Author: Genyc79

Blogger, IT Admin, Nyctophile, Explorer and Brooklynite in the city that never sleeps.

I Stooged to Conquer: The Autobiography of the Leader of the Three Stooges – Moe Howard

On By Genyc79In AutobiographyLeave a comment

MoeIn 1925, actor, comedian, and vaudeville performer Ted Healy (1896-1937) put the final additions on his latest act which included three young men eager to make it big in the entertainment business.  The act was formally known as Ted Healy and His Three Southern Gentlemen. Public exposure through partnership with Healy provided Moses Harry “Moe” Horowitz (Moe Howard) (1897-1975), Samuel “Shemp” Horowitz (Shemp Howard) (1895-1955), Jerome Lester “Curly” Horowitz (Curly Howard) (1903-1952) and Larry Fine (Louis Feinberg) (1902-1975), a taste of show business, and helped kick start their careers. However, nine years after joining Healey, they parted ways with him and began performing in 1934 as “The Three Stooges”.  The leader of the group, Moe, was the last to pass away, and his death on May 4, 1975, marked the last chapter in the Stooges’ story. But have you ever wondered how the Stooges came to be? If so, this autobiography by Howard explains the key parts of their journey together from the beginning to the end. 

Decades after their deaths, I still watch the Stooges on occasion, and they always deliver the goods. But off screens, their lives were not all fun and games, but full of highs and lows. The story begins in my hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where the Horowitz family is raising Moe and his siblings. His anecdotes about his family’s trials and tribulations are interesting and reminders of the modern-day conveniences we take for granted. In time Moe and Shemp realize that they have a talent for the stage but before they make it big, they take on jobs to make ends meet, including a stint on a showboat traveling the Mississippi River. But all that changes upon meeting Healy in 1922. Moe is a gifted storyteller and the escapades by the brothers are hilarious. But the story also has its dark moments through heartache and exposure to America outside of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

In one instance, Moe recalls a trip to the Deep South and coming face to face with Jim Crow. Today the story is not surprising, but in the era before faxes, emails, television and social media, news did not travel as quickly or freely. And the story highlights the insulation that came with the lack of modern technology. Life on the road is tough, and compounded by Healey’s personal demons from which he could not escape. This part of the story is disheartening and when Moe learns of Healey’s death, I could feel his pain as I read. But as they say in the industry, the show must go one and the Stooges kept performing. Moe takes us behind the camera, explaining the mishaps on set and the creativity that went into creating the classics we love. He also details the injuries they suffered as they filmed their projects and the impact the industry had on their personal lives. What he explains is unbelievable but also the truth about the physical exhaustion that came with performing one’s own stunts.

There is no gossip in the book but simply Moe talking about his brothers and family friend Larry.  As we move through each year, the Stooges get older, and life begins to play out in ways none of them expected. Moe discusses with a heavy heart the passings of Curly, Shemp and Larry.  I knew the story of Curly’s final days and the health issues that plagued him. But Shemp’s passing was the one that surprised me as I didn’t know the full details. And from what Moe says, everyone was caught off guard. Larry’s ending was also familiar and there are videos on YouTube about the stars and their final days. However, reading Moe’s account of how he received and reacted to the news is emotional and shows the love that existed between the stars off the set. 

As I read, I noticed a couple of things that are rarely discussed regarding the stooges. The first is the contract they had with Columbia Pictures. Moe explains the issue but if you are familiar with the current strike in Hollywood, you will see that the issue a not new. The second thing is the relevance of former President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004). You might be wondering where Reagan fits into the story. Well, years before entering politics, the former movie star was once president (1959-1960) of the Screen Actors Guild and set into motion a chain of events that have had long lasting effects on the earnings stars can make when they are not on camera. Admittedly, I did not expect this part of the story, but it was revealing. Today, when I watch a Stooges’ short film, I will understand and appreciate the sacrifices they made. 

Eventually father time comes for Moe too, and several months after Larry’s passing, he too makes his final departure. His daughter, Joan Howard Maurer (1927-2021), provided the foreword but let her father speak for himself here and tell his story of how he, his brothers and a good friend became legends in the film industry. If you are a fan of the Three Stooges, this is for you. 

ASIN :‎ B00D5FL4ZC

The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur – Scott S. Greenberger

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

aerthurOn September 19, 1881, Vice-President Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) received news that forever changed his life and the history of the United States. President James A. Garfield ( 1831-1881) succumbed to the gunshot wounds he received on July 2, 1881 at the hands of Charles J. Guiteau (1841-1882). Arthur automatically became the next President of the United States and assumed a role he never intended on pursuing. Interestingly, he served just that one term, decided against running for re-election. And before his death, he had his personal papers from political career prior to the White House destroyed. However, before leaving office, he did enact a major change in government that sent shockwaves across the country and cemented his legacy. Author Scott S. Greenberger revisits the story of Arthur’s life in this well-written and well-researched biography of an interesting, obscure, and underrated president.

