After a highly successful career in investment banking, J. William Middendorf became a leader of Senator Barry Goldwater s presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee, and then served in a series of challenging public service appointments: Ambassador to The Netherlands, Secretary of the Navy, Ambassador to the Organization of American States, and Ambassador to the European Community. His lively and revealing memoir is filled with behind-the-scenes tales of critical events of the Cold War and offers valuable insights for anyone contemplating a career in government service.Writing with the authority of someone who was there in key government positions, Middendorf tells how the Navy won narrow but vital victories on such important programs as the Aegis missile system and the Trident submarine.