A Black man's struggle through the military in America. The author kept a journal of activities throuhout his life. After being asked numerous time to put into words those achievements to inspire readers to look into the life of a child who heard over time "most likely not to succeed"and rose above those negative comments. The author shares his early years, college, military career and assignments, private industry, his minstry as a Pernament Deacon, and founder of a Safety and Environmental Engineering and Construction company.

William H. Richardson's "Journal of William H. Richardson, a Soldier in the Campaign of New and Old Mexico" is a primary source document that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a soldier during a pivotal period in American history. Written in a vividly descriptive, yet candid style, the journal captures the harsh realities of military life, including detailed accounts of battles, the challenges of navigating the rugged terrain, and interactions with both comrades and indigenous populations. Set against the backdrop of the mid-19th century, this work not only recounts military campaigns but also reflects on the broader themes of expansionism and national identity in a time of shifting borders and cultural encounters. William H. Richardson, a soldier who participated in these campaigns, penned this journal while grappling with the complex emotions that entangled duty, fear, and a sense of adventure. His experiences were shaped by the prevailing attitudes of Manifest Destiny, which fueled American expansion into new territories. This biography of sorts showcases the human dimension behind historical events that are often relegated to strategic assessments. Readers interested in military history, personal narratives, or the sociopolitical dynamics of 19th-century America will find Richardson'Äôs journal to be an invaluable resource. His honest reflections provide unique insights into both the psyche of a soldier and the era's ethos, making this journal a compelling addition to any historical literature collection.

As his father nears death in his retirement home in Mexico, John H. Richardson begins to unravel a life filled with drama and secrecy. John Sr. was a CIA "chief of station" on some of the hottest assignments of the Cold War, from the back alleys of occupied Vienna to the jungles of the Philippines—and especially Saigon, where he became a pivotal player in the turning point of the Vietnam War: the overthrow of South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem. As John Jr. and his sister came of age in exotic postings across the world, they struggled to accommodate themselves to their driven, distant father, and their conflict opens a window on the tumult of the sixties and Vietnam. Through the daily happenings at home and his father's actions, reconstructed from declassified documents as well as extensive interviews with former spies and government officials, Richardson reveals the innermost workings of a family enmeshed in the Cold War—and the deeper war that turns the world of the fathers into the world of the sons.