A fascinating account of the years after World War II, when the Western Allies and the Soviet Union were divvying up what was left of Nazi Germany and the ruins throughout Europe.
Of course, one of the most valuable assets, was, the great technology that the Nazis were able to implement both before and during the war, especially in areas of aerospace, rocket engineering and science. Sometimes, as the allies found out, you have to “sleep with the devil” and roll the dice, and in this case they did. By allowing several Nazi German scientists, and rocket scientists, to work directly with the Allied forces, and in many cases even relocate to the USA, all of a sudden, there was a race to acquire as many of these valuable assets as possible.
Both the Western Allies and the Soviets knew of Adolf Hitler’s V-2 rocket program, the forerunner of ballistic missiles and the space race. Each recognized the immense strategic value of these technologies and wished to secure their benefits for themselves.
Both great emerging super powers, benefited tremendously from having the scientist on board and to further their own endeavors. Only to find themselves at a Cold War standoff in the near future.
A great look back at history, that not a lot of people pay attention to, especially because many times we are focused on the high-profile leaders during that era, and not all of the individuals behind the scenes.
As one who loves history, this was a fascinating book for me and I learned a great deal.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