I was unaware of his personal life, in particular his youth as the son of a fiercely devout Baptist preacher who instilled the abolitionist cause in his children from an early age. Despite his family’s strong belief in the elimination of slavery, Arthur’s future wife Nell brings an odd paradox to the story. As a member of a Southern family, her views were sometimes at odds with her husband, yet her family thought highly of Arthur and their marriage.  And when the Civil War breaks out, the family joined by marriage finds itself on opposite sides of a conflict that divided America.  Arthur enlisted in the Union army and served with distinction while his in-laws in the South supported the Confederacy. The story is surreal but shows the strength of genuine love as the couple remains close to each other. However, their love was tested when tragedy struck their small family.  This moment and Nell’s own fate, reveal the personal side of Arthur who rises through the ranks in the Republican Party while wrestling with his own personal grief.

Before the author changes gears and shifts the focus to politics, he is sure to include a significant legal case in New York City history that deserves mention. On June 16 1854, Elizabeth Jennings (1827-1901) waited for a street car at Pearl and Chatham Streets in Manhattan. When the street car arrived, she was told the next one would allow African-Americans.  She refused to accept this and was forcibly removed from the car. Jennings found an attorney who agreed to take her case and later filed suit in the matter of Jennings v. Third Avenue Railroad.  That lawyer was Chester Arthur. The Jennings decision’s impact on New York City street cars cannot be understated. The full story is explained by the author and as a native New Yorker, I learned history that I was not previously aware of. Riding on the wave of success, Arthur kept moving forward and forms bonds with a key figure in politics who helped his rise and nearly thwarted his role as vice president.

When I read the name Roscoe Conkling, I could not place a face to it. Further, I had no knowledge of his importance in New York State politics. I soon learned of this larger-than-life figure who carried enormous political weight. To say he was an interesting character would be an understatement, and readers will understand why as they read the book. Conkling emerges as the book’s antagonist, but Arthur was dependent on his wisdom and guidance. However, loyalty came at a price, and Arthur was seen as a machine politician. The complex story is pieced together flawlessly by the author, and what I read sounds eerily similar to what we see today in Washington. And though both were Republican, the battles they wage in the political arena are surprisingly against other Republicans as the “Stalwarts” and “Half Breeds'” engage in subterfuge. And this where the book takes unexpected and suspenseful turns beginning with the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885). The story is full of calculated positions, unsettling accusations and truths, and the realization that politics is about power. I did take notice of Grant’s unpopularity in some Republican circles. His successor, Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) is more palatable and appears in the story as a welcomed reprieve from Grant. But the suspense increases when an unlikely candidate named James A. Garfield is chosen as the Republican party’s nominee for president, chooses Arthur as his vice-president and defeats Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886). Arthur’s acceptance of the vice-presidency was not a popular choice and it changed his relationships with several figures most notably Conkling. However, the country was first before party and Arthur assumed his role.

At this point in the book, I knew Garfield’s demise would arrive, and it eventually does. The uncertainty and shock by Arthur, Conkling and others adds a disheartening backdrop to an already tragic account. The president’s wounds were fatal but death did not occur instantly. In fact, more than two months passed between the shooting and his death. And I could feel the agony of those around Garfield as the final act plays out.  Arthur finds himself in a position he did not contemplate but has an admirer and supporter whose correspondence is included by the author. I had never learned the story of Julia Sand (1850-1933) but her words to Arthur are interesting, and he pays her back in kind later in the book which is one of the brightest parts of the story. The new president was adamant he would only serve out that term and keeps his word. But before he leaves office, he sets into motion legislation that had a profound impact on Washington, civil service reform. This action did not go over well with the Stalwarts and Conkling continues his grumbling about everything. But as we see in the book, Conkling’s life had its own secrets which eventually come out including a romance that nearly turned deadly.

As Arthur’s term nears its end, the Democrats push their own candidate, Grover Cleveland (1837-1907) who wins the next election and places the White House back into the hands of the Democratic Party.  The former president fades out of the public light and enjoys time with his family. However, he could not escape his health issues which come to light towards the end of the book. His carefully constructed image began to crack, but today his health issues would not be fatal. However, in 1886 medical technology we take for granted now did not exist and Arthur was forced to confront the fact that his time was limited. However, there is no crying or griping, just an aging former president enjoying the remaining life he had left. And when he goes, it is the final chapter in an incredible life that is part of the American experience. Highly recommended.

ASIN: B06XR93QXH

Savages & Scoundrels: The Untold Story of America’s Road to Empire through Indian Territory – Paul Van Develder

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

VanDevelderI am constantly amazed by the amount of history regarding the creation of the United States that I have yet to learn. The story of North America’s indigenous population is a heartbreaking account that receives scant attention today. America’s expansion from thirteen British Colonies to world superpower is unparallel in world history but the dark reality behind that metamorphosis is that Native American tribes once widespread across the continent were systematically uprooted, and, in some cases pushed into extinction. On the natives’ side, battles for territory and supremacy raged and the blood spilled as tribes waged war with each other cannot be overlooked. The events that took place in North America upon the birth of a nation are a far cry from the happy portrait that that is portrayed at “Thanksgiving”. Author Paul Van Develder explores the past during the era when “Manifest Destiny” drove westward expansion and turned open territory into deadly battlefields.

I warn readers that any notions of a “great American expansion” will not be found here. The author pulls no punches about what really happened and relays that:

“As historian Morgan Gibson has pointed out, nineteenth-century America was a sociopolitical environment controlled by fiercely ethnocentric leaders and followers who, despite all rhetoric to the contrary, regarded all other races and peoples as subhuman.” 

