"Thanks so much for sending me the book about your father and his exploits in WWII. He had many memorable experiences and was a real hero. You did a great job and you can tell it was a work of love for your father. Thanks again."
- Eddie Robinson, Former All Star with New York Yankees And Former GM with Texas Rangers
“A great book of a WW II hero as related by very talented son. Even though my own WW II experience was as pilot in China-Burma-India my greatest admiration has always been for those who fought the Nazis on the ground in the European theatre. The Battle of the Bulge was one of our toughest military challenges but was also one of our greatest but necessary victories thanks to troops like George Washington Looney. I have enjoyed these never before seen photographs.”
- John Paul Hammerschmidt--U.S. Congressman `67-`93 (3rd District-Arkansas) Pilot of 217 Combat Missions during W. W. II.
“From combat to business to family, George Washington Looney distinguished himself as a great American who understood how to operate from a position of strength. I am honored to have delivered his military Silver Star medal — a fitting symbol of a great man’s lasting legacy. Now through Mike Looney’s book in moving tribute to his father’s life, more Americans will know the inspiration, strength of character, and principled responsibility that encompasses George Looney’s journey as a member of America’s Greatest Generation.”
- U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, TX-32
"A father who was an authentic war hero. A son who has mastered the art of words and willing to do the hard work of research to tell his father's story. Put the father and son together and you have what I consider one of the great true stories of George Washington Looney's life in WWll as only his son can tell it. A must read!"
- Steve Binder Ph.D Emmy and Ace winning Producer/Director and Golden Globe nominee The Caucus 2008 Director of the Year.
"Thank you so much for sending me an autographed copy of "The Battle of the Bulge: The Untold Story of Hofen". You did an outstanding job on pulling together information and photos for this book. Not many servicemen wrote as many letters as did George, and not many letters have survived the march of time. This book has a remarkable, personal touch from those whose letters are included in the book. The letters from Marie reveal so claerly the feelings of those in Belgium, and of those who sincerely appreciated the efforts of the Allies. Thanks again for sending me this fascinating book."
- Frank Denius, Attorney At Law, Austin, Texas
"I must say it stuns me how much I am enjoying the book - I find it spell binding. I recently finished “Helmet for my Pillow” by Robert Leckie who was a friend of mine ,although quite a bit older. It is about the Marines in the Pacific and is part of the basis for the series “Pacific”. Leckie and I played handball in Montclair NJ when I was getting ready to join the USMC—we stayed in touch and he came to my welcome home party years later. He was a fine man and a great writer. Your book is a wonderful work. I take a morsel - one or two chapters and go slowly, reverently. Your honesty about yourself and the love for your Pop is palpable - I find it really touching—plus you don’t get in the way—your observations about how the combatant sucks it up and the inability to put into words that which is, in reality, beyond words—is right on. War is way too big, way too real to be captured by words. So, my friend - good for you. I am certain that our pal George is smiling upstairs—it is a wonderful tribute and gift to him - and, most certainly, to your daughters and Sandra. This is not to be rushed - so it will take me a bit to finish - but trust me, I will have digested it. I honor your Father and all the others - to include BK’s Dad who fought through the Pacific as an Army Tank Platoon Commander - never a word from Kenny - also a Bronze Star guy - it is a real shame to bury that and you have done a really beneficial thing here, Michael."
- Captain Jack Lyon, awarded the Silver Star for service in Vietnam
"Your WW 2 book is terrific...very touching!!"
- Ron Walker, Chairman Nixon Foundation
"I just finished the book about your Dad. I studied history at the University of Tennessee focusing on WWII and post-war America. At sixty my zeal for reading history has not diminished. I could not read your book without tears...at the description of your visit to the Hoffman home, going through your Dad's things... I too have had a frustrated time dealing with the military. My grandfather won the Silver star in 1918 in France yet his records were destroyed in a fire in Missouri. I have tried to get replacement medals for my Dad who at 87 is still healthy but probably doesn't have much longer. I have nearly given up on that quest.. For now I just wanted to thank you for writing as you have. I cannot think of anything I would rather do but shake your hand my friend. If that is possible please let me know and I will contact you when next traveling to Dallas. Thank you again for the book about GWL. He was a hero."
- Rick Sanderson
"It is said that we don't know a lot about the battles that took place in World War II. That is because most of the brave men who served just don't want to talk about it. Mike Looney's "Battle of The Bulge: The Untold Story of Hofen" gives us all a privileged peek into the events and lives of those men, especially Lt. George Looney Mike's father. This book and its pictures, although in black and white fairly sing with color. What a tribute to a brave father and a great soldier. Thanks Mike and thank you Lt. George Looney."
