Clear the bridge!

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John C. Jeffries, Jr

Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr. is an absorbing and readable biography of one of the most important Supreme Court Justices since World War II. From abortion to affirmative action to the constitutionality of capital punishment, Powell's pivotal votes helped determine the great issues of the mid-twentieth century. Nominated to the Supreme Court in 1971, along with future Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Powell was expected to join a staunchly conservative bloc of Nixon appointees who would roll back the innovations of the Warren Court. Instead, Powell quickly established himself as an independent voice, the decisive "swing" vote at the center of an ideologically divided Court. With access to Powell's private papers, author John Jeffries provides an engrossing insider's account of the most controversial decisions of Powell's career. These include Roe v. Wade, which first extended constitutional protection to abortion; the Bakke decision, which allowed race-based affirmative action; decisions wrestling with the constitutionality of the death penalty; the Watergate tapes case, which led to the resignation of a President; decisions on school desegregation and busing; and Bowers v. Hardwick, the 1986 Georgia sodomy case that Powell now feels he decided incorrectly. Jeffries also covers Powell's pre-Court life, including his World War II experience with top-secret "Ultra" intelligence, his role in building one of the South's greatest law firms, and his leadership in providing legal services to the poor. Most important was Powell's chairmanship of the Richmond School Board during the turbulent years of "massive resistance" to desegregation. Criticism of his performance in that capacity is carefully examined, and Powell's behind-the-scenes maneuvering to keep the schools open is fully revealed for the first time. Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr. is not only fascinating reading but a major contribution to American history.

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Bruce Gamble

The story of the people, places, and events that made the legend of the Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 214, of WWII fame, and of the squadron's pugnacious skipper, Greg "Pappy" Boyington.

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Travis L. Ayres

True tales of heroism and the men who fought and died in the skies of World War II Europe.In World War II, there were many ways to die. But nothing offered more fatal choices than being inside a B-17 bomber above Nazi-occupied Europe. From the hellish storms of enemy flak and relentless strafing of Luftwaffe fighters, to mid-air collisions, mechanical failure, and simple bad luck, it's a wonder any man would volunteer for such dangerous duty. But many did. Some paid the ultimate price. And some made it home. But in the end, all would achieve victory.Here, author Travis L. Ayres has gathered a collection of previously untold personal accounts of combat and camaraderie aboard the B-17 Bombers that flew countless sorties against the enemy, as related by the men who lived and fought in the air-and survived.

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Brian M. Sobel

This book presents a unique view of a military family, and, most importantly, displays the lives of a father and son: a father who would become an American hero and a son who excelled on his own terms, but who was profoundly influenced by a figure who had gained legendary status. The elder Patton gained widespread fame during World War II as a fearless commander and motivator of soldiers in war. He was brash, supremely self-confident, and greatly admired by the enemy; many German officers would later say Patton was the most important weapon in the American arsenal. A complex man driven by his knowledge of history and warfare, the elder Patton was compassionate and easily moved to tears. He was a professional soldier who loved the art of war and hated war itself. The younger Patton has also lived a most exciting life, having been acquainted with many of the famous names in political and military history. Together, father and son logged 79 years of continuous military service. They fought in every American conflict from the punitive action taken in Mexico in 1916 through Vietnam. This is the only book on the Patton family that includes commentary from both the son and daughter of General George S. Patton, concerning their father's life and times. Including a vast array of never before published information, this book is also a family story and a contemporary history of the wars that shaped the 20th century. There are interviews with the late Richard Nixon, General William Westmoreland, General James Dozier, Jimmy Doolittle, and many others.