The above statement is an uncomfortable truth but also necessary in understanding the beliefs and ideas behind the actions that changed history for America and North America’s indigenous population. That is not to say that all the figures in the book are dark. In fact, there were those who foresaw the fate in store for the natives and sought to prevent it, and others who foresaw the Civil War (1861-1865). And though their efforts were not in vain, they were colliding against government policy, driven by crucial legislation such as the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790,  Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Dawes Act of 1887. During the years between the passage of these pieces of legislation, Native American tribes continued to fade into oblivion.

Admittedly, the book is not a “comfortable” read, especially as an American. While the general story of the Native American tribes is known, the particular stories of individual tribes are often omitted. As the author shows, they were seen as “savages and scoundrels”, but were also the object of fascination and pop culture references. However, the tribes of North America were distinct and real people, with customs and traditions threatened by expansion of faces they had not seen before. As the story progressed, familiar names popped up as one would expect. The actions by presidents Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) in particular, are discussed in detail.  Jackson, a former slave owner, made no effort to hide his views on the natives standing in America’s way.  However, there is another side to the story, and that is the role of the French, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).  I found this section to be interesting for it explains the territory we know today as Louisiana. Further, while reading, I thought of scenes from the 2015 film “The Revenant” in which French explorers and traders enter the story and commit unsavory acts. The film centers around explorer/fur trader Hugh Glass (1783-1833), and despite some fiction added, it is a fairly accurate portrayal of events transpiring in North America  during that time. On a side note, Glass is mentioned here by the author, as well as other traders from the film. And Louisiana was crucial to America’ s security and expansion, for reasons thoroughly explained in the book.

I found that one way to make it through the story was to keep in mind that the America I know today did not exist then.  In 1830, there were twenty-four states in the Union and territory near the Pacific was unknown. And venturing into those areas by brave or ignorant souls, was a matter of life and death with an unknown number of settlers losing their lives at the hands of native tribes and others freely roaming North America.  However, I could not excuse the government condoned actions to forcibly remove Native Americans from the only territories they knew. And as one would expect, the infamous Trail of Tears is one of the darkest parts of the book. The full story of the Indian removal and re-settlement are discussed in other books and remains a dark moment in U.S. history. Further, it was an event from which America’s Native Americans never recovered.

The author moves through time chronologically and we pass from one administration to the next. Sadly, the fate of Native Americans remains the same. Manifest Destiny increases in speed and effectiveness, virtually guaranteeing that the natives would never return to the lands they called home. Readers will be repulsed by the statements made by those in power towards the Indians, whom many regarded as infinitely inferior and only salvageable by accepting the ways of white settlers. Today, such comments would be unthinkable. But the author keenly observes that:

“What the United States wanted to do was march across the continent. Beneath the red, white, and blue banner of Manifest Destiny, treaties with Indians became the republic’s legal stepping-stones for building the road to empire in its determined quest to reach the Pacific Ocean”. 

From beginning to end, this book kept me intrigued. Considering that some events in the book occurred nearly two-hundred years ago, the ability of the author to bring the past to life in the manner found here speaks volumes. It is an incredible account of history not always found in carefully crafted textbooks. The truths here are unsettling but also the sobering reality of what took place as this nation continued to evolve. We cannot go back and change the past, but we can learn from it. The descendants of Native American tribes know this history well as should the rest of us. Highly recommended.

ASIN‏ :‎ B0029ZBGWK

Ballots and Bullets : Black Power Politics and Urban Guerrilla Warfare in 1968 Cleveland – James Robenalt

On By Genyc79In Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

Robenalt

On November 13, 1967, Carl Stokes (1927-1996) was sworn in as the 51st Mayor of the City of Cleveland, Ohio and became the first African-American mayor of a major metropolitan city in the United States. His successful campaign was surprising due to the city’s majority white population. However, Stokes was a strong candidate and assumed control over a city strife with racial conflict during the turbulent 1960s. And less than one year later, his administration was tested when a shootout at 12312 Auburndale Avenue on July 23, 1968 turned the city upside down. It is known as the “Glenville Shootout”. When we think of the Civil Rights Movement, city names such as Selma, Birmingham and Memphis come to mind. But what I learned in this book by James Robenalt is that Cleveland was also a hot spot for the social unrest America found itself in after the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

The author provides a thorough account of 1960s Cleveland and the problems that existed. Like other cities in America, blacks continued to push for equality and better living conditions.  The scene is bleak and as I read through the book, I could feel the tension brewing. Conditions in Cleveland drew the attention of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) who found himself shocked at the vitriol he received as he walked the city’s streets in protest.  His comment on the matter, included here by the author, challenges the idea that the South was the center of prejudice. In fact, what we see in the book is that the North also had its fair share of prejudice that was equally as vicious as its southern counterpart. And watching this unfold was Fred “Ahmed” Evans (1931-1978), who emerges as the most controversial figure in the book. The Korean War veteran had become energized after seeing Malcolm X (1925-1965) speak and began his own Black Nationalists of New Libya who were determined to bring change by any means necessary.

