A sense of honor

In the story, (Webb, 1995) “ A Sense of Honor” by author James Webb,  we learn about a tough guy by the name of Bill Fogarty who is a boxer and a first class senior midshipman who strives to become an officer in the Marine Corps.

We also learn about another character by the name of Captain Ted Lenahan who mentors his midshipmen who has made his return to Annapolis as a tactical officer, after receiving injuries during theVietnam War.

Fogarty referred to himself as being “ The best of the best” and his haughty and cruel nature was endured by those who feared him. Another interesting character; John Dean is a newcomer who complains, continuously which annoys his upper-classed, fellow Marines.

Fogarty’s remembers his fellow midshipmen as the author tells us (p. 1) “ He passed a small snowman several of them had collaborated on the day before. The snowman wore a midshipman Dixie cup hat, properly rolled and boxed, properly faced forward on its head, just above its head, just above its nonexistent eyebrows.

Its creators had awarded it the National Defense Medal, the red and yellow badge perfectly centered on the left side of the snowman’s chest.” Webb is able to convey that Fogarty wasn’t the tough and uncaring person that he tried so hard to be, but a man that could recall and cherish hismemorieswith the men who had taught him so well.

Harsh treatment and high demands were faced, continuously for underclassmen, which were hidden during this era and endured each day. We learn about hazing in that time period that was always evident and well-hidden.

The author, himself, was an attendee of the Annapolis US Naval Academy, which takes place in the year 1968, graduating with high honors, and shares his story about his adventures and friends, as they train during the Vietnam War era to become Marine and Navy Corps officers.

Webb’s story covers many areas, including the humor, hardships and lessons that can be learned while learning to become dedicated, disciplined and honorable United States leaders.

Webb’s book teaches that true and virtuous leaders don’t come easily. The author also, enlightens us to what a difficult and trying time the Vietnam War era had been and how this war wasn’t fought with faceless men, but with those of integrity, determination and endured trying times to become successful officers.

Reference Page

Webb, James. 1995. “ A Sense of Honor”. US Naval Institute Press. P. 1