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About Face
- Narrated by: John Pruden
- Length: 40 hrs and 38 mins
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About Face
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Publisher's Summary
Called "everything a 20th-century war memoir could possibly be" by the New York Times, this national best seller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.
From age 15 to 40, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation.
From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war.
New York Times best seller. A Military Book Club Main Selection. A number-one Amazon.com best seller in Korean War Personal Narratives.
What listeners say about About Face
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- luke
- 04-03-2020
An excellent insight into the yank army mind.
I am impressed at how well the authors views, understandings and attitudes toward so many people types and almost everything encountered by army. At the same time the stories and examples used to plot a story line, his life in the USA army, were used well. I think anyone looking for a “hints and tips” and “things to watch out for” in leadership, would be well served by soaking this book up.
The language is often a drawback, I understand it deepens the view of how these men act and the covering of deficiencies but often the language left me recoiling and embarrassed by what I was listening to. Over all I’m glad to have listened to it and intend to periodically re-listen for reminders.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Josh
- 26-10-2022
Amazing
I didn't know what to expect but it was certainly worth the read. Very real and informative.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Ken C
- 27-05-2020
Excellent Military History
Probably the most comprehensive and thoughtful history of a military career that I have ever read. While a little bit self-serving, this book is frank and honest about the author, his career, and the army he served in. I highlyrecommend tjis book to anyone with an interest in the wars involving the U.S.A. in the 20th Century.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Thomas
- 02-11-2023
Essential reading for military personnel
Colonel David H. Hackworth’s memoir, “About Face,” provides a candid and insightful account of his experiences throughout his military career. This work offers valuable lessons in leadership and strategy, making it essential reading for both military officers and leaders in various domains.
Hackworth’s unwavering dedication to his troops and his willingness to acknowledge his own shortcomings contribute to the book’s authenticity. The narrative emphasizes the human element of command, emphasizing trust, adaptability, and the critical nature of ethical decision-making. These principles are universally applicable, extending beyond the military context.
“About Face” transcends its military focus, offering enduring insights into effective leadership. It underscores the imperative of prioritizing the welfare of those under one’s command. In an evolving landscape of leadership, this memoir serves as a beacon of enduring qualities that define exceptional leaders. For those seeking to grasp the essence of leadership excellence, “About Face” is an indispensable resource.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Blackbishop
- 02-06-2021
A must read for the man and the history
an amazing look into the life of fascinating man, who is not afraid to admit to his own feet of clay. More insight into the futility of the Vietnam War, but told by a soldier, who demonstrated it could have been fight differently and more effectively.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- John
- 19-03-2021
Should be a movie
Well narrated. Engaging story. The 40 hours seem to tick over effortlessly. Highly recommended. Thanks
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 10-01-2023
Unabashed and Gritty
Great story of a career spanning 30 years and the lessons which should have been learned through 2 major conflicts. Long, but very enjoyable and worth the time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Paul
- 03-09-2019
Tells it like it happened, an amazing soldier
I was actually lucky enough to read this years ago and the audio version did not disappoint. Told without the glory or politics, just as it happened. Gritty, funny, sad, surprising.......very interesting to see it from an insiders view on how the US Army changed and evolved during time of war from Korea until after Vietnam. How the phonies prospered and the warriors were pushed out and not listened to.
A must have audio book!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 18-08-2020
fantastic book
great insight into 2 wars and the leadership skill employed to be a great military leader
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kerry H
- 16-07-2022
Enthralling
I was worried a long book would be boring but each part had me gripped. lessons that should have been learned and how to lead are important takes.
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