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MWSA Review
Heart of Gray is a sincere tribute to First Lieutenant Raymond Enners, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam after graduating West Point in 1967. It was penned by his brother, Richard, also a West Point graduate, class of 1971.
The book honors not just Ray's military service, but his entire life, from when he was a star athlete in high school up through the day he died, and includes poignant memories from his classmates, soldiers, and family members about his death and the days and weeks after.
The author did an excellent job of reaching out his brother's classmates, friends, and fellow soldiers to have them discuss not just his brother's personality and actions, but also his character and leadership style. As a service academy graduate myself, it was wonderful to read about and see not just the man but the leader remembered, because those of us that have served know that is an important part of our legacy.
Service academy graduates, Vietnam veterans, and those interested in leadership biographies will enjoy this book. I very much would have enjoyed meeting Lieutenant Enners, and his brother did an excellent job of preserving his legacy with this book."
MWSA Reviewer: Rob Ballister (Feb 2018)
Author's Synopsis
Heart of Gray is a riveting narrative of a leader-warrior who chose the “harder right instead of the easier wrong” when on 18 September 1968 in a brutal firefight near Xã Ky Mao he rescued a wounded squad leader ten meters from the NVA position then led his platoon into the thicket, giving his life in the process. For his actions he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor.
It’s a pulse pounding combat story of events that took place in Quảng Ngãi Province as seen through the lens of Ray’s letters and the Soldiers he served with and commanded.
Heart of Gray takes you on a journey of selflessness and sacrifice, a journey of how West Point and its values of “Duty, Honor, Country” influenced his thought process, a journey of how the game of lacrosse and the warrior spirit contributed to his never quit attitude, a journey of how his rigorous military training provided the confidence and courage to face life threatening situations.
ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-942613-37-4
Book Format(s): Hard cover
Genre(s): Memoir
Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography
Number of Pages: 240