When the Poor Boys Dance
G. F. Borden
Yet another of my all-time favorite books, When the Poor Boys Dance is
based on a true story and tells of the horrifying ordeal of a nameless young
Marine who was accidentally left in the Mojave Desert during a training
exercise.
As the Marine struggles for miles and days in the brutal, arid heat with little
water, he sustains himself through imaginary conversations with his drill
instructor, Sergeant Kline and other NCOs who helped train him to be a
Marine. These talks fade into hallucinations in which the Marine relives the
final moments of fellow leathernecks in great battles of the past . . . Belleau
Wood, Iwo Jima, Korea, Vietnam and even battles yet to be fought.
The title comes from an aphorism often voiced by Sergeant Kline, “War is
when the poor boys dance.” One could learn many things about courage
and sacrifice in the pages of this book.
*********************************************************************************
Borden also wrote Seven Six One, a powerfully written, masterful work of
fiction, based on the true record of the 761st Tank Battalion during World
War II in Europe. The 761st advanced from France across Germany and
ended the war in Austria, serving from November, 1944 to May, 1945 in
Patton’s Third Army. During those six months, the men of the 761st
displayed uncommon valor and dedication.
For these Americans, however, their service in the Second World War had
special meaning since the 761st was, as the Presidential Unit Citation
awarded years later stated, “the first United States Army tank battalion
committed to battle comprised of black soldiers…”
Seven Six One is a riveting and triumphant portrayal of men at war.
Borden’s writing is captivating.
*********************************************************************************
/tdw/
G. F. Borden
Yet another of my all-time favorite books, When the Poor Boys Dance is
based on a true story and tells of the horrifying ordeal of a nameless young
Marine who was accidentally left in the Mojave Desert during a training
exercise.
As the Marine struggles for miles and days in the brutal, arid heat with little
water, he sustains himself through imaginary conversations with his drill
instructor, Sergeant Kline and other NCOs who helped train him to be a
Marine. These talks fade into hallucinations in which the Marine relives the
final moments of fellow leathernecks in great battles of the past . . . Belleau
Wood, Iwo Jima, Korea, Vietnam and even battles yet to be fought.
The title comes from an aphorism often voiced by Sergeant Kline, “War is
when the poor boys dance.” One could learn many things about courage
and sacrifice in the pages of this book.
*********************************************************************************
Borden also wrote Seven Six One, a powerfully written, masterful work of
fiction, based on the true record of the 761st Tank Battalion during World
War II in Europe. The 761st advanced from France across Germany and
ended the war in Austria, serving from November, 1944 to May, 1945 in
Patton’s Third Army. During those six months, the men of the 761st
displayed uncommon valor and dedication.
For these Americans, however, their service in the Second World War had
special meaning since the 761st was, as the Presidential Unit Citation
awarded years later stated, “the first United States Army tank battalion
committed to battle comprised of black soldiers…”
Seven Six One is a riveting and triumphant portrayal of men at war.
Borden’s writing is captivating.
*********************************************************************************
/tdw/
| Thom's Review When the Poor Boys Dance |
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