Riffs: Danny Brown, Author, Shooting the Pistol: Courtside Photos of Pete Maravich at LSU – On Richard Wheeler

“Since one favorite area of my interests is military history, particularly the American Civil War and World War II, it is difficult to narrow my choice of a favorite book. But at the top of my list is author Richard Wheeler. His Witness to Gettysburg and Witness to Appomattox are two of my favorite books.

These books about the 1863 Civil War battle of Gettysburg and the surrender of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, Va. are meticulously and thoroughly researched. Using written eyewitness accounts, he brings the narratives alive. Although I was already aware of what happened, Wheeler’s accounts left me with the feeling that I had been there.

It should be noted that Wheeler himself is a part of history. He served with distinction in WWII as a Marine and was severely wounded during the battle for Iwo Jima. He later wrote what is considered the best account of that WWII battle, The Bloody Battle for Suribachi. Recently, I spoke with him by telephone. Now 86, he retains a delightful sense of humor to go with his storehouse of knowledge about military history. What amazed me most was his knowledge and interest in my book. That had me nearly speechless. Soon after, I received an autographed copy of Witness to Appomattox. It is among my most prized possessions.”