[Richard Kimball]

Well, I may be jumping off topic, but even though I run a fire academy, I give extra credit to any students who read The Caine Mutiny, The Right Stuff, or Starship Troopers.

I tell them I think it's my duty to wash I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings out of their heads. Worst I was personally assigned was The Crucible. It's a lot of leftist crap that was the first pop culture assault on the Pilgrims, and historically, it was nearly as accurate as JFK.

BTW, if anyone knows of any other good books that deal with duty and courage, I'd be willing to consider them.

[Burkeman1]

This would be way out of line for any American High School- but the book "Stalingrad" by Antony Beevor details duty and honor on both the Russian and German side even though both armies were ruled by totalitarian pyscopaths. IN fact - what struck me most from that book was how both sides showed acts of true bravery even though the states that backed them couldn't care less if they lived or died.

[mommybain]

Last summer I read Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer. It's a huge read, but the main character is an excellent embodiment of duty, courage and character. I found this on Amazon:

America's fighting men have turned to Once an Eagle as a sourcebook for the military's core values since its publication at the height of the Vietnam War. The novel, following the careers of virtuous Sam Damon and opportunistic Courtney Massengale, is required reading for all members of the United States Marine Corps and frequently taught in leadership courses at West Point.

[BradyLS]

BTW, if anyone knows of any other good books that deal with duty and courage, I'd be willing to consider them.

I recommend anything by CS Forester, who created the fictional sea captain, Horatio Hornblower. Great stories and writing!