Sammy Lee Davis

Readers see a hero's life through the written word. It was tough growing up during that time. Sammy moved to many locations and attended many schools...gaining and losing friends regularly. It is clear that his mother pushed him while growing up to be the best and forever cited the title of this tome, "You Don't Lose 'Til you Quit Trying:" So he never quit!

Only a few chapters talk about his time in the military and of that fateful day when Sammy earned the "Medal of Honor". Like some other heroes during the war, Sammy's body was so damaged from the battle that he was placed in a body bag and left for dead; his slight movements within the cocoon caught the attention of others and he was quickly rescued and sent to the hospital and later shipped to Japan. He does share some of the antics at the hospital and of his scheme to get approved to return to Vietnam and those friends he left behind.

I also learned that the MOH changes a person 'socially' as Mr. Davis traveled across the country countless time to give speeches at various events. This allowed him to hobnob with celebrities and other famous people since leaving the military. It almost seems like his life is not his own anymore, instead, his life was placed into the hands of the government...a life that takes precedents over his personal life. He is also plagued by medical maladies that almost cripple him, and the VA is unable to determine the cause / cures. Later in life, a civilian doctor identifies his maladies are caused by Agent Orange; a herbicide that wasn't supposed to hurt anyone.

An excellent read that does move back and forth in time, but is highly recommended, especially, to learn what earning the MOH means to the recipient for the rest of his life. Well done, Mr. Davis. Slow hand salute!… (mehr)