American Heroes:
Stories of faith, courage, and sacrifice from the front lines
Stephen Mansfield
Reviewed by Michelle Boucher-Ladd
Ever wonder what kind of mind set it would take to be an American
Soldier? In this tiny book are ten short stories from the front lines
of Iraq and Afghanistan entwined with graphic art and inspired
photography. They are stories that invoke motivation, courage, and
faith, and pay tribute to the modern American Soldier. The language of
the book is calm and to the point. It’s small size makes it a quick
read and the photography is excellent.
Not all the stories are easy on the conscience such as the story of
Sereant Paul Ray Smith who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor by
saving dozens of his fellow soldiers by giving his own life. The
miraculous story of Sergeant “C” who was shot at point blank range by
an Iraqi Solider and thought that the gun had misfired is incredible.
Sergeant “C” felt lightheaded and noticed that he had a missing tooth,
so he went to get some first aid, it was then discovered that he had a
bullet lodged where his tooth had been. Another story includes a
Soldier’s last letter home saying that he had no regrets and that his
belief in the importance of freedom is what motivated him.
All of the stories in American Heroes have a common sense of purpose.
What is most interesting and inspirational about the book are the
quotes, excerpts, and biblical passages that many soldiers carry with
them as shields of strength. One quote in American Heroes is by General
George S. Patton it says, “Wars may be fought with weapons, but they
are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man
who leads that gains the victory.“ These kinds of quotes are what make
the book so inspirational. American Heroes would make a perfect gift
for the new recruit.