Stokes had been working on plans for reform which included Cleveland: Now!, a joint public and private funding program for revitalizing Cleveland.  The plan was ambitious, but Stokes could not have predicted that the future of the program would be tied to actions of Evans and his associates. Evans is clearly unstable and unpredictable but the surveillance by the police department and covert actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) through the COINTEL program were of grave concern not just to Evans but all activists in the movement. The secret program had successfully infiltrated and disrupted other groups and was also used to dismantle the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. However, in the story at hand, the Cleveland Police Department takes center stage as tips come in that Evans and his supporters are stockpiling weapons. At this point in the book, the story changes gears and suspense increases. We know something is coming and it will not be good.

To this day it is not clear who fired the first shot on July 23, 1968, but what is certain is that mayhem ensued and as a result of the shootout, re-told in full detail here, there were twenty-two casualties, carnage and a city left reeling after three police officers and four members on Evans’ side perished from their wounds. But readers will be shocked to learn how much information had been obtained prior to the shooting by Cleveland Police and the FBI. This raises questions as to whether the fatal shootout could have been avoided. By the time the violence finishes, the sobering reality hits home. Cleveland was left unhinged and in the wake of the bloodbath, rioting erupted causing further damage and further strain on relations in the city.  The aftermath is surreal and Evans becomes public enemy number one. His fate is revisited as the author recounts the trial and Evans’ conviction. As for Carl Stokes, he could only watch as Clevland nearly came apart the seams. His goal of improving Cleveland’s African-American neighborhoods suffered a significant setback and Cleveland: Now! became collateral damage.  Stokes did go on to win re-election and finished his second term in 1972. But the Glenville Shootout earned a permanent place in the history of Cleveland and is tied to his time in office.

As I read this book, I thought of my father’s words that the 1960s was the scariest decade he ever lived through. The Glennville Shootout came less than five months after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, whose death had also resulted in widespread rioting. Eventually order was restored in Cleveland but the shooting has a haunting legacy that is a reminder of America’s long road to where it is today and where it should hope to go. For a thorough analysis of Stokes, Cleveland: Now! and the shootout that changed Cleveland, this is a good place to start.

ASIN : B075TH4YNT

Rivers in the Desert: William Mulholland & the Inventing of Los Angeles – Margaret Leslie Davis

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

America is a young nation compared to countries around the world, but despite its youth, there is fascinating history contained within its borders. When I saw this book, I realized that I was not familiar with the name of William Mulholland (1855-1935). My curiosity heightened and I found myself eager to see what author Margaret Leslie Davis had to say about him and the City of Los Angeles. It is no secret that California has had issues with its water supply. Droughts induced by the desert climate in the southwestern section of the United States and lack of rainfall have long taken their toll.  And water has always been a treasured commodity essential for human life. But how many of us know how Los Angeles developed its water supply? The story is presented here in a book that affirms the concept of “visionary”.

The story begins at the Owens River as Mulholland and fellow engineer Frederick Eaton (1856-1934) are in search of a water supply sorely needed by Los Angeles. Realizing that the Owens River sits at a higher elevation and has the supply needed for the growing city, they each set out to make the dream a reality. However, their paths soon diverge creating a love hate relationship that remains prevalent throughout the book. Mulholland becomes superintendent of the Municipal Water Department and is soon given the green light to construct the Los Angeles Aqueduct. But the road the completion was far from simple, and the author relives the day-to-day working conditions which proved to be deadly on occasion.  The brutal environment becomes known as well as the vices that plagued workers, mostly Irish immigrants like Mulholland. In fact, one vice is so widespread that the city legislature is forced to step in and pass new laws regarding the aqueduct project. The threat of cave-ins, falling debris and suffocation are eerily present, but the other deadly killer was disease. There are several scenarios that play out in the story highlighting the need for sterile working environments and the importance of efficient medical treatment. And we cannot ignore the importance of food which becomes a crucial issue as the miners ply their trade.

Eventually the Los Angeles Aqueduct is finished, and Mulholland becomes a hero in Los Angeles. But with every great rise, lays the risk of great fall. Further, Mulholland suffered tragedy and grief in his personal life which offsets the jolly public figure tasked with moving Los Angeles forward. The aqueduct project was a booming success and for Mulholland, his name became attached of the American Dream. But on the night of March 12, 1928, everything changed, and the story is turned upside down. Around midnight, the dam collapsed and sent gallons of water flooding the territory below resulting in hundreds of deaths and extensive damage. The fallout and its suspense, captured perfectly by the author, is nothing short of devastating. And Mulholland soon found himself in the crosshairs of an ambitious prosecutor, Asa Keyes (1877-1934). A trial commenced, and Mulholland was on the defense. Davis includes some of his testimony here showing the tense atmosphere surrounding the trial and the grief that consumed Mulholland who is never the same again. Witness statements are also included to give readers an idea of how powerful and fast the flooding water was. And while this drama plays out, the life of Eaton takes its own roller coaster ride, yet the former friends turned into partial enemies, still found a way to connect with each other in times of need. In the end, both engineers suffered their own personal losses and griefs but were instrumental in creating modern day California.

