The Strong Gray Line: War-time Reflections from the West Point Class of 2004

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About The Strong Gray Line: War-time Reflections From The

Review An extraordinary set of stories. Graduating from the orderly world of West Point into the violent complexity of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Class of 2004 earned a special place in The Strong Gray Line – and paid dearly for it. Like their predecessors who fought at Shiloh, the Argonne, and the Ia Drang Valley, these cadets-turned-officers tell the story of West Point, warfare, and what living West Point’s motto of Duty-Honor-Country looks like up close. -- General Stan McChrystal, US Army (Retired)In citing West Point's contributions to this great country, General MacArthur told the Corps of Cadets in the spring of 1962 "The Long Gray Line has never failed us!" It never has, and thanks to the heroism and sacrifices of West Point's young graduates, it never will. The moving tributes offered by members of West Point's Class of 2004 to their deceased classmates who fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan remind Americans again of this timeless truth. -- Daniel W. Christman, Lieutenant General (Retired), USA; 55th Superintendent, West PointThe West Point Class of 2004 has a story to tell that is unique in the 21st century history of the United States Military Academy. For the first time in many generations, a class entered the Academy when the Nation was at peace but was destined to spend the entirety of their time there in training and preparation for wartime leadership. The Strong Gray Line tells this story extraordinarily well, in a way that only those who experienced it first-hand can. From inauspicious beginnings during a rain-soaked first summer of initial training and through the myriad challenges that cadet life entails, that story has now become one of battle-hardened, experienced professionals who are doing the Nation’s work in a way that brings distinction to a Class that has earned an honored place in West Point’s illustrious history.Told through the eyes — and the lives — of several of the men and women of the Class, The Strong Gray Line resonates for all of us that have served through the years, and encourages all Americans to live lives that are worthy of the sacrifices of the graduates of the Class of 2004. -- Eric T. Olson, US Army (Retired); Commandant of Cadets, United States Military Academy, West Point from 2000-2002As has happened to any number of West Point classes over the past two centuries, the world changed dramatically from the day the Class of 2004 arrived at West Point in June 2000 to the day the class graduated in May 2004. This volume is the chronicle of a class called to duty leading American soldiers during the longest period of sustained combat operations in the nation’s history. The story is at once inspirational as well as heart-rending. It vividly recounts the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the young warriors from the Class of 2004. Conversely, it illuminates the human toll of America’s longest war, a toll whose cost will continue to grow for decades. The record of service and sacrifice compiled by the West Point Class of 2004 compels our attention as American citizens, even if that record is far from complete. In the end, their story is America’s story, for the generation serving today already deserves a place of honor alongside previous generations for the courage they have shown and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make every day. -- Daniel J. Kaufman, Brigadier General (Retired), Dean of the Academic Board 2000-2005Remembrance has always been one of the duties of the soldier, and The Strong Gray Line is in keeping with that vital tradition. With this book the West Point class of 2004 honors their fourteen members who have fallen in service to their country, and they provide us a window into the diverse experiences of one class during the past decade of war. In that regard, this books stands as a further act of service to their country. -- Phil Klay, Author, RedeploymentWhile you will likely never walk a mile in their dusty boots, reading The Strong Gr