The annals of the U.S. Special Forces has many heroes, but Major Richard J. "Dick" Meadows stands out as the ultimate "quiet professional." With an international reputation, his exploits are recognized by the Special Forces of a number of countries. Highly decorated as a combat veteran of the wars in Korea and Vietnam, Meadows was instrumental in founding the U.S. Delta Force and Hostage Rescue Team. This book is the only biography of this exemplary warrior's life.

Prologue: Changing the course of the Vietnam War -- 1. Early Years, 1932-1947, 11 -- 2. The young soldier and Korea, 1947-1952, 25 -- 3. Special Forces, 1952-1960, 37 -- 4. A lighthearted interlude with the Brits, 1960-1961, 45 -- 5. Laos and the learning curve, 1962, 61 -- 6. Panama and the fun years, 1962-1965, 69 -- 7. Vietnam and RT Ohio, 1965, 83 -- 8. Vietnam through an officer's eyes, 1966-1970, 97 -- 9. They'll know we cared: Son Tay, 1970, 107 -- 10. The Rangers, Mr. Meadows and Delta Force, 1970-1980, 129 -- 11. "Agent" Meadows in Tehran, 1980, 141 -- 12. Footloose, 1980-1984, 167 -- 13. Entrepreneur in Peru, 1984-1989, 173 -- 14. The Golden Days in Peru, 1989-1991, 189 -- 15. The Bubble Bursts in Peru, 1991-1995, 197 -- A Special Forces Marriage, 211 -- The Last Patrol, 215 -- Epilogue, 223. Appendix: Research Notes on the Use and Effects of Agent Orange, 229.