A Unique White House Memoir
Showcasing more than 65 high-resolution, mostly never-before-published, official White House photographs and documents, Bill Brockett’s memoir, “Follow The Yellow Line: A soldier’s journey from the Selective Service Induction Center to the White House Oval Office”, tells a most unique story of a Vietnam-era Army draftee who became a trusted confidante of the President of the United States.
The experiences Bill had, and the easy-to-read, often conversational way he shares them, make for a compelling read for anyone interested in the White House, the “unseen” presidency, and a great man's love story with his dog.
What People are Saying...
"Bill, this has been a real pleasure. Thank you for inviting me into your literary life! I do not often visit my past life, and reading your book has been an emotional journey."
"From what you and I talked about during your [oral history] interview so long ago, I believe you have the makings of a very interesting book."
"Fascinating, fun to read. For presidential historians, dog lovers, and all the rest of us."
"It took a lot of research for you to write this—all the documents and fact-checking. I believe it had to be written because you were the only person who saw what you did. It is a very good read and I commend you for it. You did an excellent job telling your story!”
“Wow! Simply wow! You know I read an awful lot, and your draft stands up in quality and content to the best of what I have read—ever. I felt your journey and the thread of personal drive that made it happen. You should be PROUD! I sure am proud to say ‘My friend wrote that,’ and even more proud to say ‘My friend lived that.’”
Congratulations on a wonderful book! You have had such an interesting life, and I'm glad you shared so much of it. Your book was funny, serious, poignant, and really captured the essence of that time in history. Your writing touches all the emotions and provides a unique snapshot of history. I can appreciate how hard you worked for historical accuracy and the exhaustive research you completed. Follow The Yellow Line is a book to be very proud of, and I am equally proud to be a small part of your history.
Bill Brockett
“Oh, by the way, the President has a new dog, a Golden Retriever he named “Liberty.” Those words, from a coworker giving report at the end of his shift, would soon change everything for Army Specialist Bill Brockett, assigned to the White House Communications Agency’s videotape recording studio.
Much like Mr. Ford becoming president, Bill never actively sought the job of training the President’s dog. It seemed the job sought him. Within a few weeks, he had met with Mrs. Ford, daughter Susan, and eventually the President, and was offered the task of training Liberty.
Through Bill’s work with this amazing young dog, he and President Ford quickly developed an enduring friendship and outstanding mutual respect. By early January of 1975, Mr. Ford had asked Bill if he would accept an additional position—that of unofficial personal advisor to the President.
At the request of the Fords, Bill and his wife Germaine moved into the White House in September of 1975 to assist with the delivery and raising of Liberty’s nine puppies. During his time living in the Residence, two assassination attempts were made on the President. Bill writes extensively about these traumatic incidents, including information never before shared with the public.