Lt. Col. Oliver North was at the Books-a-Million store in Panama City Wednesday evening, signing copies of his latest offering, "American Heroes."

North first came to public attention in the mid-80s as a central figure in the Iran contra affair. North was at the center of the deal to trade weapons to the Middle East, with some of the profits going to fund the contras, who were fighting the communist Sandinista government in Nicaragua.

These days North makes his living as a syndicated radio and TV show host. Hundreds turned out to meet him and get a signed copy of his book, which debuted on shelves just yesterday.

"I hope they understand the enormous sacrifices being made by the young men and women that are in this book. They've made an enormous sacrifice. It's the brightest, best-educated, best trained and equipped military any nation has ever had, and I know. I spent my life in it, grew up in it, served in it and now I cover it," said Lt. Col. Oliver North.

North served 22 years as a Marine. He's been awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for wounds in combat.