HEROES IN OBSCURITY
By James Duermeyer
Heroes in Obscurity is a sincere, joyful look at a U.S. Navy officer’s service on “least of these” classes of ships during the Vietnam era. I applaud Jim for his memories of our days as shipboard junior officers. Jim’s service allowed him a unique and humorous set of experiences that can be best enjoyed in microcosmic surroundings. Thanks, Jim, for telling a valuable story of service that would otherwise be forgotten and certainly lost in annals that are fixated on flashy, big stories. —John C. Williams, Captain, U.S.N. Ret.
It is clear that James Duermeyer loved his active-duty years in the U.S. Navy. His memory of that time is sharp, and his stories of those years are very engaging. Whether the reader is an armchair warrior or one who has served, or is serving, this book offers a candid, humble, and humorous account of a young naval officer’s experiences at sea and ashore while obtaining his qualifications for greater rank and responsibilities. James Duermeyer served on three active-duty ships, ships that were not large or famous, ships that did their actual hard work every day, ships that caused young officers to mature rapidly. The reader will delight in the author’s tales from these unsung, rather obscure ships of the world’s strongest navy, written carefully to emphasize the human details that brought variety, vitality, and joy to a naval officer’s young career. —Stephen P. Duermeyer, Captain, U.S.N. Ret.
REVIEWS & ENDORSEMENTS
THEHAWKEYE.COM
BURLINGTON HAWK EYE
HEROES IN OBSCURITY, which should be of interest to readers in the area. He will be in Burlington on Friday, Oct. 28, for a book signing.
Author and former Iowan, James (Jim) Duermeyer will be available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at “Burlington by the Book,” 301 Jefferson Street, to sign his book, HEROES IN OBSCURITY.
It is a military memoir that pays tribute to a group of men who served with him on support auxiliary ships during the Vietnam War. It includes anecdotal stories of the difficult life on small, cramped-quartered minesweepers and a fleet tug. Duermeyer said stories of small ships are rare, even though the work on the ships was difficult and dangerous.
Duermeyer is a graduate of William Penn University at Oskaloosa, holding a B.A. in Social science/business and an M.A. degree from the University of Texas, Arlington. He served nearly four years active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, later completing 20 years and retiring as a Navy Commander.
Books are available at JamesDuermeyer.com or wherever you buy books.
A Navy veteran has penned a novel
Burlington, Iowa
On the Arts
Commentary by Bobby Wilson, 10/19/2011
HEROES IN OBSCURITY – book by James Duermeyer
An interesting read about the actual happenings on a ship in the Vietnam era. Gave me a true insight into the workings of the Navy and a ship.
Amazon reader
Reviewed on May 5, 2013
HEROES IN OBSCURITY – book by James Duermeyer
A glimpse into areas of the Navy that are not commonly discussed. It was interesting to learn about the workings of the eyes of someone who had been there. Very detailed.
Amazon customer
Reviewed on May 7, 2013