Memories of Maggie: Martha Raye: A Legend Spanning Three Wars

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Summary: Martha Raye is remembered for her BIG HEART, not her mouth
Review: Hi. I'm Noonie Fortin the author of "Memories of Maggie" which is subtitled Martha Raye: A Legend Spanning Three Wars. My book was released by LangMarc Publishing, PO Box 33817, San Antonio, TX 78265-3817, 1-800-864-1648 in February 1996 and went into second printing in April 1996. This is the first book to ever be written about this great American woman. It is the compilation of over 20,000 documents that I personally researched. From 1987 to 1989 I did extensive research about her life, career, family, and heavy involvement with our Armed Forces. From 1989 to 1993 I was the co-chair of the Medals for Maggie committee which ran the grass-roots effort to get Ms Raye honored by the President of the United States. We were successful when President Clinton contacted me on 2 November 1993 and said he was awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Maggie for her humanitarian efforts through three wars. After the medal was presented to her, many of my correspondents asked what I would do with everything I had collected. They said her story needed to be shared with the world. So from 1993 to 1995 I wrote her life story. Of course, I had already received her permission to do this back in 1990 and again in 1991. Her daughter also authorized me to write my book about Maggie's life. Maggie's had two requests of me: 1-write the truth and 2-don't have it published till after she was dead. I kept those promises as she died in October 1994 and the book was not completed until 1995. I was so very proud to sit in San Antonio on 7 December 1995 signing all the pre-ordered books. It was as if Maggie had come full circle having started her love affair with the troops before Pearl Harbor 1941 and could now rest in peace. Her daughter, Melodye, said she learned so much about her mother from reading my original manuscript. Maggie like many other Veterans didn't talk about wartime experiences. That makes this book a must read for any family member of a Veteran, regardless of age. Here in the book, Veterans share their personal experiences with Maggie and memories of wartime things they haven't shared with their loved ones. Those of us over 40 remember her well from her radio, stage, tv, and movie career, as well as her being by our sides during the wars. Those people under 40 should read and learn about her as well. I wrote the book for the Veterans of the world, but I'm finding that the children are also interested in reading it. She is someone they can look up to in the future even though she is no longer alive--she can be their role model. Most people have no idea what she did for the Veterans. Everyone knows about Bob Hope because he had annual Christmas Shows on TV from the warzones, but Maggie was there all year long from 2 weeks to 6 months at a time side by side with troops, medics, nurses, and doctors. She just didn't entertain the troops, she was their friend, mother, sister, aunt, and sometimes nurse. Her story is now shared for all to read. She was there because she wanted to serve our country and care for the troops who had to be there. She was not paid for her trips, did not get publicity for them, nor did she do tv shows about them. But she always showed her love and devotion for the troops wherever she went. She deserved to be honored and I'm glad I had a part in that process. Since the book was released I have been touring the country talking about Maggie and the book. I also discuss the process it took to get her honored by the President and about Patriotism. I am often asked questions about writing and getting published for the first time. This has been a whole new experience for me and Maggie has changed my life. General William Westmoreland wrote me saying that the book is an interesting one about an American Legend and that it in fact has recorded American History. I'm very proud of it and I believe that Maggie is looking down on me everyday and smiling her big smile. She should be remembered for her BIG HEART and not just her Big Mouth. This book was written so all could read it. There are no swear words in it and it has fairly big print for those of us who have problems reading small print. I am proud to have known this great woman and glad that I had a part in getting her honored. If anyone would like to contact me I can be reached by e-mail at: N [e-mail]

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Summary: I enjoyed this book because it was so informative.
Review: Martha Raye fans will love this book. It's written in an easy to read style with a good balance of narration and dialog. I really didn't know very much about Martha Raye before I read Fortin's book. Now I feel as though I've known her personally. But the best compliment I think I can give this book is that when my husband, a Viet Nam veteran, saw what I was reading, he smiled and said, "Well, someone finally wrote about Martha Raye!" He was thrilled--as I'm sure other veterans are. He read the book and loved it. Fortin tells how this woman touched our American soliders. I'd recommend it for any adult or young person and think it would make a great addition to school and public libraries. Fortin is to be commended not just on her writing but her research.

