Looking for USNA memoirs or biographies that descibe experiences at USNA

ALF648

ALF648

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Good Evening - The Unforgiving Minute is a terrific autobiography/memoir of Craig Mullaney's time at West Point and as an officer following graduation.

Do you have any suggestions of comparable works describing USNA and life as a JO?
 
A Sense of Honor by Jim Webb depicts the Naval Academy in the 1960’s. A lot has changed since then of course, but a lot also hasn’t, and it was a great read. Brothers Forever chronicles 2 USNA graduates who served post-9/11 and sacrificed their lives.
 
A couple primarily about women in the early years at USNA include First Class by Sharon Disher and No Coincidences by Janie Mines. Many of the things described are now dated (especially re how women were treated) but they are good reads. A Civil War by John Feinstein follows the stories of football captains from USNA and USMA for a year. It's primarily about football at the SAs in the late 80s/early 90s but also provides info about life at the SAs.

I've not read it but In the Shadow of Greatness is a book about grads from the Class of 2002 -- the first to graduate after 9/11.

Keep in mind that any book about USNA covering the period prior to the mid 90s will include tales of things that just don't happen today, such as hazing. That said, each of these books also details things that never change, which is a good thing.
 
Thanks to all. I have Brothers Forever and The Nightengale’s Song on the way
 
usna1985 said:
A couple primarily about women in the early years at USNA include First Class by Sharon Disher and No Coincidences by Janie Mines. Many of the things described are now dated (especially re how women were treated) but they are good reads.
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I was there for much of this and endorse these books. Janie was a company mate and friend, she graciously signed the copy that she sent to me.

Keep in mind that any book about USNA covering the period prior to the mid 90s will include tales of things that just don't happen today, such as hazing. That said, each of these books also details things that never change, which is a good thing.
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Absolutely.
 
Kierkegaard said:
A Sense of Honor by Jim Webb depicts the Naval Academy in the 1960’s. A lot has changed since then of course, but a lot also hasn’t, and it was a great read.
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Now you're bringing me back. One of my shipmates had it when we were doing our shakedown cruise of our newly commissioned ship. I finally got to read it just as we were approaching the equator so this was my reading material during the end of my pollywoghood and the beginning of my service as a trusty shellback.
 
If memory serves - a lot of people got banged up in the fall of 1981 trying to recreate the seawall run after the book first came out. We would see the casualties coming through 8-0.
 
8th Wing Refugee said:
If memory serves - a lot of people got banged up in the fall of 1981 trying to recreate the seawall run after the book first came out. We would see the casualties coming through 8-0
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I used to run the seawall pretty regularly...but only when it was dry !
 
There’s also a “Black N” Trilogy of realistic fictional novels based on the author’s experiences at USNA in the 90s. Never read them but I’ve heard good things. As the name implies it details quite a few conduct offenses.
 
I have read all the books that are mentioned. Sense of Honor always has a special place in most Mids hearts, I still re-read it every few years. I didn't graduate a million years ago, nor am a recent grad, so I fall between some of the older hazing and traditions and what USNA is today. So part of a Sense of Honor hit home for me and others are foreign. My 2/C as a Plebe I am pretty sure could of been in that book though! First Class by Sharon Disher and No Coincidences by Janie Mines both are great reads. Both are amazing ladies who helped pave the way for me, as a woman, to attend USNA. Nightengale's Song is also an amazing book about some rock star USNA alumni leaders. Mr. Timberg was a great American, I had some unforgettable conversations and dinners with him over the years. Brothers Forever hit home as I know some of the folks who are in the book and really highlights what it was like for many of us who served in these theaters. Shadow of Greatness shows what it was like for many of us who went from peace to war while in uniform either while at a SA or as young officers. Civil War stands out to me as I was an athlete and the book speaks to me in so many ways. Although I never played in a football Army Navy game, I have played in nearly a dozen Army Navy games and there is nothing like it. The Black N trilogies have given me some laughs. They are great books and really show what it life is like behind the curtain. As someone who stood some restriction musters (but never got a Black N) I appreciate a book about those of us who marched alot of tours and stood alot of restriction musters! I think some of the stories are definitely exaggerated. I do not know the author, but I have a few buddies who know him well and said he was a trip as a Mid.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am getting deeper into The Nightengale's Song each day. Great structure for a story
 
Kierkegaard said:
A Sense of Honor by Jim Webb depicts the Naval Academy in the 1960’s. A lot has changed since then of course, but a lot also hasn’t, and it was a great read. Brothers Forever chronicles 2 USNA graduates who served post-9/11 and sacrificed their lives.
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“Discipline: The Annapolis Way” by Mike Nemmeth. One of my all time favorites.
 
There is another called The Admirals. It is not per se about USNA, but it does talk about how USNA shaped the 5-star admirals of WWII, explaining why some of the most important buildings in the Yard are named after them. Another great point -- every one of those men had a major glitch as a JO. Someone gave each of them a second chance and look what happened! A great lesson on life for everyone (both those who need that second chance and those in a position to give it).
 
Another James Webb book that is lesser known is "A Country Such as This". It deals with some USNA grads and
I think covers some of the post USNA experience pretty well.
 
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