Expert: Bill Denholm - 12/3/2006

Question
I'm looking for a SF novel I read back in junior high (circa 1981-1982).  It was set in the future of a post atomic war.  The main character was the leader of the remnants of US armies.  He dressed like a "warrior" and carried a sword.  I remember the European continent had been taken over by an Orwellian/Soviet government that had listening devices and eavesdropping everywhere and this guy has to lead his army over to Europe.  I don't know if this is enough to go on, but I remember the cover had a picture of a soldier leveling an automatic weapon at you.

Thanks for any help.

Answer
Tony,

There is a novel that sort of matches your description.  The copy I have doesn't have a cover that matches your description, though.  It is called Final Blackout by L. Ron Hubbard. The story was actually written prior to WWII. The copy I have was published by Leisure Books in 1970.  The main character is called the lieutenant.

Bill