Charles D. “Chuck” Melson served as the Chief Historian for the U.S. Marine Corps, at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps in Washington, DC, and the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia. His military service included 25 years as a U.S. Marine. Charles was also a joint historian with the U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. He received the General Edwin Simmons-Henry Shaw Award for public historians, the General Leonard Chapman Medal for professional military educators, and the commemorative Rhodesian Independence Medal.
Charles Melson has written a fine book on the Rhodesian war effort and deserves a wide readership. -- Australian Journal of Defence and Strategic Studies This is a fascinating, gripping and detailed account of the operations by the Rhodesia's military forces (together with the South African and Portuguese military) against the insurgencies being waged by the Frontline States to overthrow the White-ruled country. -- Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International This is a solid study with a lot of detail (airplanes, ordnance, and a nineteen-page glossary of Rhodesian military and slang terms) that places the Rhodesian air force firmly within the security forces. -- Journal of Military History Military officers with a keen interest in tactics will value Fighting for Time for its stimulating coverage of many aspects of combat not typically found in traditional military histories. Readers interested in airpower and its application in low intensity conflict will find the book to be packed with information on the roles of tactical airlift and close air support. -- Michigan War Studies Review