Of Their Own Accord

EXCERPT FROM FOREWORD: This book is by soldiers about a group of soldiers who in the difficult days following the end of the Vietnam War volunteered to be a part of an experiment to rebuild the Army and restore the high standards of discipline and training that had become frayed after 10 years in Vietnam. The vision of then Chief of Staff of the Army Creighton Abrams was to create a unit that could become a model for the rest of the Army to emulate, and to have the veterans of that unit populate throughout the Army to pass along the best of what they learned from their experiences. To that end, the project has been a tremendous success as evidenced by the alumni of that unit who have gone on to serve in senior positions, both officer and enlisted, throughout the Army, and later as proud citizens of our nation. General John P. Abizaid, U.S. Army Retired Former Commander of US Central Command and U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The Character, Courage, and Grit... the very DNA of the American Soldier... can be traced back in time to the 'bloody footprints in the snow' at Valley Forge. The men in this book, through their stories, tell how they carried that Legacy forward with Honor as U.S. Army Rangers and plank holders of the modern era. They epitomize the standards and the vision of General Creighton Abrams at their formation. 'Sua Sponte...Rangers Lead The Way!'¿ General Peter J. Schoomaker, US Army (Retired) 5th Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and 35th Chief of Staff, Army The modern-day Ranger Battalions, created in the wake of our Vietnam experience, were purposefully designed to change our Army. We learn from these stories that the Rangers succeeded wildly in this mission and changed the fabric of American life. This excellent book by Lawson Magruder, a personal mentor to me, and Fred Kleibacker illuminates the benefits of service to the nation and commitment to ideals more significant than ourselves. Read it and be inspired. General Joseph L. Votel, US Army (Retired) 10th Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and Commander of U.S. Central Command If you can't be inspired by this book, check your heart. If you can't be motivated by this book, check your pulse. Lawson Magruder and Fred Kleibacker have captured the essence of every soldier that ever wore the Ranger Scroll. The stories are compelling. The lessons are timeless. This is a must-read book for anyone who longs to understand the reason we serve. Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy (Retired) 9th Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command