writing make this book a kind of classic.-Frank E. Vandiver, Distinguished University Professor, Texas A&M UniversitySince 9/11, America has gained a new appreciation of its heroes, something that had been lost for many years due to the conflicted emotions produced by the Viet Nam War. What is a hero? In a media-saturated culture, which seems to venerate shallow celebrity idols and false heroics, it is worthwhile to revisit the true heroes of our history.Robert Skimin, a former paratrooper, army aviator, and artillery officer during his twenty years of military service, offers a compelling look at American history by tracing the life paths of its heroes and heroines. While many of the well-known heroes of history are included here, Skimin's unique account provides memorable vignettes and anecdotes, which bring the careers and contributions of these remarkable people to life. He also includes stories about more obscure heroes, whose courage was often as great as that of the most famous icons of history: for example, a Mexican-American kid who escaped a barrio gang to become one of the most impressive heroes of military history; and the Japanese American young men who created the most decorated unit ever while their parents were incarcerated in U.S. concentration camps. Skimin also discusses such questionable heroes as George Armstrong Custer, whose little-known brother, Tom, was a two-time Medal of Honor winner.A Pulitzer Prize nominee for his novel Apache Autumn, Skimin has a knack for telling a page-turning story. Footprints of Heroes is a fascinating tour through America's wars, highlighting the service of those who went beyond the call of duty and left an example that is a lasting inspiration for us all.Robert Skimin (El Paso, TX), a retired army officer, has been a writer for over thirty years and has published sixteen books, including the 1993 Pulitzer Prize-nominated novel Apache Autumn and the international bestseller Chikara!