Old Gimlet Eye (Annotated): The Adventures of Smedley D. Butler

Interesting travel both through the life of the man as well as the Marine Corp.It depicts a total different view then what we see today nothing bad but a lot of struggles through the years.It seems that politicians have changed little over the many years always seeming to have the right answer with out any knowledge of the problem.Fun and interesting reading.

Written in first person narrative, this is a short account of Butler's remarkable career in the USMC from enlisting at age 16 prior to the Spanish American War to his politically motivated court martial as the second highest ranking marine. Reader's will learn exactly why Butler became so disillusioned with the government and military he served. There is precious little information about Butler, so this is a great resource. I was disappointed the book ends with his USMC career, so there is nothing about the Business Plot.

As an Army Officer, I spent a month at Quantico in the 1970’s and never heard of Smedley. In the 1930’s, he became outspoken about US deployments in support of Standard Oil and United Fruit, which tarnished his reputation to some of his peers. As a Vietnam veteran with Middle East deployments, I will just say “Right on, General. I love ya man.”

This book is well written to the extent that even some parts of Butler's career that could be slow are made interesting. It makes me proud to understand what men have sacrificed to make America great, and ashamed that often men in high places sometimes soil the flag for their personal gain. Any person would do well to emulate Butler's sacrificial form of leadership, but must not expect to always be appreciated.America will do well to have men of this caliber surface but alas I'm afraid too few will be found to lead us. Jeff Lahar

Great detail is given into the many military campaigns involving Butler and his beloved fighting men. The reader follows him through his days, months, and years as he travels the world for the defense and protection of the people and countries he and his marines are sent to rescue. Reading the account makes one feel that Smedley is sitting across the room giving a lively account of his years in service.

This was an enjoyable biography that covers the actions of the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. military in general as the United States became a world power in the late 19th and early 20th century. It begins with the Spanish -American War and covers U.S. actions in China, the Caribbean, Central America, and France. I found the descriptions on actions in Central America and Haiti to be very interesting.

The story progresses slowly, but each chapter holds the readers interest . General Butler, old gimlet eye, was a one of his kind U.S.Marine. He began his career at 16 years of age & rose to the position of the highest ranking officer in the U.S.Marine Corp.The entire story is told in the first person & is worth the time to read.

Can't think of another man that loved the Marine Corps more than Butler. And it also reveals how far back was that enmity between the Navy Brass/Politicians towards The Corps. Personally tough, yet a master in Leadership and Diplomacy - most of the reasons he was so often called on the carpet.NOT a boring read.