Following the jury’s verdict in which Mulholland is found to be negligent but not criminal, he slowly recedes from the public light. But karma never forgets, and Davis follows up with information on Keyes who has his own fall from grace that left me speechless. As for Mulholland, he was still revered, and his ideas are still relevant today. We follow him all the way to the end in the story as his health declines and destiny approaches. Fate and bad luck changed his life forever, but his contribution to the City of Los Angeles cannot be denied. His legacy is complicated but also a permanent part of California’s history.

ASIN:‎ B00J90EUO4

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II – Matthew Black

On By Genyc79In World War IILeave a comment

black

I have often heard the saying that “desperate times call for desperate measures”. In times of war, I am sure it holds true on more occasions that can be counted. During World War II, the threat of German infiltration into American society was very real and sabotage a critical issue. Foreign enemies knew that the key to weakening America was covert tactics that allowed access to its shores. In New York City, the waters in and around the Big Apple were especially vulnerable and critical. But there was one problem. The military lacked crucial intelligence to stop foreign subversives from conducting their missions. That all changed with a plan that became known as “Operation Underworld“. To this day it is still taboo but as World War II raged, Allied commanders used every tool at their disposal to defeat the Axis powers. And part of that toolbox was organized crime figures whose legacies are cemented in history. 

The author provides a back story to the events to come by revisiting the actions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) which focus on ethnic groups suspected of being loyal to Italy, Japan, and Germany. Military officials were aware of sabotage in waters along the Northeast coast but powerless to stop it and espionage. Soon all options are on the table and the story shifts gears when the Office of Naval Intelligence (“ONI”) steps up and introduces its top-secret plan that is executed by Commander Charles R. Haffenden. But first Haffenden needs a point of contact and finds his man in mobster Joseph “Socks” Lanza (1904-1968). The Luciano Crime Family enforcer also ran the Fulton Fish Market and his control over the area provided an ear to the streets which comes into play as the plan is put into action. His control over the rackets also provided an ear to the streets and the ONI was determined to use this asset. However, Lanza is not a mob boss and has limited power in his section of Manhattan. The ONI soon realizes that to aid the war effort and strike a blow against the Axis powers, it needs the help of the big names in the game. One of these people is Mafia titan Charles “Lucky” Luciano (1897-1962), who had been convicted on June 7, 1936, of compulsory prostitution and sentenced to thirty to fifty years in prison. However, even behind bars, Luciano still controlled the family that carried his name. But Haffenden could not walk into the prison and speak to him directly. The covert nature of the plan required shrewd ideas to provide cover and the ONI enlisted the help of Luciano’s lawyer Moses Polakoff (1896-1993) and the man known as the “Mob’s accountant”, Meyer Lansky (1902-1983). 

Black takes us back in time and behind the walls of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York where we learn of the harsh conditions surrounding Luciano’s incarceration. The prison is dark, cold, and far removed from Luciano’s former residence at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. But a blessing arrives when Polakoff mentions that the government needs the mob’s help, and it might help Luciano get out of prison earlier than expected. But the gangster is still not fully convinced but Lansky’s presence and advice helps sway him to the Allied cause. And to his benefit, Luciano is moved to Great Meadows Prison in Comstock, New York, closer to New York City and in far better condition. After he agrees to help the ONI, the web of cooperation is formed that remains intact through most of the book. 

What is interesting about the book is while the war is raging, Luciano and the other mobsters are doing their part to help the ONI while at the same time conducting their usual mafia related business which includes murder, narcotics, and all sorts of mayhem. It could be argued that the book is not just a story about the secret ONI plan but also a good discussion of the mob’s presence in New York City during that time. Eventually the Axis powers collapse and the war ends. But Luciano remained in prison. The remaining parts of the book discuss his attempts to be released from prison by the same man who convicted him, former New York Governor, Thomas E. Dewey (1902-1971). Although the two had no personal connection, I found it interesting that they could not escape each other as their lives proceeded in different directions. But Black does show that Dewey had moved on from his prosecutor days and Luciano had become a memory for him. As for Luciano, Dewey would always be the man who wrecked his life and was the reason he eventually was deported back to Italy. The saga behind Luciano’s expulsion from America is re-told here in gripping detail with famous mobsters Joe Adonis (1902-1971) and Frank Costello (1891-1973) making an appearance in the story. And admittedly, it is hard not to like Luciano, but I also noted that he was a career criminal who had no issue giving orders for someone’s death and going against the code of the streets when needed such as in the feud with Vito Genovese (1897-1969). But his importance to the Allied effort cannot be overstated. 

As one would expect, the story of Luciano’s help leaks out, but I was not prepared to learn how far the ONI went to destroy any trace of government contact with the mob boss. The final days of Haffenden’s career left me speechless. And had it not been for a decisive action by Dewey to clear his own name and the actions of Manhattan District Attorney Frank Hogan (1902-1974), parts of the story may have been lost forever. Of course, some parts of Operation Underworld were lost forever but the record still stands, and the story told within is sure to be of interest to history buffs with an affinity for World War II.  The war has long been over, and Luciano has been gone since 1962, but it is an incredible story and part of New York City history. Highly recommended. 

ASIN:‎ B09RGLWNKW

Courage Under Fire: The 101st Airborne’s Hidden Battle at Tam Ky – Ed Sherwood, LTC, U.S. Army (Ret.)

