Duty: A Father, His Son, and the Man Who Won the War

This was a very compelling story written in Bob Green's journalistic and factual style; reads like a novel but is in fact a true and fascinating account of a sensitive subject. I'm a "Boomer" who thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This book is a treasure! I bought it as a gift, and I know its new owner will love it as much as I did.

Bob Greene takes us by the hand, ever so gently, and forces us to explore many points in the lives of our parents' generation-- from the good-time pre-War days, through the long, drawn-out conflict itself, to the prosperous post-War years of our own birth and coming-of-age, and now to the final chapter of our parents' lives. He leads us on this expedition while sharing some of his innermost feelings & fears (which are often 100% in sync with our own) on each step of the journey.Interwoven in the account of his own family's life (parts of which we already know, as faithful Greene readers since the 1970s), he tells us the story of Paul Tibbets, the man who commanded the crew that dropped the first atomic bomb, which ultimately brought World War II to a close. Tibbets lived for many years in the same small Ohio town as Greene's family, but like so many other GIs, he was unknown to all but a few of his own generation. In meeting Tibbets and recording his thoughts and observations, Greene learned a great deal more about his own father and the World War II generation in general. This and more, he shares with us in poignant detail.Not lost in all of this is the story of a man, his life's work complete, taking his leave of this earth slowly. Greene records many moments--both sad & touching at the same time--of his father's final weeks. To those of us who have already lived this chapter of life with our own family members, or may be facing it all too soon, it is a common-sense road map of just how one family managed to respond.You can almost see the elder Mr. Greene smiling down his approval on all that has been said in this book.

What an insightful and entertaining description of the author's search to understand his father's generation, their successful service in World War II, and things that he never explored with his father during his father's lifetime; by exploring those issues, and more, with Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the plane that dropped the first atom bomb on Hiroshima using interviews and shared time together.Greene's effort results in an outstanding profile of the "Greatest Generation", how they left a rural culture to return to the US after the war with change changing as there was broad social and economic change in the post war era. He explains how we changed as a country and a people, and shows why the war was won by the commitment to values that were taken with the soldiers as they took up their roles in the war and leaving a simple life that they enjoyed pre-war, even though the country remained in a depression until wartime rules and activity overcame it .This tomb makes a significant contribution to anyone's understanding of the evolution of America from 1930's to the present and is a very enjoyable read.

If you’re in to history, or curious about some of the men who flew the WWII Mission to Hiroshima, this book is wonderful. Additionally, the Author writes of the illness and eventual death of his father, also a WWII Veteran. The reader can’t help but relate to the loss of a parent, and the insights gained along the way. Personally, I loved hearing from General Tibet’s, Jr, as well as from Thomas Ferebee, (the bombardier), and also ‘Dutch’ Van Kirk, the Navigator (remember, no computers back then! The Navigator took readings from the stars if it was dark -which it was, the first few hours of the flight- once the sun was up, he used maps or reconnaissance photos to navigate their way). All in all, an eye-opening read!

My dad was a B29 mechanic based on Tinian Island at the time Enola Gay and Bock's Car took off and delivered an end to WWII to the world. Very enjoyable and relatable read as I felt so many of the same emotions as the author. There are several great books on the subject out there - I have read most, and can recommend the one written by Charles Sweeney, who was the pilot of Bock's Car. I bought a copy of Duty for my brother, and I know he will enjoy it.Our dad passed away several years ago, but he always was proud if his service and especially while on Tinian.

When I finished "Duty" I calmly set the book down and spent several minutes thinking about my own dad. To say that this book is touching is an understatement. Bob Greene learns much about his father after his dad dies, through conversations with another World War II military man -- one General Paul Tibbets. It so happens that General Tibbets lives near Mr. Greene's parent's home and, after some 20 years of attempts, agrees to talk with the author. It also so happens that Paul Tibbets is the man who piloted the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb at Hiroshima.The many interviews with Tibbets let the reader view the Second World War (in particular the dropping of the first atomic bomb) through the mind of the man who flew the Enola Gay and very probably ended the war.Think about your dad, then read the book. You may never think about him the same way again.

Bob Green can write. He is telling the story of two honorable men.His subjects are General Tibbets, who flew the Enola Gay in WW2,and his own Father, Robert Green. Both were veterans of the war and menof the same generation. Green is making the point that these menare different. This generation is different. He has great admiration forthe men of yesterday. In spite of the subject and Greens writing skillsI am afraid I was bored. The book is a wonderful tribute to two brave men, and to that time in history. I wish I could say the book is also wonderful--afraid not.However, just because I did not like it does not mean that other readers will not like it.There are many war stories and reminisces of the period before and after the war.One of the best has to do with the Doolittle Raiders, and a reunion of the last 15 flyers.This book was written in 2000, probably all are gone now.

戦死する任務でも、作戦結果がどうなっても任務の遂行が軍人の責務で、警察官や消防士も任務のために殉職します。原爆投下は最終命令を下したトルーマンの責任でパイロットの責任とは考えられません（間違いなくジェノサイドfですが、彼が任務放棄しても次のパイロットは存在します）。それに彼はアメリカで英雄としての扱い、同じぐらいの非難を受け、自責の念がなかったとは思えません。ちなみに、3発目の原爆を落とすはずだったパイロットだったクロード・イーザリーの方がよっぽど狂気に満ちています。