Summaries of books by Stephen E. Ambrose:
Band of Brothers
E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the experiences of Easy Company, a unit of paratroopers, during World War II, detailing their combat journey from the D-Day invasion through the Battle of the Bulge to the capture of Hitler's mountain retreat. It provides an intimate look at the bonds formed in the crucible of war and the extraordinary bravery of this group of soldiers.
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Undaunted Courage
Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West: Meriwether Lewis Thomas Jefferson and the Opening
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they led the Corps of Discovery on an epic expedition across the newly acquired western territory of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase. It delves into their encounters with Native American tribes, the natural wonders they documented, and the significant role President Thomas Jefferson played in commissioning the exploration to map and open up the American West.
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Crazy Horse and Custer
The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book juxtaposes the lives of the Lakota leader Crazy Horse and the U.S. Army General George Armstrong Custer, highlighting the similarities and differences in their backgrounds, leadership roles, and legacies. It delves into their respective roles in the American West, culminating in their fateful encounter at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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D-Day
June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. It combines extensive research with firsthand accounts to depict the strategies, personal experiences, and heroic actions of the soldiers who participated in this pivotal battle of World War II.
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Nothing Like It In the World
The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the monumental endeavor of constructing the first transcontinental railroad across the United States, detailing the engineering challenges, labor struggles, and the diverse workforce that included war veterans, immigrants, and former slaves. It highlights the political, financial, and physical obstacles overcome to connect the nation from coast to coast, transforming American society and economy.
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Citizen Soldiers
The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany June 7, 1944, to May 7, 1945
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book provides a detailed account of the experiences of American soldiers during the European campaign in World War II, from the D-Day landings to the final surrender of Nazi Germany. It draws on extensive interviews and research to depict the bravery, hardships, and the human side of the soldiers' journey through the eyes of the men who fought on the front lines.
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The Wild Blue
The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-1945
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the experiences of the American bomber crews, particularly the B-24 Liberators, during World War II, focusing on their perilous missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. It highlights the bravery, challenges, and daily lives of these young men, including the story of future U.S. Senator George McGovern, who was a B-24 pilot.
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