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by Theodore C. Mataxis jr.
Hardback (6.3×9.3 inches). 272 pages. 2025.
Subtitle: The Life of a Cold War Warrior, Brig. Gen. Theodore C. Mataxis (Ret)
This biography offers a quite positive look at the life and career of Brig. Gen. Theodore C. Mataxis. Of course, you might expect that since it was written by Lt. Col. Theodore C. Mataxis jr. — his son. In case you’re wondering, there is a Theodore C. Mataxis III also making a career in the US Army.
Mataxis attended the University of Washington, where all fit male collegians were required — by law — to enroll in ROTC for freshman and sophomore years (p13). He graduated in 1939 as a second lieutenant in the reserves and soon became regular Army. Interesting that in WWII, the Army would spin off a cadre of an almost fully trained division to form the basis of another division. That happened to Mataxis a couple of times. He finally made it to Europe in 1944, where he commanded an infantry battalion.
He also was in Korea — a little by hook or by crook initiative on his part to be assigned to front-line duty. This time, he took over the 17th Regiment of the 7th Division for a limited time during some of the offensives around Pork Chop Hill.
He bounced around in various Army positions. The assignment to attend the India Command College seems an odd course for a US Army officer, but off he went. He even was part of STAG (Strategic and Tactical Analysis Group) that did computer wargaming of various scenarios from 1962-1964 (p132).
Eventually, and by working his contacts, he found himself in Vietnam as acting commander of the 23rd Infantry Division in II Corps area. Again, this was only temporary, but involved action against VC and NVA. Another posting found him off to Iran as an advisor to help build the Iranian Army. He was also sent to Germany and Cambodia.
In retirement, he also advised the Afghan muhajireen, helped enhance the Singapore military, taught courses, and served as head of the Valley Forge Military Academy.
Most amazing is that his wife and kids (and a dog named Roscoe) followed him from US Army posting to posting. She deserves a book all her own.
The prose wobbles from time to time, sometimes repeating some event. One point that had me wondering: “first as acting commander of the 23rd Division and then as acting division commander” (p184). A few pages later, this was cleared up: “deputy commander and acting commander of the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal)…then assistant division commander of support” (p187).
One typo: “fld duffel bag” (p136), which could be field or filled.
The book contains 96 black and white photos and six black and white maps.
Mataxis certainly had a varied career filled with attention to duty and valor. In his eyes, the US may have had a draw in Korea and a loss in Vietnam, but ultimately triumphed in the Cold War.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
