Books matching: military history non fiction
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- #1
Save:'Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany' by Donald L. Miller provides a detailed study of the conditions in which young men put their lives at stake during World War II. It covers everything from doctrine to major operations, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by the USAAF aircrews. The narrative includes personal accounts that immerse the reader into the experiences of the bomber boys as they flew missions over Europe, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the impact of their actions on the war effort.
The first of the dozen Fortresses to clear the runway was Butcher Shop, piloted by twenty-seven-year-old Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., of Miami, Florida. The finest flier in the 97th Bombardment Group, Major ... - #2
Save:'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' by Annie Jacobsen is a captivating and informative account of the CIA and its paramilitary operations throughout history, focusing on the controversial use of assassination as a policy option. The book delves into the intricate details of CIA operations, from the WWII OSS to current missions in Afghanistan, providing a well-researched and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the secretive world of covert operations. Jacobsen's writing style, akin to that of a novelist, skillfully weaves together big ideas and historical perspectives through compelling storytelling, offering readers a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence and military history.
The narrative of 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' is praised for its thorough exploration of the CIA's paramilitary division, offering a comprehensive overview of the agency's operations and the individuals involved. Readers find the historical perspective illuminating, especially in shedding light on the sometimes troubling aspects of the CIA's paramilitary activities. The book's engaging style and detailed accounts of covert operations, coupled with the author's apolitical approach and focus on factual evidence, make it a must-read for those interested in spy genre movies or novels, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and morality behind the CIA's secretive missions.
It was the first Sunday in December 1941, and the boy selling popcorn behind the concession stand at the Strand Theatre in Bastrop, Texas, had just turned twelve. His name was William Dawson Waugh, bu... - #3
Save:'Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in U.S. Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man' by Lynn Vincent narrates the tragic events surrounding the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis, from its crucial role in World War II to its harrowing sinking by a Japanese submarine. The story delves into the ship's history, the circumstances leading to the disaster, the heroic acts of survival, and the subsequent fight for justice and exoneration of Captain McVay. The writing style is detailed, engaging, and meticulously researched, providing a gripping and emotional account of one of the darkest chapters in naval history.
On the cruiser’s bridge, Captain Charles McVay had the conn, with Admiral Raymond Spruance tracking the action from his high bridge chair. Both men wore khaki shirts, tieless, and soft garrison caps. ... - #4
Save:'The Tunnels of Cu Chi' by Tom Mangold and John Penycate is a detailed exploration of the Cu Chi tunnels near Saigon during the Vietnam War. The book delves into the history, culture, and society of Vietnam, providing insights into the creation and use of the tunnels by both the Communist forces and the American military. It offers a mix of personal stories, tactics, and techniques, narrating the experiences of individuals from both sides of the conflict. Through countless interviews with military personnel and NLF leaders, the authors present a balanced and objective study of Cu Chi province, shedding light on the enduring resilience of the Vietnamese people.
The book vividly portrays the brutal realities faced by soldiers, including the underground confrontations between US tunnel rats and the Viet Cong deep within the cramped and hazardous tunnels. It also explores the strategic importance of Cu Chi as a Viet Cong stronghold and the impact of American search and destroy missions in the region. Through personal anecdotes, historical context, and detailed accounts of the tunnel warfare, 'The Tunnels of Cu Chi' offers a comprehensive view of the battlefield dynamics and the human experiences during one of the most intense conflicts in modern history.
He counted thirteen M-113 carriers. It was a larger force than he had expected. Thuan needed to move quickly if he was to draw the column toward him and toward the tunnels. To fight with he had just t... Relentless Strike: The Secret History of Joint Special Operations Command by Sean Naylor is a detailed account of JSOC, the US military's elite force managing special operations units like Delta Force and SEAL Team 6. The book delves into the history of JSOC, its missions, tactics, and evolution over time, providing insight into the internal workings of this secretive command. Naylor's writing style focuses on factual details, military strategies, and the experiences of individuals within JSOC, offering a comprehensive overview of the organization's role in recent military history.
