Over the past century, America's Eagle Scouts have earned a reputation for service, virtue, and leadership that is recognized throughout the world. But few people realize the full extent to which Eagle Scouts have made a mark on American history. They have served as astronauts, soldiers, politicians, and businessmen, but they have also been the fathers, brothers, Scoutmasters, coaches, and other role models who have played an integral part in American life. Alvin Townley set out across the country to hear the stories of these Eagle Scouts. He spoke with individuals from every region, of every age and every background, some of whom have risen to fame as public figures while others have left a lasting impact outside of the spotlight. The Eagle Scouts who share their experiences include Bill Gates, Sr., Bill Bradley, J. W. Marriott, Jr., Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg, Richard Lugar, Michael Dukakis, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, coach Chan Gailey, and Capt. Jim Lovell of Apollo 13. The book also explores the virtues of a Tuskegee Airman, a Vietnam War POW, a September 11 NYPD hero, a crew of Hurricane Katrina relief workers, and a host of others from every walk of life. During his journey, Alvin discovered stories of character, courage, and inspiration that belong not only to Eagle Scouts but to all Americans. These stories form the heart of Legacy of Honor and offer us a chance to appreciate the profound impact that Eagle Scouts have had on American history and the lasting role they will play in our country's future.

As they neared the Mercat Cross, Jamie saw the red-coated soldiers, the horse-drawn cart with two prisoners, and townspeople gathering, their breath smoking in the frigid air. Filled with dread of what was about to happen, Jamie dismounted near the crowd and tied his horse to a post. Archie slid down, dropped his reins, and plucked at Jamie's sleeve. "Stay, lad. It is too late. Ye can only do yerself harm in tryin' tae interfere with this proceeding." Jamie pulled away. "But, I must save my mama " he sobbed. "The soldiers will put yer back tae the lash, as weel as hers." He seized Jamie in a tight grip and held him close. "They canna do this " came out in a hoarse whisper. "Aye, they can and they will," growled Archie. The Highlands of Scotland in 1744 roil with intrigue and hopes for a rising against the hated Hanoverian monarchy in London. As in the past, the clans look to the powerful Drummond family of Strathallan for leadership. Is the time right to support the impetuous Bonnie Prince Charlie, who promises to restore the House of Stewart to the throne? Political machinations mean little to six-year-old Jamie Drummond, eventual heir of Strathallan. Steeped in the traditions and legends of the glorious past of his people, he experiences the coming of war to his Highland home as an adventure. The reality and suffering of war and its aftermath become all too real to young Jamie, as he and his mother flee the advancing enemy to find refuge with her family in the mountainous north. But war, death, and intrigue soon follow the Drummonds.

A dedicated U. S. Army Helicopter pilot tries to survive his tour of duty in Vietnam. To do so he must survive combat missions, bad weather, mechanical problems and human error. This is his fascinating story.

Honor and Duty is a tribute Chinese Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII. Biographical information, detailed service record, and photographs provide vivid evidence of their service to the United States.

As three couples fight to stay alive in the turbulent tide of Nazi control, their struggle takes you to the depths of God's provision and grace. With quiet determination and courageous hearts, they risk everything to stand for their faith.

In 1862, Andrew "Andy" Jackson Smith, son of a white landowner and enslaved woman, escaped to Union troops operating in Kentucky, made his way to the North, and volunteered for the 55th Massachusetts, one of the newly formed African American regiments. The regiment was deployed to South Carolina, and during a desperate assault on a Confederate battery, the color bearer was killed. Before the flag was lost, Smith quickly retrieved it and under heavy fire held the colors steady while the decimated regiment withdrew. The regiment's commanding officer promoted Smith to color sergeant and wrote him a commendation for both saving the regimental flag and bravery under fire. Honorably discharged, Smith returned to Kentucky, where over the course of the next forty years he invested in land. In the early twentieth century, Burt G. Wilder, medical officer of the 55th, contacted Smith about his experiences for a book he was writing. During their correspondence, Wilder realized Smith was eligible for the nation's highest award. In 1916, Wilder applied to the army, but his request for Smith's medal was denied due to the "absence of records." At Smith's death in 1932, his daughter Caruth received a box of his papers revealing the extent of her father's heroism. Her nephew took up the cause and through long and painstaking research located the lost records. With the help of historians, local politicians, and others, Andrew Jackson Smith received his long overdue Medal of Honor in 2001.