Hispanic parishioners at Grace Episcopal Church in New Orleans told Doss and Frade of their friends' and relatives' dire situation in Cuba and pleaded for assistance. The two organized first a series of "freedom flights" that helped rescue more than one thousand people; but these were cut off when the great Mariel boatlift began. In a riveting narrative; Doss describes how he and Frade then purchased an old World War II submarine chaser they renamed God's Mercy; engaged in delicate diplomacy at the highest level of Cuban authority; and ultimately ran an American Coast Guard blockade to reach Mariel. Throughout his tale of the dramatic rescue; Doss intersperses compelling portraits of many of the participants and pilgrims; revealing the human faces behind a historic event filled with suffering; cruelty; and violence; as well as heroism and humor.Doss originally wrote Let the Bastards Go -- the title echoes a Cuban anti-émigré slogan -- in 1984; and Walker Percy provided a foreword. Doss decided against publishing it then; however; fearing that the wounds within the Cuban American community were too fresh. Nearly twenty years later; both Doss and Frade -- now Bishop of Miami -- agree that enough time has passed. The inspiring story of God's Mercycan; and should; finally be told.
#3117565 in Books Louisiana State Univ Pr 1998-08-01 1998-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.33 x 1.05 x 6.34l; 1.50 #File Name: 0807122564282 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent ReadingBy Dan WisdomThis was one of the most exciting books I have ever read; as my father had always told me about our family during the Civil War and his grandfather explaining to him about the Wisdom family which were Ujanirtus relatives now it explains what exactly happened during this timeframe. More especially the book tells the day to day activities of a Confederate soldier the love he had forhis family his duty as a soldier and his farm and the community in which he lived Troup County; Georgia. The author did an amazing job putting this togetherwith historical references;photo's a book well worth reading. Excellent.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Campaigning with old stonewallBy valetteThis book was enjoyable for me because Allen served with one of my ancestors and it helped me get a feel for their daily routine and the life at the front. But it was a sad book too. Certainly worth the read for a War buff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book!By MarilynExcellent book; it's wonderful. It exceeded my expectations. Awesome. Can't wait to finish it. Brings my reenactment unit to life.