On By Genyc79In Vietnam WarLeave a comment

SherwoodIn August 1987, RKO Studio Pictures released ‘Hamburger Hill‘, a Vietnam War era film that recreated “Operation Apache Snow” (May 10, 1969 – June 7, 1969) and focused on the battle on Hill 937 in the A Shau valley known by infantrymen as the “Valley of Death”. The film is gritty, the deaths are gory and by the movie’s conclusion, the concept that war is hell on earth is firmly implanted in the viewer’s mind. However, viewers may not know that there was a second battle being waged at the same time on Hill 367 near Tam Ky. But this mission was called “Operation Lamar Plain” (May 15, 1969 – August 14, 1969) and remained hidden from the public for over fifty years. Lt. Ed Sherwood (Ret.) served in the 101st Airborne Division known as the “Screaming Eagles”, and experienced combat firsthand. And though he was evacuated before the battle’s conclusion due to a significant wound, he made it a goal to set the record straight regarding the battle no one back in America discussed.

As I began the story, I could not help but feel surprised that this battle is absent from books and films on the Vietnam War. In fact, I have watched Ken Burns’ docuseries ‘The Vietnam War‘ and do not recall anything focusing on Operation Lamar Plain or the troops who fought on Hill 367. I found it hard to believe that no one had heard of this battle. I soon learned that was not the case at all, and Sherwood explains towards the end of the book exactly why the public did not learn of the second operation taking place in the Valley of Death. The events on Hamburger Hill are discussed early in the book and Sherwood clears up any confusion that his book is about that battle. But more importantly, he also explains why the A Shau valley was so critical to both sides. It was an essential part of the Ho Chih Minh trail, an extensive network of pathways, routes and tunnels used by the NVA to move supplies. American military commanders know that the trail is critical to NVA operations and any effort to defeat North Vietnam must include destruction or seizure of the supply network. But the Vietnamese were not going away without a fight. And both sides know that a deadly battle lurks in the distance. But before we reach that point, there are other things taking place on the American side, explained by Sherwood as to why the rotation of personnel could be dangerous.

Eventually, Operation Lamar Plain arrives and two men stand out as the soldiers whose actions will help decide the fate of the battle. Captain Leland Roy and Lt. Paul Wharton. Their stories are surreal and a testament to the courage and commitment both men had to their unit and their mission. Sadly, there were significantly casualties suffered the 101st as the battle raged. Sherwood takes us through each day in chronological order with a listing of those killed or missing in action, and those awarded for their actions on the battlefield. I could not help but notice that the average ages of troops were between 19 and 22 years of age. I was disturbed at knowing some of those young men were not old enough to buy a drink in bar but were commander soldiers in life and death situations. And even darker, some of those same men, went to Vietnam and did come back alive. The subject of death and how it is managed is also discussed and there are no words to describe it. Rather, Sherwood sums it up perfectly as a former infantryman. As we learn in the book, the troops did not see themselves as heroes, they simply wanted to do their job and come home alive and in one piece.

Before I continue, I want to pay homage to a woman whose name I did not know before reading this book. She was Lt. Sharon Ann Lane (1943-1969) who was the only female servicewoman killed during combat in the Vietnam War. The circumstances surrounding her death are contained in the book and I also found myself in shock that I had never heard of her death in Vietnam related material.

As the time moves by, Sherwood also includes a list of things taking place back in America or “the world” as troops call it. It is nostalgic and older readers will have vivid memories of that era. But that nostalgia fades quickly as a new day begins and more blood is spilled. But I also noticed the discipline in which troops operated highlighting the necessity for teamwork and precision planning to be an effective combat unit. The men are tired, hungry, and scared but they continue to fight and eventually, the NVA breaks formation on Hill 367. The tide of the battle changes but the physical and mental scars will remain for the troops in the 101st on Hill 367. But if the battle was a success, why was it hidden? Well, Sherwood explains that:

“Once Operation Lamar Plain was successfully kept from the media, war protestors, and political adversaries, there was no benefit to the Military Assistance Command Vietnam, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the Nixon administration to disclose that a major battle with high casualties had been hidden from the American people.”

There are countless books, articles, and podcasts on why the American war effort in Vietnam failed in forcing Hanoi’s surrender. That is a discussion is for another time. Here, the focus is on the Hill 367 and the men who gave their lives in service of their country. Sherwood has captured their story for infinity in a book that should be included in all libraries containing material related to the Vietnam War. After finishing this book, I have an even higher level of respect and understanding for what soldiers experienced in Vietnam and why my uncle has rarely discussed that part of his life. Their memories are haunted by death, destruction, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), exposure to Agent Orange and other dark aspects of armed conflict the public pays little attention to.  As Sherwood says, the next time you see a combat veteran, say “remember our fallen”.

“My greatest satisfaction in researching and writing Courage Under Fire was reconnecting over four decades later with veterans from my former 101st unit. Many have become close friends. Also important was finally letting the veterans of Tam Ky (and their families) learn of the battle they valiantly fought so long ago. ” – Lt. Ed Sherwood (Ret.) 

