Introduction: heroes, role models and legends -- Family influences -- His early years -- West Point cadet -- Revolution in Mexico -- Venezuela: a stand against a tyrant -- Nicaragua: deposing Zelaya -- Paris, wife and children -- French Foreign Legion in the First World War -- "Over the top" with the U.S. Army -- Polish-Soviet War -- Greco-Turkish War -- Morocco and the Rif War -- Spanish Civil War -- Dodging the FBI to recruit pilots for France -- The Eagle Squadrons and the Battle of Britain -- "Wild Bill" Donovan and the Office of Strategic Services -- Moment of truth, or how Sweeny would have won World War II -- A thorn in the side of Roosevelt -- 2600 Walker Lane -- Defending Petain -- Blaming FDR for Pearl Harbor -- World disorder and revolution -- Sweeny's last war.
Summary:
"Charles Sweeny was the heir to a fortune. Renouncing a life of comfort, he became a warrior for causes he believed in. This detailed biography draws on Sweeny's personal papers, historical documents and photos to tell the story of America's most celebrated soldier of fortune--a lifelong friend of Ernest Hemingway and a model for his fictional heroes"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.