Citizen Soldier

It's January 1954. A truce has halted the combat in Korea Nonetheless, the cold war continues. Thousands of young men are being conscripted into the U.S. Army. As citizen soldiers they're not happy with this. However, as each recognizes the nation's need for his service, each accepts his two year enlistment with loss of liberty as a necessary evil to be tolerated by him for the good of our country. Gus Stern is one such citizen soldier. He has an intelligent mind and a keen sense of humor. Through his eyes we see both the virtues and vices of military service. Gus prizes the camaraderie he meets with in his fellow G.I.s. He also enjoys the blessings of confidence and courage which he receives in overcoming his fear when he becomes a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. What he dislikes in the Army is the arrogance, stupidity and condescension of half-witted officers, his need to obey their every order or face imprisonment, and the loneliness of living life in the barracks much as would a monk deprived of the company of women. Surprisingly, 2/3rds of the way through Gus's enlistment and this book, Arlene Vander Meer, the girl of our hero's dreams, makes her appearance. For full details of how their exciting courtship fares, please read this book. You'll enjoy it, especially if you're a veteran or someone close to one.