- Michael Rabon, lead singer and co-writer of 60’s group The Five Americans. Member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
“The book is superb! Our current fighting men and women at war help make Mike Looney's "The Battle of The Bulge-The Untold Story of Hofen" a much needed sharp reminder of the lives of American's Fighting Men in the European Theatre of WWII. George Washington Looney's tale is told in the a matter of fact style so common from those of "Our Greatest Generation" The never before seen photographs will bring you into the foxholes,fights and front porches of the era at the warfront and the homefront! You will not put it down!”
- Mike Schikman, WSVA AM 550 Radio, Harrisonburg, VA
"The stories of war are often couched in numbers and words that render the impact on history almost businesslike, as if the author thought the reader ill-equipped to deal with the horrific human reality. Mike Looney gives us a personal tale instead: He walks in his father’s boots. The image that emerges is larger than life."
- Kevin Sherrington, Award Winning Sportswriter Dallas Morning News
“Mike Looney crafts a thoughtful, compelling story about a father's sense of duty and honor and a son's quest to complete his father's legacy. It's filled with insight into two men who take seriously their vows to their country and to each other. It was a great read - nice job!”
- Rick Wamre, Publisher Dallas Advocate Magazines
"My son Ron bought Battle of The Bulge: The Untold Story of Hofen from you and you autographed it for me. I read it, the pictures in it were reminders of what I saw. I went into combat Christmas Eve of 1944. I went into it from the East end of it. I was in an 81mm mortar, heavy weapons Co D of the 289th Regiment of the 75th Infantry Division. One of my best friends who has not been in the service read your book without putting it down. Another friend who was in Navy WW II is reading it now. Thanks again for writing the book and autographing my copy."
- Leon Mays Fuqua
"The book is great! Very interesting perspective coming from son Mike about father George. I had some dealing with the XVIII Airborne Corps who 82nd and 101st Airborne fell under in WW2. We all know about the legendary stand 101st made at B of B, but the human side about that period and the regular soldiers who fought provides a viewpoint you won't find in most history books."
- Russell Dazzio, Chairman & CIO, R&R Global Hospitality
"Finished book, it is outstanding. Could not stop thinking of my uncle and what he witnessed and participated in. It is a shame all of the attention goes to Bastogne. I am going to redouble my efforts to get my uncle his Purple Heart. I feel like the "Gasthaus Schmidden" (pages 63 & 65) is the building in which my uncle was wounded on Nov. 15-16, 1944. I don't think I told you but his best buddy, Pfc. Samuel Gibney who died that night was 3rd Battalions first death since arriving in Europe. Thank you for writing the book."
- David & Sharon Fox, Capps Memorial Chapel, Fairfield, Texas
"Thanks for speaking to our Corvette club on Saturday. Your new book THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOFEN is a great read, and the photographs greatly enhance the interest and understanding of the story. Good Job."
- Scott Buzzell, Corvette Legends
"I read your book, looked over the layout, studied the pictures,and found it to be absolutely brilliant. It was a glowing, warm, humor-filled tribute to your father—his contributions, his devotion, his love of country and family. You are the man he was, and I look forward to meeting you and your wife in the future."
- Kathy
"I'm finally getting around to telling you how much I enjoyed "Hofen." What a great book!"
- Charles Williams
"Just finished your book about your dad! What a fantastic story and back story about your efforts".
- Dr. Gary Wood
"I challenge any person to read this story and not come away with tears in their eyes. GWL is heartfelt, touching, and certainly personal. It is my favorite read this year and reminds me of the greatest Pat Conroy novels."
- Mike Humphrey
"I read portions of your book, The Battle of the Bulge: The Untold Story of Hofen last weekend and wanted to write to tell you thanks for your labor of love."
- Jim Esely
"For a history buff and a person who enjoys learning about the character traits and values of the people in the story, it is a very enjoyable read. I had a hard time putting your book down long enough to take client calls and attend meetings the day we received it.This was obviously a work of love and affection. You are now two for two! Keep writing!"
- Dick Tesauro
"Thanks for the Battle of the Bulge: The Untold Story of Hofen. I read every word of it within 3 weeks of getting it, and I was working and packing to move at the same time!!! I love history and truly found this fascinating. Thanks again, bro."
- Mike Gibson
"Just a note to tell you how much I am enjoying your book about the war and your father.I know you are very proud of him and his accomplishments. The book reflects how much research and effort it took to assemble all the data, including all the pictures, interviews with the vets and putting the story together. Your presentation at our Rotary Club was well received and no one fell asleep! Regards and best wishes for success for your book."
- Tom Scott