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Griffin began his career not as a writer but as a military man like the type he would eventually make millions writing about. After growing up in both New York City and the Philadelphia suburb of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, Griffin took the step in 1946 that -- little did he know at the time -- would set the course for his literary life: He enlisted in the United States Army. After finishing basic training, he went through counterintelligence instruction at Fort Holabird, New Jersey, and was assigned to the Army of Occupation in Germany under Major General I. D. White, commander of the U.S. Constabulary.
In 1951, while attending Philips University, in Marburg an der Lahn, in Germany, Griffin was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He again served under General White, both at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and in Korea, where he earned the Expert Combat Infantry Badge and served as a combat correspondent and as acting X Corps (Group) information officer. Upon his release from active duty in 1953, Griffin was appointed chief of the Publications Division of the Army Signal Aviation Test & Support Activity at the Army Aviation Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Although he first wrote under various pen names, Griffin didn't begin writing his bestselling string of military novels until he was well into his 50s. His first Brotherhood of War novel, The Lieutenants, was published in 1982 and touched off Griffin's well-known reputation for writing with historical accuracy and fascinating detail. Publishers Weekly noted that this first novel "captures the rhythms of WW II army life... in an absorbing account of life among military men." Griffin would go on to pen additional books in the Brotherhood of War sequence and to launch other bestselling series -- including The Corps, Badge of Honor, Honor Bound, and Men at War, among others.
While Griffin's public persona is a bit of an enigma -- he's not one to make the talk show rounds -- it's clear that he both knows and appreciates his readers, especially his fellow military men. On his official web site, Griffin reflects, "Nothing honors me more than a serviceman, veteran, or cop telling me how much he enjoys reading my books."
He was vested in the Order of St. George by the U.S. Armor Association.
Griffin addressed the Corps of Cadets for the United States Military Academy.
BishopFL
Posted January 1, 2010
The first time I read a Griffin book that had been co-authored with his son, I had to put it down unfinished - it was in the ' Men at War ' series, and as one who had read and re-read all of Griffin's books many times, it was easy for me to see that two hands were at work. The next co-authored book was much better, and the teamwork keeps on improving.
The last co-authored book, "The Traffickers" suffered horribly at the hands of the editors at GP Putnam (as did a recent Clive Cussler title). The Putnam folks did a better job this time, but have yet to achieve anthing near perfection.
For fans of Cletus Frade and the other characters, this book does not disappoint. My first reading was - as are most first readings - hurried, and I have just begun my second, and more careful, read of the book.
One of the best things about the books of WEB Griffin, other than the historical details, are the well-drawn characters and attention to detail.
Again, this book is worth the price and will not disappoint.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MUNIR
Posted April 22, 2010
I was late in reading the book, as I am not living in the US.
Nevertheless, I went through it as soon as it arrived and I can only say this is what we expect from this great writer.
Bringing us back to the days of WWII and all its intrigues, the private life of the Frade family and the great camaraderie and loyalty among the members of the Husares de Pueyrredon is like being among them again.
Yes, there are also honest Germans among the band of misfits and this was experienced also in other parts of the world during the war. But most had unfortunately given their lives to get rid of the evil at home. It is also a well known fact that many of the criminals fled to South America and had and still have florishing businesses well in to their third generations.
I hope (and feel) that there will be more of these series, that not only are great to read, but also an uncontested lesson of history of events that no one in the Americas (the US especially) know or tend to remember.
Thank you again for giving us this great pleasure.
K.Münir HAMAMCIOGLU
Istanbul, Türkiye
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 20, 2010
A strong continuation of a great WWII story.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 31, 2010
To those who like the other works of Griffin, you must like this story. The books in this series are fast paced military intelligence stories, that make you believe that the good guys can still win. Excellent read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 3, 2010
It does continue the story of what may or may not have happened in Argentina prior to the Peron regime. And there is occassionaly humor.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 8, 2012
Part of a book series and the author feels a paragraph or half-page explanation is needed as each character enters the story. We already know about the main characters. I would bet that 1/4 of the book was a rehash of who's who and how they fit into the story. Wasted space in a book that could/should have had more action.
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Posted November 9, 2011
HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE BOOK
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 12, 2011
I can't believe I read 5 books to get to a pathetic ending like this.
Don't even start to read the series.
it has a real lack of an ending, I thought that I hadn't downloaded all of the pages!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 31, 2010
This book is the fifth of the Honor Bound series of W.E.B Griffin and I have to say it is one of my favorite. I communte about two hours each day to work and I am always listening to audiobooks in my car. This one kept me on the edge of my seat for days. It is a pleasure to listen to and you get very involved in the characters. I have loved every book in this series and could hardly wait to listen to this one.
I like the fact that Griffin draws the listener/reader into the world of spies and war. I wasn't alive during the time period portrayed by this book but my uncle, aunt, and partents were. I love to ask them questions about the validity of some aspects of this audiobook. It is a great conversation starter.
Typical for WEB Griffin means fantastic for most any other writer. Griffin, and now his son continues to mete out hour after hour of good solid writing on the men in uniform, the solid characters, and the honor of arms. He sees inside as well as someone who spent 20 years in uniform, the deep seated need of these men and women to serve. I'm delighted to see each new book and all of his series, and hope that he continues to write for many more years.
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Posted February 21, 2010
Typical Griffin.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 21, 2010
This was another winner from W.E.B. Griffin. Not spectacular but a very good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.oldgoldenhair
Posted February 20, 2010
As in all his past achievements, W.E.B. allways manages to capture your attention. The plot, the cast of characters are artistically entwined to grasp an hold your attention through to the end that arrives leaving you with the want for his next accomplishment.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.TechGeek
Posted February 20, 2010
Another in a long line of great books. I have read tham all. Can hardly wait for a new one. This is a great series with great characters. The mix of history with fiction really make his books interesting and riveting.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 20, 2010
A very entertaining book, like all of his others. I do wish Griffin would advance the story more, and spend 100 pages less in re-telling and repeating.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 23, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted January 28, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 30, 2011
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Anonymous
Posted February 5, 2010
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Overview
August, 1943: In his short time as a spy with the Office of Strategic Services, young Cletus Frade has faced many unlikely situations, but nothing like his new assignment. Having helped Lieutenant Colonel Wilhelm Frogger escape a Mississippi P.O.W. camp, he must now get the defiant German to turn against his country.