Jack Belden (1910–1989)

Jack Belden was a war correspondent for Look magazine during the Japanese invasion of China, as well as N. Africa, Sicily, and Italy during WWII. He has tremendous sympathy for the courage and heart of the common soldier on the front lines, and rages against those who stay in the rear and at home.

If you've read most war correspondents (e.g., Ernie Pyle), you know they tend to write about what's happening at the front. They don't usually have opinions on strategy - not so Jack Belden. In some show more ways, he reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson, esp. in his irreverence and rage.

I liked the book, but I suppose I was looking more for a behind- the-scenes memoir/history. Belden surprises with his strongly-held opinions. show less