Books matching: nonfiction military history
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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 ... 'The Outpost' by Jake Tapper is a gripping account of Combat Outpost Keating, a vulnerable outpost in Afghanistan's Nuristan Valley, surrounded by steep mountains and rivers. The book details the struggles of American soldiers stationed there from 2006 to 2009 as they face constant attacks from insurgents while trying to pacify the local population. Through personal stories of individual soldiers, the author sheds light on the challenges faced by the troops and the heroic actions they undertake in the face of adversity.
The narrative focuses on the tactical errors in placing the outpost in an indefensible location, the bravery and resilience of the soldiers, and the impact of the outpost's closure. Tapper weaves together stories of valor, sacrifice, and human fallibility to provide a raw and poignant portrayal of the realities of war in a hostile environment, highlighting the complexities of military strategy and the unwavering courage of those who serve.
The bad dreams began long before the troops of 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, or “3-71 Cav,” pushed north in March 2006. The troops blamed the vivid nightmares on the Mefloquine, the pills they ...- #3
Save:'Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War' by Ben Macintyre delves into the daring and courageous exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. Through a series of clandestine operations, the SAS, led by unconventional leaders like David Stirling, disrupted and destroyed enemy targets deep behind enemy lines. Macintyre's narrative style vividly brings to life the intense missions, the camaraderie among the soldiers, and the strategic innovations that shaped modern warfare. captures the bravery, humor, and vulnerability of the SAS members, highlighting their individual stories within the larger context of the war.
Macintyre skillfully weaves together historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, showcasing the evolution of the SAS from its unconventional beginnings in the North African desert to its pivotal role in the European campaigns. not only explores the military tactics and achievements of the SAS but also delves into the personal journeys of the men who served in this elite unit. Through a mix of humor, action, and historical insight, 'Rogue Heroes' offers a compelling account of the rogue heroes who defied the odds and made a lasting impact on the course of the war.
Five months before Operation Squatter, a tall, thin soldier lay, grumpy and immobile, in a Cairo hospital bed. The twenty-five-year-old officer had been brought into the Scottish Military Hospital on ... - #4
Save:'The Terrible Hours' by Peter Maas narrates the gripping and heroic true story of the rescue of the crew of the submarine Squalus in 1939 off the coast of New England. The story follows the disaster from both above the water and inside the submarine, providing a detailed account of the development of rescue equipment, particularly by Charles Swede Momsen. Maas skillfully recounts the events in a chronological order, from the submarine's ill-fated dive to the successful extraction of 33 men and the subsequent salvage operation, showcasing the fantastic effort of the rescuers. The narrative also pays tribute to Momsen's extraordinary dedication and perseverance in pioneering submarine rescue for the US Navy, highlighting the historical significance of the rescue attempt.
The author, Peter Maas, brings to life the terror, heroism, and courage surrounding the disaster and its outcome, focusing on the Squalus submarine and the visionary scientist and man of action, Charles Swede Momsen. Through a vivid and suspenseful narrative, Maas captures the tragic track record of prior submarine losses, the challenging salvage mission, and Momsen's pivotal role in innovating submarine rescue technology. not only tells the story of the heroic rescue but also delves into the background of deep-sea diving apparatus development and the fascinating career of Momsen, ultimately portraying the significance of this historical event in shaping the future of submarine rescue operations.
In London, Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy advised an association of English tailors that they would never gain a foothold in the American market unless they stopped making trouser waistlines too high an... 'Apache' by Ed Macy is a gripping and detailed account of Apache pilots and soldiers involved in dangerous rescue missions and battles during the war in Afghanistan. Macy's writing style captures the technical aspects of operating the Apache helicopter, the camaraderie among the troops, and the intense emotions and challenges faced during wartime operations. focuses on a daring rescue mission to retrieve a Marine MIA in the midst of a Taliban stronghold, showcasing the bravery and skill of the Apache pilots and soldiers.
The narrative in 'Apache' provides a balanced perspective on the realities of war, highlighting the courage and sacrifices of the military personnel involved, while also shedding light on the costs and technical complexities of modern warfare. Macy's storytelling not only immerses readers in the thrilling missions and encounters faced by the Apache crews but also delves into the personal experiences and relationships of the soldiers, offering a humanizing touch to the account of combat in Afghanistan.
'Okinawa: The Last Battle of World War II' by Robert Leckie provides a detailed account of the fierce battle for Okinawa during World War II. The author skillfully weaves together personal experiences with historical events, shedding light on the rivalry between the Army Air Force and the Navy, as well as the strategic decision-making processes during the battle. Leckie's narrative delves into the combat experiences, the challenges faced by the American troops, and the devastating impact of the war on both sides.
not only covers the ground battles but also explores the sea battles and the aerial combat, offering a comprehensive view of the Okinawa campaign. Through Leckie's vivid descriptions and meticulous research, readers gain insights into the Japanese perspective, the harsh conditions faced by the soldiers, and the sacrifices made to secure victory in the Pacific theater.
On September 29, 1944, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, commander of the Pacific Ocean Area (POA), and Fleet Admiral Ernest King, chief of U.S. Naval Operations, conferred in San Francisco on the next st...- #7
Save:'The Guns of August' by Barbara W. Tuchman is a detailed account of the events leading up to and the first month of World War I. Tuchman's writing style brings to life the complex strategies, political maneuvers, and military tactics of the nations involved in the conflict. Through vivid descriptions and thorough analysis, she captures the personalities and decisions of the historical figures, providing a clear understanding of the chaotic and pivotal period of August 1914.
THE GENESIS OF THIS BOOK LIES IN TWO EARLIER books I Wrote, of which the First World War was the focal point of both. The first was Bible and Sword, about the origins of the Balfour Declaration issued... - #8
Save:'Generation Kill' by Evan Wright is a firsthand account of the 2003 invasion of Iraq from the perspective of front line grunts in the First Recon Battalion. The book focuses on the experiences, struggles, and impact of the war on the soldiers rather than just the tactical aspects. Wright provides a vivid and honest portrayal of the Marines, their camaraderie, challenges, and the intense situations they faced during the invasion. The narrative moves fast, capturing the essence of the whirlwind of battle and brotherhood within the platoon.
The book is described as thought-provoking, entertaining, and unexpectedly engaging. It offers a character study of the soldiers involved, showcasing their personalities, interactions, and how the war affected them on emotional and physical levels. Wright's writing style is praised for its unbiased and unvarnished manner, presenting the Marines' hopes, nightmares, successes, and challenges in a raw and authentic way. The book is commended for providing a unique and rare perspective on the war from a non-military standpoint, highlighting the hard work, brotherhood, and struggles of the Marines without a political agenda.
Major General James Mattis calls the men in First Reconnaissance Battalion “cocky, obnoxious bastards.” Recon Marines belong to a distinct military occupational specialty, and there are only about a t... - #9
Save:'On Desperate Ground: The Marines at The Reservoir, the Korean War's Greatest Battle' by author Hampton Sides provides a gripping and detailed account of the harrowing battle at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Sides skillfully weaves personal stories, battle details, and high-level political impacts to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of the events that unfolded in the winter of 1950. The narrative approach of focusing on individual experiences brings a personal and moving touch to the retelling of this pivotal episode in US military history.
Major General Oliver Prince Smith, fifty-six years old, was a cerebral, soft-spoken man whose habits seemed atypical of a gung-ho Marine. There was no bluster in his demeanor. A Berkeley graduate who ... - #10
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. ...