ASIN‏: B0916J8PHV

A Shot in the Moonlight: How a Freed Slave and a Confederate Soldier Fought for Justice in the Jim Crow South – Ben Montgomery

On By Genyc79In American History, Civil WarLeave a comment

Montgomery_AShotInthe_9780316535540_HC.inddI am consistently amazed at the number of post-Civil War stories I have yet to learn. This book caught my attention, admittedly from the title alone, and it turned out to be an interesting account of an event that could have been lost to history. On the night of January 27, 1897, a mob of men appeared at the home of George Dinning (1857-1930), a former slave in Kentucky, and demanded that he vacate the home and leave the state. Dinning refused and as the two sides stated their positions, a shot was fired from outside the house. While in retreat and fearing for the lives of his wife and children, Dinning returned fire and mortally wounded Jodie Conn (1864-1897). Dinning turned himself in the next day and was later formally charged and charged with a crime. But prison was not the biggest threat. In fact, the local sheriff feared mob retribution at the hands of local whites and makes a quick decision that spares Dinning’s life. And this was the first step on a journey that not only shocked the State of Kentucky but one that changed the American legal system.

Today, the concept of due process is strong, and we have the right to a jury of our peers. But in 1897, for Black Americans, the average jury worked very differently. And if you were a black person accused of murdering a white person, death was almost guaranteed. But for George Dinning, that was not the case. A trial was held, and the author provides selected transcripts of the questioning to show how stories can be influenced and mis-represented. At the end of the proceedings, Dinning is convicted but the Governor of Kentucky, William O’Connell “Bill” Bradley (1847-1914), takes matters into his own hands and sends shockwaves throughout Kentucky.  And incredibly, Dinning’s saga is far from over.

Dinning eventually returns to Simpson County, Kentucky a free man. But his story catches the attention of reporters, politicians, and lawyers. This is where Bennett H. Young (1843-1919) enters the picture. As someone who works in the legal field today, this part of the book was highly relatable. However, I struggled with the fact that Young was a former Confederate soldier who strongly supported and Confederacy and its president Jefferson Davis (1808-1889), but he also believed in the advancement of Black Americans in the wake of the war. It is a contradiction that remains prevalent as the story moves forward to its conclusion.  Young consistently takes bold actions to help blacks that are a permanent part of his complicated legacy. Putting that aside, he does an incredible job of representing Dinning, who is awarded damages in a civil suit against several of the men who surrounded his house on that cold January night in 1897. The judge’s award sends shockwaves across America, changing the concept of legal rights for individuals. For other blacks, Dinning’s victory provided the courage needed to make their own claims for damages against those who had wronged them.  But though George Dinning had won in court, he was far from trouble free.

Following the successful lawsuit, Young eyed the remaining members of the mob and mounts further legal challenges. But before they play out, we reach the book’s darkest moment in which Dinning comes close to losing his life. This part of the story is disheartening yet Dinning again proves that he refused to be intimated or broken. He eventually leaves Kentucky and makes a new home in Indiana where he spent his remaining days. In 2019, Montgomery interviewed Anthony Denning, George’s great-grandson who carries the family named though the spelling is changed slightly. It is likely that Dinning himself made the change after leaving Kentucky. Regardless, the family lineage is intact to this day and George Dinning’s story lives on ninety-seven years after his death. This story has many components but the most important is that it is American history.

“A Winchester rifle should have a place of honor in every black home, and it should be used for that protection which te law refuses to give.” —Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)

ASIN: B0881Y6TGZ

In Search of Mary Seacole: The Making of a Black Cultural Icon and Humanitarian – Helen Rappaport

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Seacole

One of the reasons I love to read is because there is always something new to learn. In fact, I would go as far to say there is always a new story waiting to be learned of. I saw this book while browsing for a new read and could not recall seeing the name of Mary Jane Seacole (1805-1881) previously.  The image did look familiar but the story behind the face eluded me. There was only one thing left to do so I bought the book. And what I found is a story that is unique, interesting, and beneficial in discovering history that should be more widely known. Author Helen Rappaport went on a search for the real Mary Seacole, and though there are parts of her life lost to history, this account of her life is a solid foundation. 

I have seen online that debates continue in whether Seacole should be recognized as a nurse, businesswoman or other. The truth is that she was a mix of both and took advantage of the opportunities that came into her life. Her story begins on the island of Jamaica in the early 1800s. The author provides a good discussion of life in that Caribbean nation, then under the control of the British Government. England’s influence can be felt throughout the story, particularly during the Crimea War which Mary sees firsthand. But first, the story of Mary’s life plays out in Kingston, Jamaica. And this includes her marriage to Edwin Seacole (1803-1844). Following his death, Mary’s life took off and we follow her journey to Central America and Great Britain. She rarely sits still in the book and when the war breaks out, she moves again, determined to make her way to the battlefront to assist in any way possible. And it is here that I believe the confusion and controversy over her exact title begins. 

