We have all heard the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” In other words, if there is a proven formula that works, keep using it. Over the years, I have found one author who has developed a proven formula and has not strayed too far from it—Mike Guardia. His latest book, Danger Forward: The Forgotten Wars of General Paul F. Gorman displays all the characteristics I have found and enjoyed in his previous volumes and clearly sticks to his formula.
The first part of the Guardia formula is to select a biography subject who may have been overlooked by historians. In the past, his biographies have focused on Donald Blackburn (a pioneer of U.S. Army Special Forces), Russell Volckmann (another pioneer of Special Forces and a legendary soldier in the Philippines during World War II), Donn Starry (an armor legend and a key architect in transforming the U.S Army following the Vietnam War), and Hal Moore (obviously well-known and revered, but who has enjoyed minimal scholarship). Guardia’s latest selection of Paul Gorman clearly follows this pattern. Gorman clearly had an impactful career, yet he has not received the attention he truly deserved for his contributions.
For those unfamiliar with Gorman, let me provide some highlights. Gorman had an extraordinary military career which spanned over thirty-five years. He began his service as a sailor in the U.S. Navy just prior to the end of World War II. The war ended prior to his deployment, and he subsequently was discharged. He was later accepted to West Point and graduated in June 1950.
