Fat Leonard

How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navy

De: Craig Whitlock

Narrado por: Dan Bittner

#1 New York Times bestselling author Craig Whitlock’s “masterly investigation into one of the Navy’s worst scandals” (The New York Times).

All the admirals in the US Navy knew Leonard Glenn Francis—either personally or by his legendary reputation. He was the larger-than-life defense contractor who greeted them on the pier whenever they visited ports in Asia, ready to show them a good time after weeks at sea while his company resupplied their ships and submarines. He was famed throughout the fleet for the gluttonous parties he hosted for officers: $1,000-per-person dinners at Asia’s swankiest restaurants, featuring unlimited Dom Pérignon, Cuban cigars, and sexy young women.

On the surface, with his flawless American accent, he seemed like a true friend of the Navy. What the brass didn’t realize, until far too late, was that Francis had seduced them by exploiting their entitlement and hubris. While he was bribing them with gifts, lavish meals, and booze-fueled orgies, he was making himself obscenely wealthy by bilking American taxpayers. Worse, he was stealing military secrets from under the admirals’ noses and compromising national security.

Based on reams of confidential documents—including the blackmail files that Francis kept on Navy officers—Fat Leonard is the full, unvarnished story of a world-class con man and a captivating testament to the corrosive influence of greed within the ranks of the American military.

Incredible but true story.

Amazing to hear how cheaply US Navy admirals could be bought. And how easy they were let off.

Disheartening and compelling

Even though I had heard several podcasts and read some articles about this case, this book was very compelling and brought to light fascinating details about this stain on the Navy and the Department of Justice. I couldn’t put it down. Whitlock does a great job of introducing the many players and helpfully reminding the reader of their role when he brings them up chapters later. This should be must reading for any sailor sent to the Pacific Theatre, at the Naval Academy, and really anyone in service.

Wild Story!

Great listen! This absolutely unbelievable story is worth a listen for sure as it never ceases to amaze! Thoroughly enjoyed this one!

WHAT?

Couldn't put it down ! So, why are these officers receiving a retirement benefit? Great story. Plan to read more from this author,

The truth is stranger than fiction.

It's funny, while I'm listening to this book. I can't believe that this man was able to manipulate so many people in authority, and get away with it for so long.

I was thinking this should be made into a movie, and I thought to myself who would play fat. Leonard, and I thought it would be a fun role for The Rock. And then it turns out that wild fat Leonard was talking to a journalist, he thought it should be developed into a movie and then The Rock should play him.

Simply WOW!

Great story of what too many of us just didnt hear about...still amazed at how many got away with no punishment!!

Outstanding dive into a dark story for the Pacific Fleet

This was well-done. The US Atlantic and Pacific Fleets were always on different pages while I was in. I can certainly see how they got into trouble as the command ships like Blue Ridge had reputations for being playgrounds for admirals when I was in back in the late nineties/early two thousands.

Well researched book!

I remember reading about this in the papers. Listening to this book tied this drawn out and insane saga nicely together. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Compelling

This book drew me in more than I expected it would. I already knew it was an important topic but assumed it would be dry and frankly, a little dull. So credit the author for making the story compelling particularly as there were so many names to keep track of- there were vivid enough details to keep them all straight in my head.

Amazing story

I usually verify everything I listen to. keep this in mind as I’m writing my review before verification.
Totally believable accounting of what happened. My respect for military officers left me in the 1908’s as I worked for Generals and had several eye opening instances. This book is very captivating and frustrating yet it was good to have closure of the incident. Now I’d like to hear a book about “Tail hook” another USN happening. This is long and so worth the investment of time.