“This is the kind of book I love—a true-life memoir of a man who lived (and is still living) a multi-dimensional life of war, love, family, and service … and who writes about it like a bandit. When I finished the book, I couldn’t help asking myself on behalf of our country, ‘Where are the men like Charles Daly NOW?’ I love books like Mr. Daly’s because they give us a model to aspire to. And they’re tremendous fun to read. His story and the fluent, hold-nothing-back style he uses to tell it, stand with the best of the best. Semper Fi!”
—Steven Pressfield,
Bestselling Author of Gates of Fire
and The War of Art
An Irishman in the U.S Marine Corps Charles U. Daly thinks fighting in Korea will be an adventure and a way to live up to a family tradition of service and soldiering. He comes home decorated, wounded, traumatized, and wondering what’s next. His quest for a new mission will take him to JFK’s White House, the troubles in Northern Ireland, and a South African township devastated by the AIDS epidemic. Chuck’s life is a true story of living up to Kennedy’s challenge to “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
At every juncture, he’s had two options: make peace or die. Daly chose to make peace with his fate every time, and that decision has led to him a remarkable life of service.
Charles U. Daly (left) with his fellow Marine lieutenant, Pete McCloskey, near Inje, South Korea, in the spring of 1951.
Working with President Kennedy. In this photo, someone is using his two minutes with the President to tell one lame joke after another. JFK forces a smile while Daly waits for him to cut the guy off.
Happily ever after with Christine, Summer 2019 (Photo by Katherine Brackman.)
"Chuck Daly is an American original. After his terrible and heroic days in Korea, he lived to make this country a better place."
—Major General Michael R. Lehnert, USMC
"Make Peace or Die is a moving, exhilarating, and invaluable record of a fascinating chapter in global history, told with incredible personal detail, true compassion, and reverence. Illuminating the brutality and terror of war, as well as the bravery and camaraderie conjured to endure it, this is a beautifully told and inspiring memoir."
—Dr. Christiana Spens,
Irish Times Contributor, Author of The Portrayal and Punishment of Terrorists in Western Media
The Boston Globe
Father-son duo team up in quarantine to write ‘Make Peace or Die: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Nightmares’
Rachael Greene: What do you hope other veterans (from the Korean War or more recent conflicts) might get out of reading your book?
Chuck: Mainly that they’re not alone. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself. My hope is that someone whose been to war will read my book and think “I’m not the only one who can’t get over it.”
SandBoxx
Letters in the Forgotten War: Memories of Mail on the Front Lines of Korea
About the Authors
Charles U. Daly
Charles U. Daly is the last living member of John F. Kennedy’s West Wing congressional liaison staff. Before that, he led a Marine rifle platoon through some of the most intense combat of the Korean war and was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He has helped run several American institutions including, the University of Chicago, Harvard, and the JFK Presidential Library. He has four sons, ages 28 to 69, and lives on Cape Cod with his wife, Christine. He attributes his long life to tennis, red wine, and Viagra.
(Photo by Shay Hunston.)
Charlie Daly
Charlie Daly is a freelance writer. He worked on this book as his father’s writing partner. These pages are but a small excerpt from their many tearful and joyous conversations.
(photo by Lian Leng)