For Love of Life and Country

by Dean Hunter

For Love of Life and Country details the life of Dean Hunter, encapsulating the impulses, ideas, discoveries and beliefs that have formed and nurtured Americans over the past five decades. The author's invincible beliefs, his love of life and devotion to his country carry him from the Boy Scouts of America through high school, into the US Marine Corp's rigorous book camp training and on into combat in Korea. THey take him to his 20-year service as an Air Force pilot, including five years as a fighter pilot in the Southeast Asia conflict. From growing up in a small American town during the trying times of WOrld War II to serving his country the experiences related here are humorous, thoughtful, tragic and joyous. For Love of Life and Country is as American as John Wayne and apple pie.

402 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. I met Mr. Hunter at the Palm Springs Air Museum over Christmas break in 2014. I was impressed with him when he said to me twice that if I didn't like the book, he'd buy it back from me. I was skeptical -- but he convinced me, so I bought the book and started reading.
While a lot of the military jargon and acronyms were over my head, I was never confused and certainly never bored. Every story was a good one. Mr. Hunter is a fabulous story-teller and his writing makes you feel like he is sitting right next to you, drink in hand, reminiscing. His life is really quite extraordinary. I am sure his family encouraged him to write down his experiences and if they did, I'm so glad he complied.
Mr. Hunter is honest and unapologetic about the horrors of war and at the same time humble, grateful and self-deprecating about his occasional mistakes and successes alike. He is charming and impressive.
All in all a very interesting and entertaining read.