The Long Purple Line - by Ronald J Drez (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The Long Purple Line chronicles the military history of Louisiana State University from its founding in 1860 through all wars to the present. Ronald J. Drez unfolds that history through the actions and testimony of those who were there and who stepped out onto this nation's battlefields to create a military legend that would rival the famous Long Gray Line at West Point. As a land-grant university with a military commitment in the form of a Cadet Corps, LSU was destined to become a major contributor of distinguished military personnel in all of this country's engagements. LSU formed one of the first federal officer training units and has supplied an impressive array of military officers for all the armed services. During World War II, only West Point, the Naval Academy, and Texas A&M fielded more officers for the war effort. Two generals hailing from LSU would become Commandants of the Marine Corps. And LSU's own William T. Sherman's credentials place him among the top generals in United States history. As the drama of each chapter's action unfolds, readers will find themselves caught up in the roar of the battlefield, witnessing moments of gallantry by LSU cadets, alums, teachers, and associates. Drez highlights the extraordinary courage of LSU servicemen and women-a prerequisite on the battlefield and the very essence of the high standard of LSU's military history and tradition"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

The Long Purple Line chronicles the military history of Louisiana State University from its founding in 1860 through all wars to the present. Ronald J. Drez unfolds that history through the actions and testimony of those who were there and who stepped out onto this nation's battlefields to create a military legend that would rival the famous Long Gray Line at West Point. As a land-grant university with a military commitment in the form of a Cadet Corps, LSU was destined to become a major contributor of distinguished military personnel in all of this country's engagements.

LSU formed one of the first federal officer training units and has supplied an impressive array of military officers for all the armed services. During World War II, only West Point, the Naval Academy, and Texas A&M fielded more officers for the war effort. Two generals hailing from LSU would become Commandants of the Marine Corps. And LSU's own William T. Sherman's credentials place him among the top generals in United States history.

As the drama of each chapter's action unfolds, readers will find themselves caught up in the roar of the battlefield, witnessing moments of gallantry by LSU cadets, alums, teachers, and associates. Drez highlights the extraordinary courage of LSU servicemen and women--a prerequisite on the battlefield and the very essence of the high standard of LSU's military history and tradition.

Review Quotes

"Ron Drez has done it again! The Long Purple Line gallantly profiles how the Louisiana State University fighting Tigers have contributed to U.S. war efforts. With lucid and engaging writing, Drez explains LSU's long history as one of the premier schools producing U.S. military officers for this nation's conflicts. Drez's clear descriptions of military valor and courage are awe-inspiring. He transports the reader into the lines of battle, and into cockpits of aviators engaged in desperate combat, and onto the frozen battlefields of Bastogne and Chosin Reservoir to capture the thunder of the battlefield. This is a tremendous work of scholarship and storytelling."--Douglas Brinkley, New York Times bestselling author and acclaimed presidential historian

About the Author

Ronald J. Drez is the author of several award-winning military history books. He is the former assistant director of the Eisenhower Center at the University of New Orleans.