Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles riots of 1992. The book is a tribute "to all who worked, and in gratitude that all came back safely--as on wings of eagles..."

This is the only event of "hostilities" in which I served in uniform. I was packed and ready when the First Shirt called. I told him "OK, I play a French Horn, and I'm not afraid to use it!"

I played on street -- a capella -- maybe 100 times - in as many locations in the burning city. I volunteered as a guard for the driver of the first deuce-and-a-half filled with MP soldiers. I knew the driver - and we knew what we were going to do: We helped each other with gear, weapons and armor, and drove to the front of the line.

We were the first truck in. The ammo was boxed in the bed. The only live ammo was in my weapon. The soldiers bouncing around in the back were not permitted to load their M16s as we headed toward the flaming streets.

The only casualty in our unit was a lieutenant who shot himself in the leg trying to holster his side-arm.… (altro)