As I hope will become evident, Admiral Rickover not only affected how America acted but also how we saw ourselves during a period that much of the world was looking to the United States for leadership. Because of the wide effect the Admiral had I asked a wide spectrum of people to provide their thoughts and comments on this manuscript. Individuals of particular assistance included:
Jim Bailey, Kitty Bean, Jim Blaker, Barry Blechman, Irv Blickstein, Gina Bova, Jay Cohen, Mike Conners, Tom Dugan, Jeff Fowler, Jack Gansler, Paul Gilchrist, Earl Griggs, Mike Hough, Bill Houley, Peter and Rose Mary Hughes, Aaron Johnson, Chris Johnson, Ellie Johnson, David Jones, Bud Kauderer, Jim McAleese, Frank Miller, Vago Muradian, Linda and Tim Oliver, Gina and Michael Pack, Margo Parker, Fred Rainbow, Bob Riley, Ted Rockwell, Steve Spruill, Harlan Ullman, Mitzi Wertheim, and Leslie Zimring.
I thank each of you.
And with special thanks to Mrs. Eleonore B. Rickover, who is a personal reminder of the admiral’s focus on excellence.