The Quiet Professional: Major Richard J. Meadows of the U.S. Army Special Forces

American Warriors

By: Alan Hoe

Narrated by: David Gilmore

Major Richard J. "Dick" Meadows is renowned in military circles as a key figure in the development of the U.S. Army Special Operations. A highly decorated war veteran of the engagements in Korea and Vietnam, Meadows was instrumental in the founding of the U.S. Delta Force and hostage rescue force. Although he officially retired in 1977, Meadows could never leave the army behind, and he went undercover in the clandestine operations to free American hostages from Iran in 1980.

The Quiet Professional: Major Richard J. Meadows of the U.S. Army Special Forces is the only biography of this exemplary soldier's life. Military historian Alan Hoe offers unique insight into Meadows, having served alongside him in 1960. The Quiet Professional is an insider's account that gives a human face to U.S. military strategy during the cold war.

Major Meadows often claimed that he never achieved anything significant; The Quiet Professional proves otherwise, showcasing one of the great military minds of 20th-century America.

©2012 The University Press of Kentucky (P)2013 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"An important story, and few men loom as large... as Maj. Richard J. Meadows." ( Wall Street Journal)

"This is a well written biography of the extraordinary life of a complex man. It should be on the suggested reading list of the Chief of Staff of the Army for Army leaders at every level and should be found in every soldier's professional library." ( Army)

"A book about one of the greatest legends in the world of U.S. Army special forces, Major Richard Meadows" ( Military Heritage)

Mr. Meadows an incredible human being.

I feel fortunate that I was able to listen to his book of his life. I thank Mr. Meadows and his family for his service. Our country in the world is a much better place because of him.

Great backstory of SF

The casual recollection style narrative was refreshing. Good listen for anyone interested in USSF history.

Just a great story about a humble American

Very well written, considering the constraints around security clearance and privy information on subjects. It’s nice to see that the good guys do win.

Great Story of an American Legend

I have read a great deal of books about MACV-SOG, Special Forces, LRRPs, SEALs, Rangers, etc and the name Dick Meadows seems to have come up frequently as one revered by the toughest and most dangerous men on Earth. This book definitely delivered and it was awesome to finally get the whole story of the man behind the legend. It had a really interesting chapter near the end that detailed some of the ways Meadows was able to maintain a happy marriage and family despite all of the challenges of his profession. I think that chapter would be great reading for men like Meadows as I understand divorce rates are extremely high in the warrior profession. That is sad, these men are such passionate patriots and they should be able to somehow enjoy their families and not suffer the pain of everything falling apart because of stress, deployments, etc. I hope someone can benefit from this recounting of the tactics Meadows used to ensure his family would survive the rigors of military life as successfully as possible.

Great American Hero

Every American should read this book. We are standing on the shoulders of giants. He served this country with honor.