Uncommon Valor: The Medal of Honor and the Six Warriors Who Earned It in Afghanistan and Iraq

The title tells it all, so readers looking for worshipful portrayals of American fighting men will not be disappointed. In two of eight chapters, military writers Zimmerman and Gresham (Tom Clancy's coauthor on his nonfiction series) deliver a fine, well-researched history of the Medal of Honor. The remaining six follow the accepted format of this genre: the official medal citation followed by a biography, a detailed account of the recipient's military service, a blow-by-blow account of his last, heroic action (three died in firefights, three fell on grenades), ending with a survey of admiring testimonials, remembrance ceremonies, and memorials. Readers should not expect these biographies to reveal any but forgivable flaws: a youthful marijuana arrest, a reputation as a stickler for discipline. But the authors show more than average sophistication by usually referring to the enemy as the enemy rather than as suicidal fanatics or terrorists. This book is less a historical record than a testimonial, sharing these six stories with an audience beyond the honorees' families and friends. B&w photos, 8 pages of color photos. (Sept.)