Kroll, a former Coast Guard officer with a PhD in history, tells the story of the Coast Guard and its predecessor services, focusing on relatively unknown Coast Guard heroes, both men and women, rather than specific vessel or battles. The individuals profiled represent various ethnic groups and ages, from the early days of the Coast Guard to the present, and exemplify values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. The book is organized by theme rather than chronologically, but the first chapter offers an overview of the service's history and the final chapter offers a chronological account of the combat history of the Coast Guard. B&w historical and contemporary photos are included. Kroll teaches at the College of the Desert. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)