The Eyes of Orion: Five Tank Lieutenants in the Persian Gulf War

by Alex Vernon

Book Overview

A personal account of the day-to-day experiences of five US platoon leaders who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The young officers describe their deployment to Saudi Arabia, six months' desert training, combat and occupation in Iraq, and finally their homecoming.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873386337
• ISBN13: 9780873386333
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Kent State University Press
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Stop shooting at me!

The attack on the USS Cole came just hours after I had just finished a book on the Gulf War. The book was titled "Eyes of Orion". Its subject was five 23 year old US Army M1 tank/ Bradley Fighting Vehicle commanders' experience during Desert Shield through Desert Storm. Their accounts held no punches and left me feeling on the bounds of horrible that our country had to ask these boys to do this, but happy that they survived. A large portion of the book was dedicated to the 5 months of Desert Shield which in my own terms I could sum up as my own experiences as a US Marine in practically any CAX I participated in at 29 Palms. The desert is a brutal place to live and work. That part of the book was refreshing to remember some of the hardships I had endured. However it was the actual battle that was horrifying. It left me with the impression of some components of our Army as being a group of "I'm not going home til I shoot something". This story doesn't cover tank vs. tank battle with the Iraqi army (however it does cover US Army Tanks Vs. US Army tanks). "IRON SOLDIERS" (Tom Carhart) is the book you want to read if thats what you want. Once the ground war started they were constantly under fire from their own units. In our military there is a special unit assigned to Division level that has radar which can electronically "see" enemy (as well as friendly) artillery firing through the air. It can immediately plot where the rounds came from, send out these coordinates to a counterbattery unit which within moments fires its own volleys on the artillery position the radar had tracked. Too often in these accounts, when an American artillery unit fired, they themselves were fired upon by our own Divisional artillery. And in each major enemy engagement this unit had, there was fratricide, or a serious attempt to do so. The sick part is, after they stopped shooting at the Iraqis (and themselves) they would find the surviving Iraqis with their achilles tendons cut (so that they couldn't desert) and no will to fight at all. It was a great book in the case that it presents. Having read a dozen books on this subject...the others left me with a vision of John Wayne on the Sands Of Iwo Jima, with his helmet strap hanging and throwing his hand high in the air and yelling "follow me!". I am proud of their service, and as well they should be as indicated in their story. But they do make an excellent point of the emptiness of the way the battle ended without closure. By all means I recommend this book to anyone. It is a fitting account to read for any 18 year old going into Military service. It should tone down an individuals affixation with the need to mount weapons and go off killing folks without knowledge of what it leaves you feeling like.

Perspective from the Trenches

The narrative is thoroughly engrossing and really fills an open void in the Operation Desert Storm historical literature area. While we've been treated to accounts of the entire operation from the strategic down to the tactical levels, the latter has been limited to the observations of those who were senior commanders, i.e. Schwartzkopf, Franks, Pagonis, etc. This is the first I've read that > tells the story from the perspective of the actual "trigger-pullers." The insights and observations of the five authors provide an accurate and commentary on the Army institution during time of war.

Highly recommended by someone who was there

As a former Armor officer in the Persian Gulf War, I can tell you that this book genuinely conveys the feelings and experiences of young officers in the desert. The authors are humble enough to admit their own shortcomings, and their memory of detail is truly astounding. The only way you will ever get a better idea of what the Gulf War was like from the turret of an M1A1 tank would be to read this book after going several days without sleep while wearing a charcoal-lined suit inside your clothes dryer.

Army Officer Loves This Book!

As a reserve Army officer, formerly active duty, I can say the book speaks for most of us when we were lieutenants. It really struck a chord for its realism and candor. The other great aspect of the book is it gives an awesome account(by men who were there) of a major tank battle: something which hadn't happened since World War II and may not happen again for another 40 years...if ever. Accordingly, this book is a valuable account of history as well as being fun to read. If you enjoy any military subject matter, buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

A MUST READ FOR ANYONE!

This book is the most provocative account of modern battle I have ever been exposed to. The authors translate their experiences through the eyes of the platoon leader, the heart & soul of our fighting forces. This is a "must read" for anyone who wants to know what combat is like. There is more to the story than bullets and bombs...there is the human emotion that takes place behind the triggers. This is the only book I have ever read, and I've read almost everything out there, that takes the reader into the minds of the platoon leader. It reveals the challenges faced by junior military leaders facing an unsure future. This book has the potential to be a best seller and will move the reader in ways that no other book has been able to do. I cried, I laughed, I trembled, and I was humbled all within the pages of this book. This is the first time I actually experienced anything like this. Most of all, I COULD NOT put it down once I began reading.