Zumwalt - The Life and Times of Admiral Elmo Russell "Bud" Zumwalt, Jr.

“Painstakingly researched and crafted, Larry Berman’s Zumwalt is a compelling and rich portrait of one of the nation’s great patriots.”

—Walter Anderson, former editor and CEO of Parade

Zumwalt is a compelling portrait of the controversial military man who is widely regarded as the founder of the modern U.S. Navy, Admiral Elmo Russell “Bud” Zumwalt. Chief of Naval Operations during the decades-long Cold War crisis, Zumwalt implemented major strategic innovations that endure to this day, especially in his campaign against racism and sexism throughout the fleet. Larry Berman, the author of Perfect Spy, offers a fascinating, detailed look at an extraordinary man—winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom—an inspiring portrait of leadership that is essential in these troubled times.

How did one admiral challenge a century of tradition to remake the world’s most powerful navy and fight for the sailors under his command?

Military Reform: From eliminating demeaning regulations with his controversial "Z-grams" to his tireless campaign against racism and sexism, see how Zumwalt forced a hidebound institution into the 20th century. Cold War Command: As the youngest-ever Chief of Naval Operations, Zumwalt faced down the burgeoning Soviet naval threat, implementing strategic innovations that define the fleet to this day. The Vietnam War: Go inside the Mekong Delta with the leader of the "Brown Water Navy" and witness the difficult decisions made in combat, including the order to use Agent Orange. Agent Orange and Veterans’ Rights: Discover the heartbreaking personal story of how Admiral Zumwalt's own son became a casualty of the war, turning the admiral into a lifelong champion for veterans afflicted by service-related ailments.