Title: Living The Miracles: A Sailor’s Life in the Nuclear Power Age
Author: Albert Lee Kelln
Publisher: Proisle Publishing Service
ISBN: 1737871262
Pages: 220
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: David Allen
Hollywood Book Reviews
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This phrase, characterizing heroes, tough guys, and idealists, certainly suits (Ret.) Admiral Albert Lee Kelln, the author of this remarkable and truly inspiring memoir. Kelln’s memoir serves up a hearty dish composed of history, personal reminiscence, science and technology, and matters of the heart.
He begins at the beginning, tracing his family of origin back to 13th century Germany, to a Royal Knight, then to Russia. He grew up in Oklahoma then tested his mettle at the U.S. Naval Academy. Kelln masterfully documents his time in Korea; his account of U.S. naval and military exploits is fascinating.
His talents as a sailor and leader were recognized early on and he was recruited into the nascent Nuclear Power School. Throughout the book, a portrait of Hyman Rickover – the father of nuclear-powered submarine command – emerges. Rickover, a mentor and confidante of the author, is portrayed as a charismatic, brilliant multi-tasker.
The book is more than history, more than a celebration of heroes – a lot more. Kelln takes the reader into the day-to-day life on board submarines. The narrative is spiced up with reader-friendly explanations of the physics and engineering of extended submarine deployment.
In his time, Admiral Kelln lived and worked on a variety of submarines, including the Ronquil, the Ray, the Shark, and the Skate. Kelln was the recipient of a truly unique award – for being the first person to stand upon, sail under, and fly over the North Pole. Ice floes, potential deal-breakers in the submariners’ world, also figure largely in the narrative. Kelln’s accounts here too take on the valence and tone of great adventure stories. He was called upon at various times to host dignitaries and celebrities, including the Queen of Greece and President Eisenhower’s son.
Albert Kelln is, in a word, authentic. The book is authentic. His life story and naval career, marked by dignity, authority, and dedication to service, include marriage, fatherhood, and very meaningful retirement. Kelln is the founder of the Naval Submarine League, and he has received numerous awards for service to his country and his fellow man.
The final section of the book, consisting of verbatim lessons he gave to schoolchildren on life, science, and enduring values, is particularly touching. In these troubled times, Living the Miracles stands out as a touchstone of spiritual anchors and man’s humanity to man. Readers of all ages and persuasions will relish this book – it is an adventure story, a remarkable life narrative, and it makes a deep spiritual statement.