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Summary: Interesting, well-written biography of a legendary filmstar.
Review: Martha Raye---Maggie, as her friends called her---is remembered by millions for her halarious routines, largely based on her big mouth---a feature she played up herself. She was also a pop singer of considerable skill. But she is most vividly remembered by the tens of thousands of troops she entertained during her three decades of tours abroad, during three wars. Later, she was honored repeatedly by a great variety of veterans' organizations and was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom. This biography is by skilled writer Noonie Fortin, herself a Vietnam era veteran who served more than 20 years in the Army Resrves, retired as a First Sergeant. Fortin's book is written in a clear style, moves rapidly, is packed with facts and fastinating stories about Martha Raye. Author Fortin interviewed Ms Raye several times and gathered an impressive amount of research about the famed star. Read this book and you will gain insights to an actress who was a true star for troops around the world as well as for movie goers whom she moved to laughter in film after film. A book you will long remember.

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Summary: Col Maggie, a legend in our time.
Review: Memories For Maggie, is a real eye opener for America. Maggie's love for grunts, her willingness to let no obstacle stand in her way to acheive her own personal goal, "Take America to our servicemen and women on the battlefield, touch them with real love and let them know that America is proud of them" has reduced me to tears of joy and compassion. America has lost a a most valued treasure. Col. Maggie has made me proud to have been an Americian soldier, to have served my country overseas during the Vietnam War. I have but one regret, I did not meet her, nor see her perform, but I feel that I have known Maggie for a very long time

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Summary: A unique lady
Review: Noonie Fortin deserves a standing ovation for her wonderful book about a great American woman and patriot. Sincerely, Diana Dell, author, "A Saigon Party: And Other Vietnam War Short Stories."

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Summary: Bravo!
Review: Noonie Fortin deserves a standing ovation for her wonderful book about a great American woman and patriot. Sincerely, Diana Dell, author, "A Saigon Party: And Other Vietnam War Short Stories."

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Summary: Bravo!
Review: Noonie Fortin deserves a standing ovation for her wonderful book about a great American woman and patriot. Sincerely, Diana Dell, author, "A Saigon Party: And Other Vietnam War Short Stories."

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Summary: A unique lady
Review: Noonie wrote the book about Colonel Maggie that I once hoped I could have written, but could never have applied the dedication and skill that the author brought to the project. I'm glad I could be included in the book, both in text and photo, because it keeps me linked with this special, complex, unique lady who so influenced by life. My respect for her knows no bounds, and she will always be in my heart. Thanks, Noonie. Bruce Jones of Modesto, CA; Saigon Military Intelligence, 1967-1968; author of "War Without Windows" Vanguard Press and Berkley Publishing Group.

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Summary: This inspirational biography had to be published
Review: When I read Noonie's original manuscript I couldn't put it down. She did such a great job of writing about Martha Raye's life that she brought her to life in print. My company normally publishes books with a religious or inspirational nature. This was the first biography that we did and we're glad we were a part of it. Ms Raye was a phenomenal woman who sacrified everything to serve her fellow American. The author followed a timeline in presenting her story as to best show exactly what Ms Raye sacrified to go overseas so much to be with the troops. Intertwining the stories and photos from Veterans around the world gave this bigger than life entertainer a reality that few people knew about. I say few because she did everything for the Veterans without publicity so only they knew what she was doing and where she was going. I'm quite surprised that a larger publisher didn't grab Noonie's manuscript when it passed their desk. I'm glad she sent it to me. The reviews that we have received thus far have been wonderful. It was especially nice was we received a letter from General William Westmoreland stating the book not only recorded Martha's life but American History as well.