Inside Marine One

May 15, 2014

Retired marine colonel "Frenchy" L'Heureux's memoir reveals how a boy, his imagination fueled by the construction of model airplanes and his mother's surprise gift of a flying lesson, becomes obsessed with aviation. Written with former army captain Kelley (A Life Well-Built), the account relates L'Heureux's experiences through college, Parris Island, boot camp, officer candidate school, flight school, and a number of additional instructional venues, leading to his stationing with HMX Squadron, the leatherneck unit appointed to fly the president of the United States nationally and internationally in a marine helicopter. The reader learns about technical features of the "choppers" deployed and is introduced to the pilots as well as the personnel responsible for craft maintenance, private security, and coordination of the chief executive's demanding schedule. L'Heureux details serving George H.W. Bush, the Clintons, and George W. Bush, his favorite passenger, who bestowed on him the affectionate moniker "the Frenchman." The two spent much time together riding mountain bikes and building trails at Bush's Crawford ranch. President Barack Obama was L'Heureux's final presidential charge. VERDICT An enlightening read, replete with just the right balance of autobiography, aeronautical detail, and insightful perspective on four of our nation's leaders. Regrettably, there are no photos or illustrations. Recommended for aviation, presidential, and military historians, as well as marine personnel and helicopter enthusiasts.--John Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Cleveland

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