The Quiet Professional: Major Richard J. Meadows of the U.S. Army Special Forces (American Warriors Series)

A common nickname for the United States Army Special Forces is "The Quiet Professionals." They earned this moniker through being completely dedicated to the task at hand and completing their missions without expectations of fanfare. For the most part, despite the age of mass media and a time where special operations forces (especially Navy SEALs) enjoy fanfare due to their role at the forefront of the Global War on Terrorism, this nickname has continued to apply to the Special Forces.Those who have studied the history of Army special operations, as I have, are familiar with the name Dick Meadows. His name arises at several key moments throughout the Cold War. In the book THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL, retired 22nd SAS Major Alan Hoe, a compatriot of Meadows's, details exactly how Meadows was molded as a man and a warrior, as well as the impact and legacy that he left in his wake.Like so many who enter the special operations field, Meadows grew up a child of adversity, living in abject poverty and growing up functionally illiterate. At the age of 15, Meadows falsified his age to enlist in the United States Army. Five years later, he was the youngest Master Sergeant (E-8) in the history of the US Army. Three years after that, Meadows had become one of the first Special Forces soldiers, and wholly dedicated himself to his craft.Meadows's list of accomplishments include:-being one of the first two Americans to complete the famed 22nd SAS Selection and Training Course-being one of the first to bring freefall parachuting to the special operations toolbox-being the man responsible for providing evidence of North Vietnamese Army presence on the Ho Chi Minh Trail-being the first man to earn a battlefield commission in the Vietnam War (from MSG directly to CPT)-being one of the principal planners and team leaders for Operation: IVORY COAST (the Song Tay Raid)-being one of the key trainers in the formation of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force)-infiltrating Iran head of Delta Force, with little tradecraft training, to prep the battlespace, and exfiltrating the country in the wake of the mission's failure-establishing a major and respectable security industry during a turbulent time in PeruThrough Meadows's own words, as well as the words of his friends and those who chewed the same dirt as he, Major Hoe not only paints the impact that Meadows had on the modern United States Army, but his impact on both American and British special operations and on the nation of Peru. We also see first-hand that Meadows is a man with immense love for his nation, for his comrades, and for his family, a man that led from the front at all times.Major Hoe also does a remarkable job of refuting Meadows's regret that "I've not done anything significant." It would be enough to point out Meadows's history, or to highlight that he fought in two wars, or that he is a recipient of:-Distinguished Service Cross-two Silver Stars-a Bronze Star with V Device-the Legion of Merit-Combat Infantryman Badge-Ranger TabMajor Hoe does not stop there. Both through his own words, and the words of those who had served alongside Major Meadows, Major Hoe display how an impoverished teenager grew to be one of the most charismatic and critical components of the Special Forces.To recommend this book to students of special operations history is insufficient. Every red-blooded American looking to learn more about a national hero should read THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL. It is a profound read that will make anyone with a drop of patriotism in their blood take a step back in quiet reflection, express gratitude to have such men as Richard J. Meadows as predecessors in the defense of American freedom, and hope that those present and future can strive to walk in his footsteps.Major Dick Meadows established the standard of quiet professionalism, and every word in THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL hammers that point home. It is a read worth every single minute.

Very insightful

After reading the story of one of the most honorable people that ever served this country, I am simply awestruck. Someone who came from such meager beginnings to have accomplished all Richard did in his life is nothing short of amazing. He came across as someone who made every effort to raise those around him up to his level not beat them down by shame or abuse. When you read the book there is little wonder that those he lead would follow him through the gates of hell with a teaspoon of water to fight with. I have worked with & served under a good amount of people none of which met his pinnacle of honor & devotion. Here is a man who was not a glory hound or a narcisist, instead he was extremely humble & only wished he could have done more for his people & country. Everyone should attempt to immulate his leadership style & put there ego in the closet. He was truly a one of a kind.

A fine book about one of the earliest and lesser-known special operators in the U.S. Army.Few men have spent 20 years enlisted in the U.S. Army and then received a battlefield commission as a captain, but Dick Meadows was one of a kind. A fascinating story that gives excellent insights into this dedicated, talented, courageoeus leader, and what it took to enlist at age 15 and become absolutely one of the very best.P.M. Byrne

Reading this book I had to remind myself that I was not reading a work of fiction but the exploits of a man that served his country with everything he had.It was also refreshing the account of his home life and how he relinquished control over to his wife. Having served it seems like that is the biggest hurdle for couples on returning from deployments

I first read about Dick Meadows in other books about SOG and Vietnam and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. I was not dissapointed. The Quiet Professional is a great book detailing the life of one of America's finest warriors. If you enjoy reading about our military heros then you will want to get a copy of this book. This book will leave you with a sense of pride that we have men like Major Meadows out there, looking out for our safety and protecting our freedoms. If you want to read another book detailing Major Meadows exploits I strongly recommend Benjamin Schemmer's, "The Raid: The Son Tay Prison Rescue Mission." I believe John Plaster details some of Meadows missions in his book, "SOG: The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam."

I don't know where to start in describing how much this book should be on every shelf of anyone who has the slightest interest of anything to do with military history! I'll guarantee that once you start reading this book, you'll have a hard time putting it down! In fact, you'll start to slow down reading it when you realize that you are nearing the end, Why? because you will be realizing that it will soon be over, and you'll want it to continue for several more chapters! Dick Meadows is one of a kind. If only America had more men like him, both on the battlefield(s) and in Washington, We would be in so much better shape as a nation!

I have read a few books about S.O.G and L.R.R.P-and many of the books mentioned the name Richard Meadows for his daring exploits and because he has the record for most amount of enemy prisoner abductions. So when I heard of a biography on the legend I couldn't wait to pick up a copy. The book gives a good background on the Major and then goes into many of his commands and mission as in Laos and the starting of Delta Force(u.s. counterterrorism unit) which he had a large part in setting up. Great read for any body who Is into special operation forces and one of the greatest soldiers to ever put on a U.S. army outfit.

Years ago, I bought a hardback book by Sergeant-Major Joe R Garner who was a close friend of Meadows and served with him in tours in Vietnam. So I was particularly pleased to be able to read of the man's experiences directly, and his incredible life in Special Forces. Strangely, such an influential and brave man retired a relatively junior officer - but nevertheless, his legend was written and what a story it is!

This Was a Great Christmas Present for Someone I Know Very Well :DHis Reaction. Stunned That I Had Actually Bought Him The Book That He Had Asked for Christmas. He Really Enjoyed The Book

I have read so many references to Dick Meadows over the years that i finally found the book that details his extraordinary life. Brilliant read. I read the autobiography of Chuck Yeager many years ago, and now finally i have found another book that details an exceptional man.

I read small stories but the book does this man,hi life and his legion justice.

The book is very good, informative with great descriptions. It is a biography book and if you're interested in this kind of literature you will love it! I recommend it!