Publisher’s note: The Texas Lawbook is pleased to offer this new column in partnership with Texas-based Half Price Books sharing our readers’ favorite reads. “My Five Favorite Books” will publish every other Wednesday. Please email brooks.igo@texaslawbook.net for more information.
The following books captured my attention and taught me valuable lessons on sacrifice and leadership. All of them have connections to Texas in some way and I have found them applicable in the practice of law. They also help to maintain perspective when – one thinks – it was a tough day. As Admiral William H. McRaven and the SEALs say – “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday.” I hope you enjoy these, and please remember and thank our Veterans at all times – not only on Veterans Day.
From Omaha Beach to Dawson’s Ridge – The Combat Journal of Captain Joe Dawson by Cole C. Kingseed
Captain Dawson was the first Allied soldier off Omaha Beach on D-Day serving as First Army G Company Commander. He and two others made it off his Higgins landing craft before it was gone. Fifty years later, he introduced President Clinton at the American Cemetery 50th Anniversary Remembrance – above Omaha Beach. The observation deck at the cemetery marks the location of the German positions Captain Dawson eliminated after crawling off the beach avoiding fire from both directions (i.e. enemy and friendly). His story gets more courageous (if possible) when he is ordered to hold his position above Achen, Germany. His Company was attacked for 39 days straight with tremendous loss – but they held the line. If you want a front row seat to learn what happened – as it happened – in battles that helped change the course of World War II – this is your book. Kingseed tells the story of how in May of 1941, Dawson, who had graduated from Baylor and was working as a geologist in Corpus Christi, saw the writing on the wall and enlisted. He worked his way up through Officer Candidate School and fought in North Africa, Sicily and then was sent to the United Kingdom to train for the D-Day invasion. The rest is history.
The book is a compelling story of selfless sacrifice. Graduates of Baylor Law School may know that Captain Joe Dawson and Matt “Mad Dog” Dawson are brothers. I am told they are the only brothers in the state with statues. An elementary school in Corpus Christi is named after Captain Dawson with a statue of him as a soldier in front. Matt Dawson sits outside the courtroom at Baylor Law. Captain Dawson is buried in an ordinary grave in Corpus not far from my wife’s grandparents. He is a legend in the Omaha Beach area of France where tour guides tell visitors of his heroics daily. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Click here for more info.
A Dawn Like Thunder – The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight by Robert Mrazek
Torpedo Squadron Eight changed the course of history at the Battle of Midway and later at Guadalcanal – but at a tremendous price. No squadron in American naval history has suffered that level of combat loss – before or since. These brave naval aviators – unknowingly – were up against the best fighters Japan had at the time. They were no match. Nevertheless, Torpedo Squadron Eight confused the enemy and bought American dive bombers precious time which allowed the sinking of four of Japan’s aircraft carriers, changing the course of the war in the Pacific Theater. If that was not enough, the remainder of the squadron that was not at Midway was sent to Guadalcanal where they fought to survive enemy attacks, snipers, bombs, dengue fever, rats and snakes – but they held the line, controlling Guadalcanal which allowed the island hopping campaign that eventually led to the unconditional surrender of Japan in 1945. This book will cause you to shake your head at how these brave men did what they did. The stories in it are legendary and will never be forgotten. Click here for more info.
Conflict – The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine by General David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts
The best way to predict history is to study it. With his extensive background, General Petraeus does a masterful job of investigating post-World War II conflicts and providing insights for the battles waged today. For anyone interested in history and what may lie ahead for our country and the World, it is an interesting and compelling read. Spoiler alert for those interested in AI and cyber strategies, the General does not disappoint. Click here for more info.
Marine Maxims: Turning Leadership Principles Into Practice by Colonel Thomas J. Gordon, USMC (Ret.) is a must-read book with 50 core leadership principles based on Colonel Gordon’s significant experience in the Marine Corps and his experience as a cadet at The Citadel for college. Know Thyself, It is NOT About You, and Embrace the Suck are some of my favorites. These principles are applicable in daily life as much as they are in the Marines Corps. This is a great book. Click here for more info.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog – Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy) by Admiral William H. McRaven is another excellent book on leadership from a well-known Texan who served his country with distinction. The “Bullfrog” is the longest serving SEAL on active duty. Admiral McRaven became the Bullfrog in 2011. Having seen every leadership issue imaginable, he is a fountain of knowledge. The book is a fast and fun read with some humor. “Run to the Sound of the Guns,” “Who Dares Wins,” and “Hope is Not a Strategy” are a few of the chapter titles. Please grab a copy and enjoy the read. You will not be disappointed. Click here for more info.
Brett Govett focuses his litigation practice on commercial, intellectual property, and tort cases. He is a graduate of The Citadel and has hosted leadership programs featuring Captain Chris Cassidy, Brigadier General Aida T. Borras, Major General John Davis, Major General Dustin A. Shultz, Colonel Tom Clark, Colonel Thomas J. Gordon, Rosalyn Dawson Thompson, Lieutenant General John Rosa, and Captain Eugene F. Paluso.
