Few enlisted Soldiers have captured and recorded the experiences and lifestyle of the enlisted Soldier during the nation's history. One such author is 1 SG Percival G. Lowe. Through his journals and later his novel, "Five Years a Dragoon", he continues to enlighten later generations on the trials and hardship of being a Soldier in the mid 1800's. His accomplishments and contributions extend beyond the five years he spent in military uniform, through his continued service to the Quarter Master Department and as a civilian. In order to understand his perspective, you must also understand the individual, his background, and the experiences that made him the Soldier, leader, and person that he was.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.