Since 9/11, America has gained a new appreciation of its heroes, something that had been lost for many years due to the conflicted emotions produced by the Vietnam War. What is a hero? In a media-saturated culture, which seems to venerate shallow celebrity idols and false heroics, it is worthwhile to revisit the true heroes of our history. Robert Skimin, a former paratrooper, army aviator, and artillery officer during his twenty years of military service, offers a compelling look at American history by tracing the life paths of its heroes and heroines. While many of the well-known heroes of history are included here, Skimin's unique account provides memorable vignettes and anecdotes, which bring the careers and contributions of these remarkable people to life. He also includes stories about more obscure heroes, whose courage was often as great as that of the most famous icons of history: for example, a Mexican-American kid who escaped a barrio gang to become one of the most impressive heroes of military history; and the Japanese American young men who created the most decorated unit ever while their parents were incarcerated in U.S. concentration camps.;Skimin also discusses such questionable heroes as George Armstrong Custer, whose little-known brother, Tom, was a two-time Medal of Honour winner. A Pulitzer Prize nominee for his novel Apache Autumn, Skimin has a knack for telling a page-turning story. "Footprints of Heroes" is a fascinating tour through America's wars, highlighting the service of those who went beyond the call of duty and left an example that is a lasting inspiration for us all.

Gray Victory is a richly textured, exciting novel of conspiracy and intrigue set mostly in Richmond. Its 1866, the year after the South won the war, and a live Jeb Stuart gets a court of inquiry over his actions involving Gettysburg. Stimulating subplots abound as John Mosby defends the flamboyant Stuart, and seeks the truth about Gettysburg, while a an abolitionist terrorist team, led by a son of John Brown, plots to kill the Southern leaders in the courtroom to ignite a return to war. Deeply researched. One of the most fascinating "what ifs" ever written.

p>First published in 1993, Skimin's 13th book covers Chihine Apache history from the 1500s to 1913. This work depicts Apache society and culture with understanding and empathy, resisting sentimentalism. Apache Autumn was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
"Skimin's research is awesome" -Booklist
"Skimin masterfully relates a tale that gives us a detailed view of the history and tradition." -Library Journal
"Unforgettable." -Houston Chronicle
"An absorbing drama that happens to come with a hefty-and healthy-dose of history." -Tucson Citizen

This book was first published in 1992. The work is a remarkable look at WWII flying in the Mediterranean. The winner of the 1953 Ohiohana book award for Chikara! is at his best in this aviation story. Ferdie Pacheco, M.D., The Flight of the Doctor on TV, presented valuable ideas in the making of this book, which received many laudatory reviews.

First published in 1984, this remarkable story of a Japanese American family, received accolades to this day. From 1907, through WWI, adventure and discrimination, Pearl Harbor and WWII, Hiroshima to the market battle of the 80's, this mighty epic is a powerful page turner.

"absorbing...rich in understanding of the Japanese spirit."
-Publisher's Weekly

"Riveting."
- Kansas City Star

"for anyone who wants a good book to read."
-Houston Chronicle

"a moving saga that makes for entertaining as well as educational reading."
-San Francisco Chronicle

"A book of immense proportions and meticulous research, Skimin is a masterful storyteller."
-San Diego Union

Ulysses chronicles the remarkable life of Ulysses S. Grant and the people who thrived on his strengths and preyed on his weaknesses in a dramatic and compelling style that combines James Michener and Irving Stone. Ulysses offers a rich tapestry of Grant's life-from West Point to the Civil War to the White House, from his trouble with alcohol to heroism. A review in the Dallas Morning News described it as "better than the biographies." And a retired Air Force Academy history dean wrote, ..".a masterful job of biographical reconstruction."