From the early 1950s until 1992, the U.S. Army deployed thousands of nuclear warheads throughout Europe as a deterrent to Soviet ambitions. The end of the Cold War saw the decommissioning of much of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and the phasing out of support personnel.

This memoir by one of the Army's last "glow worms" chronicles his career as a nuclear weapons specialist--from 17-year-old recruit to participant in Operation Silent Echo, codename for the removal of all tactical warheads throughout Asia and Europe.

“Illuminates American military life abroad at the end of the Cold War. The most fascinating aspect of Woodward’s book is his role in Operation Silent Echo, the historic mission to disarm and remove American nuclear weapons from West Germany, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and South Korea. Woodward is careful with his word choices, choosing simple steps and explanations over complicated technical details. This is a mark of good writing. Woodward paints a lively picture of a different kind of frontline, one that was populated by invisible men and women who played a crucial role in the mission of nuclear deterrence. I am thankful for having read this account and even more thankful for Woodward’s service”—H-Net Reviews.

Jeff Woodward served seven years in the U.S. Army and now works in the heavy automotive industry. He lives in Lockport, Illinois.