The North American Bookdealers Exchange has named Come in, Swanee Leader as the 2008 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award winner in the Historical category.
USA Book News
Come in, Swanee Leader is a finalist for USA Book News Best Books 2009 Award in the category of Military History. The winner will be named on 9 October 2009.
Midwest Book Review
"Come in, Swanee Leader" is a fitting and superbly illustrated memoriam for the LST (Landing Ship Tank) which, while prominent in the theaters of World War II, is no longer a part of the US Navy today. Jim Staley writes with the flair and expertise of a born story-teller and "Come in, Swanee Leader" is a welcome addition to the growing library of American Military History in general, and American Naval History in particular.
James A. Cox Editor-in-Chief
Military Writers Society of America
Navy veteran Jim Staley takes his readers on a pictorial history of his time on board USS LST 561 during the Korean War. Written in a, personal, conversational style and illustrated with photographs, the book paints an excellent picture of what life was like on board, and also details the role played by tank landing ships in the Korean War. I especially liked how the author, after detailing the mission and travels, takes time to explain to those unfamiliar with service aboard ship exactly how life was for the enlisted man.
It will be well received by Korean War Navy vets, and especially by any sailors from smaller vessels in the US Navy.
Review by Rob Ballister, MWSA Lead Reviewer (March 2009) (Lt Cmdr Ballister is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and currently is a faculty member of the Academy.)
Independent Book Publishers Association 2009 Benjamin Franklin (Ippy) Awards
This is an absolutely beautiful book - attractive layout, stunning photos and exceptional historical value.... Aside from the lack of "author update" and a current photo I can't think of a single thing that would improve the book. It's a real treasure, in all ways. (The book design ranked #1 in Memoirs Category by the Book Design Evaluator)
