I don't read many books these days, but I really enjoyed reading WHEN ANGELS FALL. It is so good and well-written and I even learned so much about another branch of service other than my beloved Navy.

Rear Admiral Edward K. Kristensen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Kristensen of Frankfort, Ind. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned 9 June 1965.

Rear Adm. Kristensen has served at sea in USS Norfolk (DL 1), USS Wilkinson (DL 5), USS England (CG 22), and has commanded USS Waddell (DDG 24) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57). He has also served on the staff of Destroyer Squadron Twenty-four and as the Assistant Operations for Commander Seventh Fleet.

Shore assignments have included the Bureau of Naval Personnel, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Deputy Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy, and Commander United States Naval Forces Marianas.

Rear Adm. Kristensen received a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Technology from the Navy Post Graduate School in Monterey, Ca., and also graduated from the National Defense University at Fort Leslie J. McNair in Washington, D.C.

Rear Adm. Kristensen's awards include the 1983 James Bond Stockdale Award for outstanding leadership, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars in lieu of the second and third awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Expeditionary Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and various unit and campaign ribbons.

Rear Adm. Kristensen is married to the former Suzanne C. "Sam" Samsel of Washington, D.C. They had one son, Lieutenant Commander Erik Samsel Kristensen (March 15, 1972 – June 28, 2005) of Seal Team 10 who was killed in action during Operation Redwings. On June 28, 2005 Erik and several other SEALs boarded a MH-47 Chinook in an effort to help a four-man team of SEALS who were engaged with between 10-40 Taliban fighters on the slopes of a mountain named Sawtalo Sa in the Pech District of Afghanistan's Kunar Province. The Chinook was hit by an enemy RPG and all 16 men aboard, including LCDR Kristensen, killed.