It was a late summer afternoon in 1980, and America’s most powerful men in uniform filed into “the Tank,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s soundproofed conference room in the Pentagon, for a briefing that ...- #6
Save:Lost in Shangri La is a captivating true story of survival and adventure during World War II. The book narrates the harrowing account of a military airplane crash in the native jungles of New Guinea and the subsequent heroic rescue mission to save the survivors. Mitchell Zuckoff skillfully weaves together the tales of the crash, the survivors' struggle to survive, and the daring rescue attempt, providing a detailed narrative of a lesser-known historical event overshadowed by the war itself.
Sixteen months earlier, in January 1944, Margaret Hastings had walked into a recruiting station in the nearby city of Binghamton. There, she signed her name and took her place among the first generati... 'Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed' by Ben R. Rich is a detailed and exciting memoir that provides insight into the revolutionary aeronautical technology developed by Lockheed's Skunk Works division. It covers the history of advanced aircraft development, focusing on groundbreaking projects such as the U-2 and the SR-71 Blackbird. Rich's firsthand account offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and successes of creating these iconic aircraft during the Cold War era.
Rich's writing style is engaging and informative, offering readers a glimpse into the secretive world of aeronautical development. not only delves into the technical aspects of aircraft production but also explores the innovative leadership and adaptability that were key to the success of Skunk Works. Through detailed accounts and personal anecdotes, Rich paints a vivid picture of the culture and teamwork that fueled the creation of some of the most incredible solutions in aerospace engineering.
It’s August 1979 on the scorching Nevada desert, where Marines armed with ground-to-air Hawk missiles are trying to score a “kill” against my new airplane, an experimental prototype code-named Have Bl...'Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq' by Stephen Kinzer is a detailed account of fourteen instances of U.S. intervention to promote regime change, replacing existing governments with ones preferred by the U.S. The book covers a range of interventions from Hawaii to Iraq, highlighting the rise of the CIA after WWII and its influence, especially in Latin America during the Cold War years. Kinzer delves into the history of imperialism, detailing how the U.S. government overthrew democratically elected leaders around the world for political reasons and access to resources. The narrative explores the implications of U.S. interventionism and the tragic long-term effects of these regime changes.
Darkness had already enveloped Honolulu when a pair of well-dressed conspirators knocked on one of the most imposing doors in town. The man they came to visit held the key to their revolution. He was ...- #9
Save:'An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943' by Rick Atkinson is a fresh and well-written historical account of the American involvement in North Africa during World War II. The book focuses on the unreadiness of the US military and the coming of age of the US Army during Operation Torch. Atkinson skillfully weaves together narratives from key generals like Eisenhower, Patton, and Montgomery, along with perspectives from the battlefield, to provide a compelling and insightful look at this critical campaign.
AFEW minutes past 10 A.M. on Wednesday, October 21, 1942, a twin-engine Navy passenger plane broke through the low overcast blanketing Washington, D.C., then banked over the Potomac River for the fina... "The Savage Wars Of Peace: Small Wars And The Rise Of American Power" by Max Boot is a detailed account of lesser-known aspects of US military history, focusing on small wars from 1800 to the present day. The book covers a wide range of small-scale military interventions, from protecting American citizens and trade to unofficial attempts to control Pacific islands, providing a global tour of American military involvement in various regions such as China, Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, and the Middle East. Boot challenges the notion that small wars are a post-Cold War phenomenon, showcasing America's extensive experience in such conflicts from Thomas Jefferson's time to the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Max Boot's writing style in "The Savage Wars Of Peace" is engaging and informative, offering vignette-style storytelling that keeps the reader's attention throughout. The book delves into the history of US military presence in different regions, successful military occupations, and the colorful personalities involved in small wars, providing a comprehensive picture of the US military experience beyond the traditional big war narrative. Boot also explores the lasting effects of these small wars and the likelihood of future efforts, presenting arguments for the benefits of such interventions and challenging common myths surrounding US military actions.
It was 7:00 P.M., and the African night was turning blue-gray beneath the faint light of a crescent moon when the small ship entered the harbor of Tripoli. The two-masted ketch, driven by a light bree...
