About Face Audiobook By Colonel David H. Hackworth US Army Ret., Julie Sherman cover art

About Face

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About Face

By: Colonel David H. Hackworth US Army Ret., Julie Sherman
Narrated by: John Pruden
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About this listen

Called "everything a 20th-century war memoir could possibly be" by the New York Times, this national best seller by Colonel David H. Hackworth presents a vivid and powerful portrait of a life of patriotism.

From age 15 to 40, David Hackworth devoted himself to the US Army and fast became a living legend. In 1971, however, he appeared on television to decry the doomed war effort in Vietnam. With About Face, he has written what many Vietnam veterans have called the most important book of their generation.

From Korea to Berlin, from the Cuban missile crisis to Vietnam, Hackworth's story is that of an exemplary patriot, played out against the backdrop of the changing fortunes of America and the American military. It is also a stunning indictment of the Pentagon's fundamental misunderstanding of the Vietnam conflict and of the bureaucracy of self-interest that fueled the war.

New York Times best seller. A Military Book Club Main Selection. A number-one Amazon.com best seller in Korean War Personal Narratives.

©2019 Colonel David H. Hackworth (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
20th Century Americas Historical Military & War War Military Inspiring Thought-Provoking Korean War US Army Air Force Military Bios

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Jocko didn’t get it wrong.

Absolutely killer! Throughly enjoyed. Great stories, no filters, very enjoyable and a great time killer.

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Incredible & Believable

What a story - written and narrated with excellence. Not only is this an incredible look into a huge number of events, it is self deprecating enough to remind you that these things really happened. 10/10 worth the 40 hour listen.

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Impeccable narration, compelling stories

Colonel Hackworth, at least in his own words and deeds, would seem to have been a one in a million person. His vision of leadership and dedication to his cause are inspiring. This book came as a strong recommendation. I had balked at the length of this audiobook- more than 40hours!! But listened to it in a relatively short period of time. That’s a testament not only to the story itself but also to the excellent, lively performance by John Pruden. If you’re interested in US military history dating from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, you will undoubtedly enjoy this.

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Phenomenal

The narrator John Pruden does an amazing job adding color and emotion. This is my favorite book of all time. Heckworth’s story is a must listen.

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Riveting! 40+hrs of energized history.

What a ride. From beginning till end it holds your attention and keeps you gripped.
Excellent reader as well!

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Must read

Was brought here by Jocko. A must read for all leaders both in the military and in industry.

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A career solder once!

Colonel Hackworth gave his life to the US Army serving in two wars and numerous spots across the globe tells his story in a no holds barred manner that is at times tough to hear but it was probably tougher to tell. Worth the time investment to read.

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Required Reading

I work in the defense industry and man this book hits home to me. It’s startling and powerful and absolutely as relevant today as the day it was written. I learned an incredible amount about wars that I thought I knew. It makes me realize just how far we haven’t come. If only every single person in the defense industry read it…

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great book

Loved it. Holds great perspectives from a time long ago. Ideal for those within the military or political career fields

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One of the best war time books published

I started this book after hearing part 1 of Jocko Podcast talking about it. I figured I should listen to it before listening to the multiple part series on the podcast. What a great book! The reading is powerful and entertaining. The stories are authentic in sound and consistent throughout the book. Truly the greatest generation. The leadership principles are sprinkled in the pages and sometimes hit you right in the face. "Hack" is a legend in my mind not because of the heroics from the book as much as his resolve to not betray his principles of doing what's right, sticking up for what's right, and loving his job. Very long read but well worth it.

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