To be clear, Seacole was never designated as “nurse” in the traditional sense. However, she did render aid to wounded soldiers and had prior experience in confronting cholera, still largely misunderstood and without clear remedy. Today, we have an arsenal of tools to fight a cholera outbreak but in Seacole’s time, treatment was non-existent and home remedies were experimental. Further, Seacole was a businesswoman who had success and extensive contacts in the British military. But that success also came with enemies. And readers may be surprised to learn of the animosity between Seacole and the well-known Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). This part of the book did catch me off guard and the dislike and envy from Nightingale is glaringly apparent. Seacole was not a nurse, but she could not be ignored. Rappaport establishes Seacole’s importance with the remark that: 

“There is no doubt that from the late 1850s to her death in 1881, Mary Seacole was the most famous Black woman in the British Empire. Indeed, until she was voted Greatest Black Briton in 2004, only the Trinidadian pianist Winifred Atwell and the Welsh mixed-heritage singer Shirley Bassey had enjoyed an equivalent celebrity; but their popularity had not come until after the Second World War.” 

Seacole’s life was amazing but the biggest mystery in the book is her alleged daughter Sarah, also known as “Sally”. This part of the book leaves room for further research but from all indications, Sally disappeared, and her life remains unknown. However, that did not stop Nightingale from entering the fray and her allegations about Sarah’s parents are startling, but no conclusive evidence was ever produced. We may never know what happened to Sarah, but she did exist and is part of this story. 

Following the war, Mary moves around again, and finds herself in declining health. And on May 14, 1881, died in London at the age of seventy-five. Decades after her death the Jamaican government officially recognized her life and today, she is seen as an iconic figure in both Jamaican and British history but during her time, she endured hardships, heartache, racial prejudice, and sexism but persevered, nonetheless. This is a fascinating read about a figure who made her mark in history at a time when blacks and mixed-race people were still held in bondage. History buffs will also like that the author asks for any contributions to Seacole’s life be made online so if you do know more about her life that is not in the book, you can send the author your suggestions to make the Seacole story as complete as possible. 

ASIN: B09SGP3WJB

Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers – Stephen Shames and Bobby Seale

On By Genyc79In American History, Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

ShamesIn his renowned book titled ‘Revolutionary Suicide’, Huey P. Newton (1942-1989) began by saying “the first lesson a revolutionary must learn is that he is a doomed man”. The prophetic words are haunting for many members and affiliates of the Black Panther Party met untimely deaths or were forced to flee the United States and live in exile. However, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense became part of history and when Bobby Seale and Newton created the organization in 1966, the created something that changed the way Black Americans viewed themselves. The image that comes to mind when one speaks of the Panthers are young black men with leather jackets and rifles. But behind the imposing public facade, the Panthers were brilliant community organizers and had a vision for Black Americans that could have changed the United States. Photographer Stephen Shames began to cover Panther rallies and eventually followed their progression. This book, co-authored with Seale, gives former members of the party a platform to explain their actions and decisions, in a time when America was amid social upheaval.

Instead of a standard account of the party’s creation, rise and demise, the authors here present a collection of interviews that touch on all aspects of the party’s existence. And to my surprise, I learned a few things I did not previously know. The beauty in the book is that readers can see the passion and hard work behind the scenes that motivated the Panthers to help the community. Party members were surely a mixed bag of characters, but at its core, the group and its affiliated chapters were committed to uplifting Black Americans and helping them to become self-sufficient so that they too could live the American dream. But what stood out to me nearly immediately was the age of the members. In fact, Ericka Huggins explains that: “one thing that people don’t understand about the Black Panther Party is that the median age of a party member in 1969 was nineteen years old“. Today we would say they were just kids but in 1966, those kids became adults and were determined to make their mark.

Readers familiar with the history of the party will know of the free-breakfast program which incredibly was deemed a threat by former Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) director J. Edgar Hoover (1924-1972). It is no secret that Hoover feared and loathed civil rights organizations whom he felt had “communist” influence. And the introduction of the infamous COINTEL program succeeded in breaking up the Panthers but at an inflated cost to the FBI and Hoover’s image in later years. But as I read the book, I was curious about other programs that Panthers initiated not just in Oakland, California, but across America. What I learned was impressive and surprising. One event that stands out is that shortly before his death, Fred Hampton (1948-1969) had reached an agreement with Jeff Fort, leader of the Black P. Stones gang in Chicago that would have struck fear in Washington, D.C. But due to Hampton’s assassination on December 4, 1969, the agreement died out. These events were recreated in the 2021 film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah‘, starring Daniel Kaluuyah as Hampton and LaKeith Stanfield as William O’Neal (1949-1990), the FBI informant who played a crucial role in Hampton’s demise. As the book progressed, it became even clearer to me why the Panthers were feared. It was not so much due to the presence of firearms but rather the knowledge and pride being instilled in Black Americans which was sorely needed following the murder of Malcolm X (1925-1965). Seale himself has said that had Malcolm not been murdered, the Black Panther Party would have never been created.

Eventually, the party began to disintegrate under the strain of infiltration by FBI informants which instilled paranoia and distrust among party members. The fallout is discussed by the participants, but the book is not an examination of why the party failed. It is chiefly a collection of memories, both good and bad. Among the more tragic parts is the death of George Jackson (1941-1971) on August 21, 1971, while incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, California. The book ends before Newtown’s own death in 1989 but there is a discussion of the Panthers’ legacy and the situation in America which should be of concern to everyone regardless of their background. The Panthers no longer exist as the group they were once known as, but their presence and importance cannot be overlooked. And contained within this book are voices from the people that were there, risking their lives to give all power to the people.

ASIN: B01IDGS5EK