Meet my friend Greg Vail

Thought for the day

Meet my friend Greg Vail

I am a World War II buff. I'm guessing I have seen 100 movies and read a dozen books about the war. So when my friend Greg told me years ago he planned to write a book about his father's exploits during World War I (often called The Great War) I was intrigued. With this backdrop, read on.  

Greg Vail spent four years researching and writing The Soft Mud of France. It's the story of Greg's father, First Lieutenant William H. Vail, an aviator with the United States Air Service 95th Aero Squadron in World War I.

On November 6, 1918, Lt. Vail met his rendezvous with destiny in the skies above France. That day, he and a fellow pilot unwittingly flew into a swarm of nine German adversaries. Greg's father witnessed the trap being set and sought to alert his comrade–to no avail. When he could have retreated with no censure, Vail diverted the Germans’ attention to himself, allowing his fellow pilot to escape unharmed. One incredibly brave man confronted the nine—alone. Let's face it:  Odds of nine to one were not odds. They were a death sentence.

The ensuing combat with nine German aviators is among the last acts of bravery during The Great War. Because he saved the life of his comrade, Lt. Vail was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with Silver Star citation, and recommended for the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military award.

The Soft Mud of France is more than a military history. It covers the ensuing 64 years of Bill Vail's life and those around him. It is a tale which contains cautionary geopolitical and personal lessons on how pivotal moments create permanent effects. As my friend, Greg, says, "It is a profile of high character and comportment." If you ask me, that's an understatement.

Congratulations, Greg. I never could have done what you have. To order your copy of The Soft Mud of France, click here https://www.amazon.com/dp/1953201628?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860.

Denny