One Soldier's Story

A Memoir

By: Bob Dole

Narrated by: Paul Hecht, Cynthia Darlow

“A poignant and inspiring memoir. . . . Dole’s odyssey of courage and determination can be a guideline to us all.”— Philadelphia Inquirer

In his own words, Bob Dole tells his legendary World War II story—a personal odyssey of tremendous courage, sacrifice, and faith

In One Soldier’s Story, Dole recites the moving, inspirational story of his harrowing experience in World War II, and how he overcame life-threatening injuries long before rising to the top of the U.S. Senate. As a platoon leader in the famed 10th Mountain Division, 21-year-old Bob Dole was gravely wounded on a hill in the Italian Alps just two weeks before the end of the war. Trying to pull his radioman to safety during a fire-fight against a fortified German position, Dole was hit with shrapnel across his right shoulder and back. Over the next three years, not expected to survive, he lapsed in and out of a coma, lost a kidney, lost the use of his right arm and most of the feeling in his left arm. But he willed himself to live.

Drawing on nearly 300 never-before-seen letters between him and his family during this period, Dole offers a powerful, vivid portrait of one man’s struggle to survive in the closing moments of the war. With insight and candor, Dole also focuses on the words, actions, and selfless deeds of countless American heroes with whom he served, including two fellow injured soldiers who later joined him in the Senate, capturing the singular qualities of his generation. He speaks here not as a politician, but as a wounded G.I. who went on to become one of our nation’s most respected statesmen. In doing so, he gives us a heartfelt story of uncommon bravery and personal faith-in himself, his fellow man, and a greater power.

A Real American Hero and Leader

Where does One Soldier's Story rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 10 percent.

What other book might you compare One Soldier's Story to and why?

This book tells a humble hero's story of a man who was a Presidential candidate, US Senator, US Army Officer in WW II, and disabled WWII Veteran and a whole lot more. Dole was/is all of those things. Back when he ran for President, I didn't know anything about him. Then, the press did a real number on him and we all looked at him as Bob Dull .... wow, were we ever stupid for that. This book makes up for that and gives us all a great look at the man the news media made us overlook.

Which character – as performed by Paul Hecht and Cynthia Darlowe – was your favorite?

Narrated by Paul Hecht , Cynthia Darlowe. Excellent job by the narrators.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

His first trip back home from the VA Hospital in Topeka, just for a visit and the awakening that it became.

Any additional comments?

Before I read this book; I never felt that Mr. Bob Dole was any more special than any other Kansas Senator. After listening to it, I wish I'd had this information when he was running for President. Bob Dole is the real deal. We missed a tremendous opportunity to have him for our President. Not that Clinton is not the real deal, but Dole certainly was as capable as Clinton.

I definitely recommend this book - especially for high school kids, service men and women and veterans.

Everyone Should Read!

Every leader or American Patriot can benefit from this humble story written by humble leader that made a positive difference in the world!

One Soldier’s Story

This was a fabulous book written by a pretty memorable person. Bob Dole’ shared is family’s story and growing up in a small Midwestern town which molded him into the man he became. His experience during WWII and catastrophic injury as the fighting was winding down in Europe also changed his life but his faith, family, and small town values saw him through. Coming from a very political family my familiarity with Bob Dole was all about his career in the House as well as supporting his wife’s career in politics. This story shed light on an extraordinary man who served his country all his life. Sadly, we lost one more member of The Greatest Generation this week.

It Changed My Mind about Bob Dole!

If you love the US, you'll love it more after you hear Bob Dole's incredible story ... this is a powerful story about a most-humble US servant. If our youth were given Dole's story for American History class reading/listening today, it would change our nation's future instantly. No politics and no bull ... A MUST-LISTEN.

Greatest generation

Humble beginnings developed a man of character who demonstrated his love of country facing down every challenge. A true war hero.