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Books matching: wwii firsthand account

9 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 9 of 9 
  1. #1

    To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy
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    "To Hell and Back" by Audie Murphy is a gripping war autobiography that provides a firsthand account of the World War II experiences of the most decorated soldier of the war. It offers a raw and unsentimental look at combat, showcasing the sheer difficulty and brutality of the front lines. Audie Murphy's writing style is described as intense and personal, delving into the grim reality of war with no embellishments or glorification, focusing on the daily struggles and sacrifices made by soldiers.

    ON a hill just inland from the invasion beaches of Sicily, a soldier sits on a rock. His helmet is off; and the hot sunshine glints through his coppery hair. With the sleeve of his shirt he wipes the ...

  2. #2

    Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
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    The novel 'Code Talker' by Joseph Bruchac follows the fictional life of a Navajo Code Talker during WWII, shedding light on the crucial role these men played in the war effort. The book delves into themes of patriotism, identity, and overcoming adversity, providing a unique perspective on the experiences of Navajo Marines during the Pacific Theater. Through a mix of fact and fiction, the author presents a detailed account of the challenges faced by the Code Talkers and the impact of their unbreakable code on the war.

    The narrative is written in a captivating manner, blending historical events with personal anecdotes to create a poignant and informative story. Readers are taken on a journey through the protagonist's life, from his time in an Indian school to his service in the military, offering insights into the Navajo culture, language, and contributions to WWII that were previously classified.

    I was only six years old and I was worried. I sat behind our hogan, leaning against its familiar walls and looking up toward the mesa. I hoped I would see an eagle, for that would be a good sign. I al...

  3. "Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters" by Dick Winters is a firsthand account of Major Winters' experiences during World War II as part of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division. It provides insights into major battles such as D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, while also delving into Winters' reflections on leadership and the impact of war on his life. The writing style is described as authentic and more in-depth than the miniseries it was based on, offering a unique perspective on the events of the war through Winters' eyes.

    I am still haunted by the names and faces of young men, young airborne troopers who never had the opportunity to return home after the war and begin their lives anew. Like most veterans who have share...

  4. 'The Secret War: Spies, Codes and Guerrillas 1939-1945' by Max Hastings is a thorough history of secret operations during WWII, focusing on the intelligence, code breaking, and guerrilla activities of the major belligerents. The book delves into the successes and failures of human intelligence and covert operations by the British, Germans, Americans, Russians, and Japanese during the war. Hastings provides detailed insights into the impact of intelligence activities on strategic and operational efforts, highlighting the significance of signals intelligence and code breaking in particular.

    Hastings approaches the topic by emphasizing the people involved in intelligence work rather than just the mechanics, providing entertaining anecdotes of the bravery and sacrifices made by individuals on all sides. The book also explores the strategic, tactical, and operational value of intelligence gathered and guerrilla actions taken during WWII, showcasing how intelligence analysis and utilization played a crucial role in directing military operations. Through various examples, Hastings presents a balanced view of the contributions of espionage and secret operations to the overall outcome of the war.

    The Abwehr somehow laid hands on the 1935 fixture list of an ICI plant’s football team, which in the course of the season played at most of the company’s other British factories; Berlin thus triumphan...

  5. #5

    Nancy Wake by Peter FitzSimons
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    In "Nancy Wake" by Peter FitzSimons, readers are taken on a journey through the remarkable life of Nancy Wake, a woman who played a crucial role in the French Resistance during World War II. The book delves into Nancy's early life in Australia, her fearless actions in Europe during the rise of Nazism, and her unwavering dedication to fighting against the Nazis. The writing style of the book is described as engrossing, exciting, and well-researched, providing a detailed account of Nancy's heroic exploits and the challenges she faced during the war.

    Nancy Wake's biography by Peter FitzSimons is praised for its vivid descriptions of the French Maquis, the courage displayed by Nancy and her fellow resistance fighters, and the overall narrative that sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of World War II. The book captures the reader's attention with its portrayal of Nancy's bravery, resilience, and leadership skills, offering a compelling story of a woman who defied all odds to make a significant impact during a tumultuous period in history.


  6. #6

    The Good War by Studs Terkel
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    "The Good War" by Studs Terkel is an oral history of World War Two, capturing personal stories and experiences from a diverse range of individuals involved in the war. Through interviews with Americans from different walks of life, the book provides a unique and humanizing perspective on the various aspects of WWII, including the impact of the Atomic bomb, the social history of the war, and the personal struggles and triumphs faced by those caught up in the conflict. Terkel's writing style allows the reader to delve into the intimate details of wartime experiences, shedding light on the lesser-known narratives that often go untold in traditional historical accounts.

    A huge man, built along the lines of a sumo wrestler. He manages a complex of apartment buildings in Los Angeles. He could quite easily 6e the bouncer, too. He is resigned to the assortment of illness...

  7. '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 ...

  8. #8

    Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944 by Joseph Balkoski
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    'Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944' by Joseph Balkoski is a detailed account of the events that took place during the D-Day landings at Omaha Beach. Balkoski's writing style involves minimal narrative, focusing on direct quotes, interviews, and firsthand accounts to provide a vivid portrayal of the battle. covers the reasoning, planning, training, and the D-Day invasion itself in great detail, allowing readers to experience the confusion and chaos of the battle through various perspectives.


  9. Rick Atkinson's 'The Guns at Last Light: The War in Western Europe, 1944-1945' is the final installment of his Liberation trilogy, focusing on the U.S. Army's operations during the last year of World War II in the European theater. The book covers harrowing battles such as those in Normandy, the Ardennes, Hurtgen Forest, and the Rhine, providing a campaign history intertwined with soldiers' letters and individual experiences. Atkinson does not shy away from criticizing the various generals involved, including Patton, Eisenhower, Bradley, and Montgomery, offering a smooth and enjoyable reading experience.

    THE singing stopped as the Norman coast drew near. Stars threw down their silver spears on a long column of eight hundred airplanes ferrying thirteen thousand American paratroopers to battle. South th...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series World War II Liberation )

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