December 17, 2021, marks the 40th anniversary of the kidnapping of then Brigadier General James Lee Dozier in Verona, Italy by Red Brigade terrorists. Dozier was held captive for 42 days before being rescued by a special operations team—a news story that made front-page headlines around the world. At the moment news of his rescue broke, everyone was asking: How did he manage to survive this?
The source of that resilience is the compelling story that unfolds in Finding My Pole Star, an inspiring message as timely today as it was four decades ago.
Major General James Lee Dozier retired from military service after serving 35 years with the U.S. Army and NATO in the United States, Europe and Asia. In his new memoir, Finding My Pole Star, this American hero recalls the traumatic kidnapping, his military leadership career, his civilian life as a successful business executive and his active community volunteerism. He inspires us with the timeless values that have guided his life of duty, honor, country and faith—values that can help each of us as we thrive while facing our own fears.
The foundational life-long strength and wisdom that runs throughout General Dozier’s life is what makes this memoir so compelling, say early reviewers. Lt. General Walter Ulmer Jr. U.S. Army retired, says, “Jim Dozier’s life represents that of the consummate, vigorous American. Courageous, thoughtful, and determined in combat, capture, and community, he adapted and won. Working with him as we led an Army Corps, or when he applied leadership techniques from the Center for Creative Leadership classroom to the harshness of captivity, he had the right stuff at the right time.”