HIS69-081 The Rod Squad

Foreword

This book relates a tale far more significant than its excitement, candid treatment of sexual relations between men, or the poignancy of the bond of love that existed between them. It gives readers of all backgrounds and sexual preferences an insightful and meaningful glimpse into an area of human behavior that is just now gaining recognition and respect.

Whenever there are men together, there will be a certain dedicated faction that dares to be different, dares to recognize and accept the affection they feel toward other men. Though these uncommon few have, historically, born the burden of anyone who dares act outside the accepted norm, they have continued to make their mark on the course of civilization. In the arts, in sports, in business, and in war, these men who love other men, and who act out their desires in a sexual way, have bravely sought each other out and found peace.

It is well known that ancient armies composed of homosexual lovers were some of the fiercest and most dedicated ever fielded. Who would not fight harder, march longer, or respond quicker with one’s lover standing near? Knowing that you are fighting for love instead of hate, knowing that each movement and responsibility bears on a lover, knowing that at the end of battle there will be the warmth and affection and mutual admiration of warriors and lovers, all of these things made the armies of old what they were.

What was once a matter of policy, building armies of homosexual lovers, still occurs, but only in small pockets. It is now, for some Judaeo- Christian reason, against policy. Yet it happens, and when it does, it is the result of extraordinary effort on the part of one or more men to surround themselves with those who feel as they do.

This novel dramatically reveals just such an occurrence, an unusual, yet somehow significant example of the depth and passion these men feel for one another.

This novel takes us from the very beginning, from the formation of such a nucleus of men, to their first exposure to combat, and then to a remarkable triumph.

The author has clearly highlighted the key to such admirable relationships; their love and sexuality, their mutual trust, their fight against the forces that would condemn them for what they are, and the rich and lasting rewards they find as lovers and as men forced into war by fate.

As the reader progresses through this unusual yet valid story, he must keep the dynamics of their daily lives in mind. The story is a dramatic distillation of a series of unusual and unique events performed by unusual and unique men. Behind this story, though, exists the background of daily life that many feel is the true drama of men who dare to admit their love for other men.

Knowledge of one’s self, an understanding and acceptance of what is within, has been called the true key to happiness. If this be true, then the men in this story were truly happy, for they accepted themselves and lived their lives as their own desires dictated.

If you find some of their sexual exploits shocking, perhaps you need to lower the barriers of your own concept of reality. If you find yourself wishing you had been with them, then you were in spirit, for that is where such things truly take place.